Tough Times

How are you managing financial stress in these tough times? Below are a few tips, along with a list of resources I hope you'll find helpful.

1). Take stock of your finances and make a plan. While budgeting may feel stressful in the short term, focusing on what you can control increases feelings of self-efficacy. Create a realistic plan that supports your financial wellness and mental health.
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2). Pay attention to your coping mechanisms. Identify and address any harmful, stress-triggered behaviors (overeating, undereating, abusing alcohol, lashing out at family members, etc.). Engaging in too much retail therapy? For now, unsubscribe from your favorite stores' emails, remove shopping apps from your phone, and leave online purchases in your cart for 24 hours before clicking "Checkout." 

3). Get support for your financial and emotional well-being. Some financial organizations are providing pro-bono advice to people who've lost income as a result of COVID-19. For emotional support, connect with a trusted friend or a helping professional via video conferencing or by phone. Don't hesitate to reach out--ask for help or offer it--now more than ever, we could all use a little extra kindness.

Resources:
Free and Low-Cost Financial Advice
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/free-financial-advice/
Consumer Credit Counseling
​https://credit.org/cccs/
Free Meditations and Resources for COVID Anxiety 
https://www.virusanxiety.com/?utm_source=Shine&utm_medium=Sumo
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline 
​https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
​https://www.thehotline.org/help/