Addressingyourfeelingscanhelpyourfinancesexpertssay

Published in Business and Finance on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 8:23 GMT by News 8000
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(CNN) Money stress exists at all socioeconomic levels. It causes prolonged and serious fights in relationships, is linked to insomnia and stomach ulcers, and acts as a major stressor

Addressing Your Feelings Can Help Your Finances, Experts Say

In an era where financial stress is rampant, a growing body of experts is emphasizing a surprising connection: the link between emotional well-being and financial health. Far from being purely logical or mathematical, our money decisions are deeply intertwined with our feelings. Whether it's impulsive shopping to cope with anxiety, avoiding bills due to overwhelming stress, or holding onto outdated beliefs about wealth stemming from childhood experiences, emotions play a pivotal role in shaping our financial behaviors. Addressing these feelings head-on, rather than ignoring them, can lead to more stable and prosperous financial outcomes, according to financial therapists, psychologists, and money coaches who specialize in this intersection.

At the core of this idea is the recognition that money isn't just about numbers—it's about narratives. Many people carry emotional baggage related to finances that influences their choices without them even realizing it. For instance, someone who grew up in a household where money was scarce might develop a scarcity mindset, leading to hoarding behaviors or an aversion to investing. Conversely, those from affluent backgrounds might struggle with guilt or entitlement, resulting in reckless spending. Experts argue that by unpacking these emotional layers, individuals can break free from destructive patterns and build healthier relationships with money.

Financial therapy, a burgeoning field that blends psychological counseling with financial planning, is gaining traction as a tool for this purpose. Practitioners in this area help clients explore the "why" behind their financial habits. One key expert highlights how unaddressed grief, such as from a job loss or divorce, can manifest in poor money management. For example, after a significant life change, people might turn to retail therapy as a temporary escape, racking up debt in the process. By acknowledging and processing these emotions, individuals can redirect their energy toward constructive actions like budgeting or saving.

Mindfulness practices are often recommended as a starting point. Techniques such as journaling about money-related feelings or meditating on financial goals can bring subconscious emotions to the surface. Imagine sitting down each week to reflect on a recent purchase: Was it driven by need, or was it a response to feeling inadequate? This self-awareness fosters intentionality, reducing the likelihood of emotion-driven financial missteps. Studies and anecdotal evidence from financial advisors show that clients who incorporate mindfulness report lower stress levels and improved adherence to financial plans.

Another critical aspect is the role of stress and anxiety in financial decision-making. Chronic stress can impair cognitive functions, making it harder to make rational choices about investments or expenses. Experts point out that during high-stress periods, the brain's fight-or-flight response kicks in, prioritizing short-term relief over long-term stability. This might explain why people under financial pressure often opt for high-interest loans or gamble on risky ventures, exacerbating their problems. To counteract this, professionals suggest building emotional resilience through therapy or support groups focused on financial wellness. These spaces allow individuals to share experiences, normalizing the emotional side of money and reducing isolation.

Family dynamics also come into play. Inherited attitudes toward money—often passed down unconsciously—can create barriers to financial success. A person raised in an environment where discussing money was taboo might avoid seeking financial advice, perpetuating cycles of debt. Experts encourage open conversations within families or with partners to dismantle these barriers. Couples therapy with a financial twist, for instance, helps partners align their emotional approaches to money, whether it's one partner's fear of scarcity clashing with the other's optimism about abundance.

Beyond individual efforts, societal factors amplify the emotion-finance link. Economic uncertainty, such as inflation or job market volatility, heightens collective anxiety, leading to widespread financial paralysis. In response, some organizations are integrating emotional support into financial education programs. Workshops that combine budgeting lessons with stress management techniques are becoming popular in workplaces and community centers. Participants learn not only how to track expenses but also how to identify emotional triggers that derail their plans.

Real-life examples illustrate the transformative power of addressing feelings. Consider a young professional overwhelmed by student debt who, through therapy, uncovers deep-seated shame about their financial situation. By reframing this shame as a common experience rather than a personal failure, they gain the confidence to negotiate payment plans and seek higher-paying opportunities. Similarly, retirees dealing with the emotional void of leaving the workforce might overspend to fill time, but guided reflection helps them redirect funds toward meaningful pursuits like travel or hobbies without depleting savings.

Experts also warn against common pitfalls in this process. Suppressing emotions or relying solely on willpower often backfires, leading to burnout or relapse into old habits. Instead, a holistic approach is advocated: combining emotional work with practical tools like automated savings or debt trackers. Financial apps that prompt users to log their mood alongside transactions are emerging as innovative aids, merging technology with emotional intelligence.

The benefits extend beyond personal finances. Improved emotional handling of money can enhance overall life satisfaction, relationships, and even physical health. Reduced financial stress correlates with lower instances of insomnia, hypertension, and other stress-related ailments. On a broader scale, if more people addressed their financial feelings, it could contribute to economic stability by encouraging responsible borrowing, saving, and investing.

To get started, experts offer practical steps. Begin with self-assessment: Track spending for a month and note the emotions tied to each transaction. Seek professional help if patterns suggest deeper issues, such as trauma-informed financial coaching. Build a support network, perhaps through online forums or local meetups dedicated to financial wellness. Finally, practice gratitude for financial wins, no matter how small, to cultivate a positive emotional association with money.

In essence, the message from experts is clear: Ignoring emotions in financial matters is like trying to navigate a ship without accounting for the winds. By addressing feelings—through therapy, mindfulness, or open dialogue—individuals can steer toward calmer financial waters. This approach doesn't promise overnight riches but offers a sustainable path to financial empowerment, where decisions are made from a place of clarity rather than compulsion. As more people embrace this emotional-financial synergy, it could redefine how we think about wealth, making it less about accumulation and more about holistic well-being.

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Addressingyourfeelingscanhelpyourfinancesexpertssay

Addressing Your Feelings Can Help Your Finances, Experts Say