Money Stress: 7 Therapist-Approved Ways to Tame Financial Anxiety
(Written by a licensed mental health counselor in the Tampa Bay Area)
Let’s talk about money—yes, that thing we all pretend to understand but secretly stress about at 2 AM.
If your relationship with finances feels like a messy breakup (“Why do you hurt me so, Amazon Prime?”), You’re not alone.
As a Florida-based licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), I see firsthand how money anxiety, guilt, and shame can impact emotional health, relationships, and even physical well-being.
Money isn’t just math—it’s emotional. Fear, guilt, and shame love to crash the party when bills pile up.
But here’s the good news: you’re not your bank balance, and financial peace is a skill, not a lottery ticket.
Why Money Feels Like a Horror Movie
(Spoiler: You survive.)
Fear: That pit in your stomach when you check your account? Classic not-enough-itis.
Fear whispers:
“What if I can’t pay rent?”
“What if everyone finds out I’m struggling?”
Guilt: The “I ruined my finances by overspending on my kid’s birthday” spiral.
Newsflash: Guilt is a terrible financial advisor, and guilt is always optional.
Shame: Hiding bills under the couch? Avoiding bank statements like they’re your ex?
Shame thrives in silence, and silence keeps you stuck.
7 Therapist-Approved Tricks to Stop Money Stress from Stealing Your Joy
1. Face the Monster Under the Bed (a.k.a. Your Bank Statement)
Avoiding your finances? You’re not alone. But here’s a secret: reality is often less scary than your imagination.
Block out time to review your bills with compassion (and maybe tea).
Knowledge = power.
2. Play Detective with Your Money Moods
Use these questions in a money-mood diary—it’s like therapy for your wallet:
What’s my emotional weather report when I think about money?
(Anxiety? Guilt? Power? Neutral? Just notice.)When do I turn into a “shopping cart goblin”?
(Stress? Boredom? Celebrating? Yep—late-night scrolling counts.)When does my inner frugal wizard emerge?
(Payday? Scarcity panic? Planning something meaningful?)Does spending feel like a guilt spiral or a joy explosion?
Does saving spark pride—or dread?What financial task makes me want to hide under a blanket?
(Opening bills? Saying no to friends? Checking balances?)
Name it to tame it.
3. Control the Controllables (Skip the Rest)
Can’t fix inflation? Fair.
But you can pack a lunch instead of DoorDashing again (RIP, $18 salads). Small wins add up. Think of it like therapy homework for your wallet.
4. Rewrite Your Money Story
Swap “I’m terrible with money” for “I’m learning.”
Example:
Old script: “I’m a failure for not buying fancy gifts.”
New script: “I’m gifting memories this year—picnic date, anyone?”
5. Throw a Party for Small Wins
Paid off a little debt? HIGH-FIVE YOURSELF.
Celebrating progress (not perfection) builds motivation.
6. Self-Care = Financial Care
Stress-spending is real. Protect your mental health:
Sleep well. (No screens = no midnight Amazon regrets.)
Walk in nature. (Free therapy.)
Breathe before you buy, and maybe have a 24-hour cooling-off period. Ask, “Do I need this, or just dopamine?”
Delay the purchase. Revisit it later with a clear head.
7. Call in Backup
Stuck? Call a friend, therapist, or financial coach. The best antidote to shame is sunlight.
If talking feels hard, write a “money manifesto” for yourself:
Why are you working on this? What does financial peace mean to you?
Then read it when you're tempted to give up.
Final Thought
Money isn’t good or bad—it’s a tool.
And you? You’re not a hostage to your budget—you’re the CEO of your life.
Progress is the goal, not perfection.
🍪💛 One step at a time.
📚 References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Stress in America: The State of Our Nation. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/report
Klontz, B., & Klontz, T. (2009). Mind Over Money: Overcoming the Money Disorders That Threaten Our Financial Health. Broadway Business.
Neff, K. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. William Morrow.
