Overcoming Financial Stress in 2025

Money troubles can affect many aspects of daily life, from what you eat to how you spend your time, and when you’re stressed about finances, it can be hard to think about anything else.

The NHS’s Every Mind Matters site recommends the following ways to care for your mental health when you have money worries:

Be kind to yourself

Self-compassion is vital for our mental wellbeing. If you’re struggling to cope with money or unemployment, accepting that things might be outside your control, or take time to sort can help you feel calmer. Try to treat yourself kindly and avoid negative self-talk or unhelpful thoughts. It can also help to remember that things change.

Talk about your money issues

It can help to talk about your money worries with someone you trust, like a friend or family member. You might prefer to talk to someone confidentially, perhaps to work out how you feel right now or what to do next, like getting money advice.

Mental Health and Money Advice is an online advice service covering both mental health and financial problems, and Mind offers support online and by phone (0300 123 3393). Relate has trained counsellors who can help if money is causing relationship problems. There are also NHS mental health services, including free NHS talking therapies, which are available to everyone in England aged 18 or over.

Switch off from money worries

Relaxation techniques and meditation can help us feel calmer, which might help with feelings of anxiety about money. Taking time to pause and focus on our breathing can help us feel more present – even taking a few deep breaths in and out can help. Mindfulness and meditation can help us to stay in the moment and focus on the here and now.

Create good self-care routines

Sticking to a routine might give us a sense of purpose and boost our mood. This can be tough if you’re feeling low, so start with simple things, such as getting up and going to bed at the same time every day.

Face unemployment fears

Our mental wellbeing can take a hit if we are not working. A job is often vital to our financial wellbeing and security – and our self-esteem. It might also give us a sense of achievement, a feeling of belonging, and be an important social network, which helps with feelings of loneliness.

Maintain physical health to help ease anxiety

Our physical health often affects how we feel emotionally and mentally. Being active can really help when we are dealing with stress caused by money problems and work issues. Try to be active and stick to a healthy diet. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, smoking or using illegal drugs.

Practical tips for managing financial stress include:

  • Get a full view of your financial situation by gathering all of your financial documents, including bank statements, bills, and credit card statements. Review them to see if any patterns or expenses jump out.

  • Track all of your spending for a month or two, including minor expenses, then take a look at your record. Keep an eye out for anything that may be contributing to your stress, such as hidden subscription fees or impulse buys.
  • Make a list of all your debts, including the amounts, interest rates, sources, and minimum monthly payments. See if you can figure out which one is causing you the most strain so you know which one to tackle first.

  • Make a list of your financial goals, whether buying a house, saving for retirement, or paying off your debt. Take a look at the information you’ve gathered to see if there are any patterns that are getting in the way of your financial plan.

Additional Sources of Financial Help