6 Subtle Signs Your Financial Stress Is Growing (And You Might Not Even Notice)

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Stress is normal. But it’s a lot more manageable than many realize, particularly if you’re the one unknowingly putting yourself in stressful situations. You might assume you’re managing your finances just fine when you’re really treading water, and your body is telling you to get it together. Here are six signs this is happening to you, maybe without you even realizing it.

You’re Feverishly Checking Your Bank Account

If your phone has become your new best friend because you’re checking your bank account more than you check social media, that’s a pretty big red flag. While it’s good to stay informed, if you find yourself refreshing your banking app like you’re waiting for a text from a new flame, your financial stress is rising. We recommend putting an app timer on your bank account to give you some temporary relief while you devise a long-term plan to fix your finances.

You Avoid Conversations About Money

Are you dodging conversations about finances? If you find yourself changing the subject whenever money comes up or feeling anxious when discussing bills, it might be time to face the music. Ignoring the topic won’t make it go away; in fact, it’s probably doing the exact opposite. Make a concerted effort to talk about your fears and dreams surrounding money. It’s a lot less scary than you think, promise!

You’re Having Trouble Sleeping

Money shouldn’t have you tossing and turning at night. Replaying financial decisions could be a sign that stress is creeping in. It’s time to address those financial concerns before they start affecting your health; make a plan so you don’t wake up tired and go to bed with your eyes glued open.

You’re Buying Things To Cope With Stress (Which Is Adding Even More Stress)

Whether it’s a new gadget, a fancy coffee, or yet another pair of shoes, if you’re using shopping as a way to ease your mind, it could be a sign of deeper financial stress. It’s a coping mechanism that might even be working! Still, retail therapy is only temporary relief, and you’ll have to resolve the underlying issues sooner or later.

You’re Ignoring Bills or Financial Statements

Avoiding bills and financial statements sounds like the opposite of checking your bank account. But avoidance is another symptom of too much stress. Maybe you’re afraid of the numbers or you simply want to avoid the reality of your situation. But again, those bills aren’t going anywhere; it’s best to face them head-on so you can move forward and regain control of your finances!

You Feel Overwhelmed by Everyday Expenses

Everyday expenses shouldn’t feel overwhelming. They’re the base of any good budget! If you’re constantly calculating and re-calculating how much you spend on groceries or feel like you wouldn’t know what to do if you had a few unexpected costs, it’s time to reassess your financial situation—especially your budget. You either need to create one or edit your existing one; doing so with financial advice for your situation can make it a lot less scary, too.