If it feels like money stress is hitting harder than ever, you’re not imagining it. Prices keep rising, salaries aren’t keeping up, and the holiday season tends to shine a bright light on all the financial pressure we carry.
For many households, that pressure has quietly turned into something bigger: a full-blown health crisis.
Jeff Smith, a financial planner and owner of The Retirement Smith in Fredericksburg, Virginia, sees it every day. “When people are worried about how to pay bills, buy presents, and get through each month, it creates a ton of stress,” he says. “The stress and anxiety are harmful to one’s health, so they must be addressed.”
And the research backs him up.
The National Institutes of Health reports that ongoing stress can disrupt sleep, weaken the immune system, and affect digestive, cardiovascular, and reproductive health. It also raises the risk of anxiety and depression.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds even more to the list: chronic stress can cause headaches, trouble concentrating, body pain, stomach issues, skin problems, and changes in appetite. When money worries never let up, it’s no surprise they start showing up physically.
The good news? You can take practical steps to reduce financial stress and protect your health at the same time. Here’s what The Retirement Smith recommends:
1. Create a Plan
Having a plan gives you clarity and direction. Without one, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that could go wrong. A realistic budget and a simple financial plan for the future help you feel more in control, which directly reduces stress.
2. Get Help
A study published in the Journal of Family and Economic Issues found a strong link between financial worries and psychological distress. The researchers emphasized that accessible financial guidance makes a meaningful difference. Working with a professional—or even just someone who can help you review your situation—can give you confidence and a clear path forward.
3. Automate What You Can
Automation makes good habits feel effortless. Setting up automatic payments, transfers to savings, or retirement contributions not only saves time but also reduces the mental energy of remembering every little task. It also helps prevent impulsive spending and keeps your goals on track.
4. Build an Emergency Fund Gradually
Emergencies are stressful enough. Facing them without savings can be overwhelming. You don’t need to fund a full emergency account overnight—start small and build it over time. Even a modest cushion creates peace of mind.
5. Be Patient With Yourself
Real financial change doesn’t happen instantly. What matters most is taking the first step. Once you have a plan and a safety net in motion, the pressure begins to lift. Give yourself time, stay consistent, and keep moving forward.
Smith sees the transformation firsthand. “We’ve helped many people reduce their financial stress and feel comfortable about their future,” he says. “Working with someone to address this gives you the clarity you need. Don’t wait until it becomes a health crisis—this is something to address now. It provides an amazing return on investment.”
Financial stress may be today’s hidden health crisis, but with the right tools and support, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Taking action now can protect both your money and your well-being in the long run.
