Decide What Needs Attention First

Having multiple debts and expenses that need your attention can cause you anxiety to the point that you don't know where to start. It can feel as though no matter what you do, it won't help. If you're feeling that way, start by breaking down your expenses and deciding what two or three areas are most critical.

If you're worried about starting a retirement plan, for example, make it a priority to meet with a financial advisor. Just getting a plan in motion can take the worry off your mind.

Embrace Small Steps

Even if you can't dramatically slash expenses in one or two categories, you may identify several places where you can make small reductions. Adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees, shopping for cheap car insurance or buying store brands at the grocery are ways you can make small changes that add up.

Don't get discouraged if you slip up or can't save money as fast as you anticipated. Sticking to a budget is a challenge, and it's a marathon, not a sprint. If you overspend one month, go back over your expenses and see what took place. Change your habits if there's something you can control — for example, if you spend less on groceries when you shop online, try that next month instead of going into the store where impulse spending can tempt you.

Anticipate the Unexpected

Financial curveballs come at you when you don't expect them. Cars break down, children get sick and workers get laid off. These events are traumatic enough on their own; you don't want the added worry of coming up with the money to cover them. A savings account covering three months of expenses can give you peace of mind when you need it most. If you don't have an emergency fund, you can start one now.

Automate Savings and Payments

It's easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks and forget to pay bills. Paying late fees or worrying about deadlines can cause you stress. Try automating your payments so that you won't have to be stressed about forgetting your bills.

Automating your savings is a good way to ensure that you're setting money aside. It's easy to think you're going to put money in savings tomorrow, next week or next month and forget about it. Setting up an automated savings plan means you won't have to remember to put money aside. It's an ideal way to fund your emergency savings account.

If you choose to automate bill payments and savings, be sure you have a plan in place so that your account is adequately funded when your bills are paid. You can try setting up bill payments to withdraw a day or two after your paycheck is deposited.

Be Realistic and Stay Positive

The chances are that you won't be able to eliminate your money worries in one day. Since tackling your financial concerns is a long-term objective, it's vital to be realistic about what you can do. Set an achievable goal and stick to it. Just knowing you're doing your best can go a long way toward financial peace of mind. If you have a setback, don't let it discourage you or cause you to abandon your plan. Get back on track as soon as possible, knowing you're doing what you can to help your financial situation.

Get Help

If you feel like you can't go it alone, reach out for help. You can take a money-management class or talk to a financial planner. A credit counseling service can assist you with credit card debt through restructuring and negotiation.

Financial stress is common. Fortunately, even small steps can help relieve some of the pressure. Asking for assistance can help you, too. It's worth creating a plan to help you achieve financial peace of mind.

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