Is financial stress keeping you awake at night? You are not doing your body any favors with this type of stress. If financial stress continues you could put your body in distress, which will eat away at your most important asset… YOU!! Here are 10 tips to reduce financial stress they are very simple and most anyone can incorporate them into their daily routine to save a few dollars.

• Before you pull out that credit card, ask yourself if every purchase + interest is still a worthwhile buy. Even better, save in advance for the things you really want!
• Call your credit card company, wireless carrier, cable/telephone service, auto/home insurance company and ask if they can reduce your monthly bill. Often-times there are packages or specials you can take advantage of… but you won’t know if you don’t ask.
• Cancel your cable tv. If that’s really tough, try compromising with Netflix online, which is very inexpensive for a subscription. For movies, if you’re going to the theatre, choose a matinee or the “cheap night”
• Create an emergency fund, even if you’re in debt. It’s important to set aside money every month, even if you can only afford $5.00 to start. This will help you sleep better at night, increase your confidence, and build hope for the future.
• Take public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike somewhere at least three times per week.
• Walk to the store and bring your own shopping bags to ensure you’ll only buy as much as you can carry.
• Make Sunday “food prep” day. Plan a menu, freeze the leftovers, and remember to pack healthy snacks like nuts, carrots and fruit.
• Take inventory of the contents of your fridge. Try to eat everything before returning to the grocery store. This will help to reduce the number of things that just get thrown out because they aren’t eaten quickly enough.
• Invest in your education. This may sound counter-productive since you’re stressed over money, but remember it takes money to make money.
• Network. Meet people; learn about what they are doing, you never know what opportunities may arise. Read message boards, social media, and blogs. Especially THIS blog!

Have other tried and true tips for reducing financial stress? We’d love to hear from you!

Image by Obsahovka from Pixabay