Is Financial Stress affecting YOU!?
Take the following quick “self-quiz” to see how financially stressed you are!
If you can answer “yes” to 4 or more of the following statements, chances are that financial stress is significantly affecting the quality of your life.
1. Do you find yourself thinking about money you’ve lost or money you’re afraid you’ll lose?
2. Do you worry about the economy and how it will affect your job or business?
3. Have you lost sleep recently because of your financial stress?
4. Do you get into arguments with your spouse, partner, or other family member over money?
5. Do you ever feel frozen with fear because of your financial situation?
6. Are you afraid you’ll never have enough to retire or live the life you want?
7. Are you still kicking yourself for financial mistakes you’ve made?
8. Does your body FEEL stressed when you think about money? (tense muscles, upset stomach, agitation or exhaustion?)
Test Your Results:
Add up the number of “Yes’s” to the above questions.
0-1: You’re doing great! Keep doing whatever you’re doing.
2-3: You have a low-to-moderate level of financial stress that is affecting you. Increased awareness and good stress-relief habits will help.
4-5: You have a moderate-to-high level of financial stress that is impacting the quality of your life. Developing better coping techniques as well as managing the causes of your financial stress will produce immediate results!
6-8: Urgent! You are having a financial stress crisis that is probably affecting your health, your relationships, your peace of mind, and more! Start taking actions today to get lower your financial stress.
Where to start!?
* Breathe slowly and deeply. (I’m not kidding! Do this right now. And several times a day.)
* Practice gratitude. You can’t simultaneously panic and be thankful at the same time.
* Don’t avoid your financial situation or procrastinate. Set aside time to pay bills, make calls, look at your statements, update your insurance… whatever you know you need to do.
* Request a copy of Kate’s soon-to-be-released e-book, “Overcoming Financial Stress,” to be released February 2009. (There should be an opt-in box toward the top right of this screen if you would like a copy.)
* Give yourself some breathing room by spending less. Cancel the magazines you don’t read. Re-think that second new outfit. Drive your car one more year.
* If you’re struggling with debt, re-negotiate! If your credit score is good, use that as leverage. Make the banks compete. If your credit is not fair-to-poor, use your limited ability to pay as your bargaining chip. Remember Jimmy Stewart behind the bank counter in “It’s a Wonderful Life”? See how little they will accept. Be persistent.
* Sign up for the “Overcome Financial Stress Now” tele-course to begin the third week of February. Group coaching and support for only $147, plus great bonuses!
* Never forget that you are not your money. And by focusing your intention, taking action, finding mentors, and being patient, your situation WILL improve!
