Being in debt is never fun. In fact, it can be downright stressful! But with rising rent prices and student loans, debt is a reality for most people. In fact, the average American has around $38,000 in personal debt, and they’re digging themselves into a deeper hole each year.
If you carry debt, you know the weight isn’t a physical burden—it’s a mental and emotional one. See how debt stress manifests itself in real life and what to do about each one:
Overwhelming Emotions
We all know the old saying “money can’t buy happiness,” but financial security at least helps you sleep a little bit better at night. When you find yourself in a situation where money is tight, there’s a constant pressure and even guilt for letting it happen in the first place.
What it looks like: Every time you indulge yourself, you end up with a serious case of guilt and regret. You can’t stop beating yourself up for every single thing you spend money on that’s not debt payoff.
What to do about it in the moment: Take a deep breath and walk off the emotions. When you’re trying to get rid of debt, guilt and shame will only get you so far. Immerse yourself in some Brené Brown and leave the past in the past.
A step in the right direction: Set up a budget. You’ll make sure your debt is paid on a pace that aligns with your priorities, you’ll still have enough to pay your bills, and you can give yourself some wiggle room on spending without any guilt or shame.
Constant Anxiety
It’s normal to feel anxious whenever you’re handling money and finances. Surprising no one, there’s a correlation between high credit card debt and anxiety. Because it’s so stressful and such a source of discomfort, some people, unconsciously or not, tend to put it off altogether.
What it looks like: Waiting until the last minute to pay off your bills, going past the deadline and scrambling to pay with penalties.
What to do about it in the moment: Bite the bullet. Sometimes you just have to pay the penalty and move on.
A step in the right direction: Again, budget. A budget will set you up to pay your bills on time and avoid the anxiety of late payments. When you know exactly what your money needs to do before you get paid again, you’ll start more peace and less anxiety thanks to a budget.
Social Withdrawal
Perhaps intentionally or not, being in debt leaves you with less free time. Whether it’s due to overtime at work, no money to spend for personal entertainment, or simply because you’re too ashamed to go out of your home, social withdrawal is common.
What it looks like: Netflix and chill for seven nights in a row (and not because you wanted to). Flaking out on plans with friends… again.
What to do about it in the moment: Get some fresh air. Drag yourself off that couch and take a walk around the neighborhood to lift your spirits.
A good next step: Have a private chat with a close friend or family member and be honest about what’s going on. You might be surprised how light you feel when your debt isn’t a shameful secret anymore.
Anger and Resentment
Debt is rough on anyone, but especially for families and married couples. Sometimes, it even becomes the cause of many fights. So much so that a study from Utah State University reveals that money problems are often a prequel to divorce.
What it looks like: the money fights that seem to spark out of nowhere with your significant other. You always blame each other and the fights seem to be increasing in intensity.
What to do about it in the moment: Stop playing the blame game. Step back to cool down. Get some sleep, eat some food, and take care of yourself.
A good next step: Have a conversation with your partner when you’re both fed, rested, and in a good headspace. If you and your partner can get on the same page for debt payoff, it can bring your relationship even closer.
When you’re stuck in the depths of the debt hole, it can feel overwhelming and you might have the urge to just quit. But pick up your head, make a plan, and just take one step at a time, one day at a time. You’re not going to pay off your debt all at once, what matters is you start and keep going.
If you’re getting a handle on your debt, it’s helpful to have someone alongside you to cheer you on. Join our community of people just like you trying to pay off their debt and find inspiration, encouragement, and support in your own journey.
Amber Corbyn is a financial education enthusiast and budgeting guru. In her spare time, she enjoys joining marathons and cooking steak (budgeted for, of course).
The post How to Deal with Debt Stress appeared first on You Need A Budget.
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