Do you feel a tightness in your chest when thinking about bills?
Do you avoid opening letters or checking your bank account because it just feels too much?
Do money worries keep you up at night?
That’s not just stress, it could be financial anxiety.
Many people live with daily fear around finances, and feel ashamed for it.
This blog is here to remind you:
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Your feelings are valid
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There are ways to cope
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Help exists, and you don’t have to face this alone
What is financial anxiety?
Financial anxiety is when money worries start to affect your thoughts, emotions, and even your health.
You might:
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Avoid checking your balance
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Panic when a letter or email arrives
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Feel sick before payday
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Argue with loved ones over spending
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Constantly feel “on edge” about money
And sometimes, even small financial problems feel massive. That’s anxiety, not failure.
Why it feels so overwhelming
Money isn’t just about numbers, it’s tied to:
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Your safety (food, home, bills)
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Your identity (how you see yourself)
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Your past (how you were raised around money)
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Your future (hopes, goals, dreams)
That’s why money stress hits so deep. It’s more than “worrying about bills.” It can shake your sense of security and self-worth.
Psychological tools to ease money anxiety
These won’t fix your bank balance overnight, but they will help calm your nervous system and reduce panic so you can think more clearly.
1. Name the feeling
Say it to yourself or write it down:
“I’m feeling anxious because I don’t know how I’ll pay for X.”
Naming the fear helps your brain stop spinning.
2. Use grounding techniques
When panic sets in, try:
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Touching something cold (like running your hands under cool water)
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Breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 4, breathing out for 4
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Looking around and naming 5 things you can see
This tells your brain: I’m safe right now.
3. Talk back to the shame
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The cost of living is rising
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Wages haven’t always kept up
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Many people are struggling, quietly
Try saying: “I’m not the only one. I’m doing the best I can.”
Because you are.
Practical steps that make a difference
Once your body and brain feel a little calmer, here are some small, helpful actions you can try:
1. Build a simple budget
IE Hub’s online budget tool makes it easy. It’s step-by-step, private, and there’s no pressure to finish it all at once.
2. Find out what support you’re entitled to
Many people miss out on:
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Discounts on water or energy bills
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Council tax reductions
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Unclaimed benefits
IE Hub checks these automatically based on what you tell us.
3. Share your situation with companies
If you’re behind on payments, letting creditors know can feel terrifying, but it actually opens the door to help.
IE Hub lets you safely share your budget and any vulnerabilities (like illness, caring responsibilities, or mental health), so you’re treated with care, not chased.
Final thought
Financial anxiety is real. It’s heavy. And it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
You’re dealing with a lot. But you can feel better, not by doing everything at once, but by doing one small, kind thing at a time.
Whether that’s breathing, budgeting, or just logging in to IE Hub… it counts.
You are worthy of peace, even if your finances are messy. And we’re here to help you move towards it, gently, at your pace.
