Financial anxiety

Financial anxiety is a widespread psychological burden when dealing with money – often taboo, but extremely common.

Typical symptoms:

• Not opening bills or not checking your account balance ("burying your head in the sand")
• Not investing for fear of losses ("What if I lose everything?")
• Putting off your tax return (procrastination)
• Sleep problems due to money worries
• Feeling overwhelmed by debt

What helps:

✅ Small steps: don't try to solve everything at once. Today: check your balance. Tomorrow: pay one bill
✅ Automate: savings plan, standing orders – then you don't have to make decisions
✅ Build knowledge: financial anxiety often comes from not knowing. The more you understand, the less afraid you are
✅ Professional help: debt counselling (free!), a financial coach, therapy (for severe anxiety)

Important: financial anxiety is NOT a sign of stupidity. Many clever, educated people have it. The first step is to recognise it and seek help.