Feeling financially stressed? We take a look at where you can get help.

If you’ve been feeling stressed or anxious about money recently, you’re not alone. In fact, almost half of Australians have felt the heat on their savings and financial wellbeing in 2022. But the good news is there’s plenty of help at hand.

Each one of us is unique, and financial stress can be triggered by many different situations ranging from insecure employment to mounting bills or poorly performing investments. Because we often equate success in life with income and material possessions, feeling we’re failing to reach our financial goals can set off negative emotions.

Our stress hormones trigger a “fight or flight” response, which is natural and can help us cope with emergencies. But when this drags on for too long, it wears us down and has been linked to increased risk of health problems ranging from anxiety, depression and substance abuse to a weakened immune system and cardiovascular disease.

 

Warning signs

National crisis support group Lifeline says warning signs that you or someone you know may be currently suffering from financial stress include:

  • Arguing with people close to you about money
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Feelings of guilt about spending money
  • Worrying a lot or feeling anxious
  • Difficulties sleeping
  • Headaches
  • Tiredness and lowered energy
  • Struggling to feed yourself and/or your family
  • Increasing debt from credit cards or loans
  • Receiving legal action for debt recovery
  • Fear of eviction by being behind in rent or loan repayments
  • Your income not covering expenses

Source: Lifeline

 

R U OK?

Is someone you know or care about showing signs of struggling with financial stress? It’s not always obvious how you can help, but you can learn ways to raise this sensitive issue with them by visiting the R U OK website.

This harm prevention charity encourages us to stay connected and help each other through difficult times and provides many free resources to help you prepare and pick your moment to start that conversation.

R U OK’s work focuses on building the motivation, confidence and skills of the help-giver, and promotes four key conversation steps:

  1. Ask
  2. Listen
  3. Encourage action
  4. Check in

 

Free, confidential help

No one needs to deal with financial stress alone. Free, confidential financial counselling is offered by many community organisations, legal centres and government agencies nationwide.

Financial counsellors are skilled professionals who can give people a chance to unburden themselves and talk about how they are feeling.

When necessary, counsellors can also help them deal with traumatic situations like bills they are struggling to pay; being harassed by debt collectors; gas, electricity or phone disconnection; being evicted from home; or tax debts.

They can suggest ways to improve your financial situation, help you negotiate with your creditors about repayment arrangements, see if you’re eligible for government concessions or support, help you apply for hardship variations, explain bankruptcy and debt agreements, and talk you through your options.

To find a financial counsellor near you, check out the many resources listed on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s Moneysmart website (which also provides useful information on how to get free legal advice if you’re facing court action over a debt).

 

Getting through it

Remember, emotions and financial decisions are never a good mix. If you’re feeling distressed, try to delay making major decisions about investments or anything else important until you can think more clearly.

Here are some tips on how to get through a period of financial stress:

  • Stay on top of your emotions

Write down your worries to help you work out which issues to tackle first.

  • Look after your health

Eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have a pre-existing medical condition that could be aggravated by stress.

  • Share your feelings with supportive friends and colleagues

Identify people you can talk to about how you are feeling and who will help you remain positive.

  • Be honest with your family

Tell them about the situation and how it might affect the household budget. If your relationship with your partner is under stress, contact Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 for support, advice and counselling.

  • Draw up a budget

Write down a summary of your finances and work out how much money you need to cover your costs. You may need to limit your spending for a while. Putting aside some money for bills, creating an emergency fund and paying for essentials first can all help ease the stress.

  • Contact your bank or speak to your financial adviser

Most financial institutions have policies in place to assist customers experiencing financial problems. The Australian Bankers’ Association website has lots of information about dealing with banks.

Your financial adviser could also assist in working through financial concerns.

  • Contact a social worker on the Centrelink Employment Services Line

Call 132 850 or visit a Services Australia customer service centre.

Source: healthdirect.gov.au

 

If you feel stress is getting the better of you, remember that you can speak  confidentially with a trained mental health professional at Beyondblue at any time by calling 1300 22 4636, or alternatively chat online between 1pm and midnight.

Other support services that operate 24 hours a day / 7 days a week include:


This article is issued by Trilogy Funds Management Limited ABN 59 080 383 AFSL 261425 (Trilogy Funds). Application for investment in one of the managed investment schemes which Trilogy Funds operates can only be made on the application form accompanying the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) available at www.trilogyfunds.com.au. The PDS contains full details of the terms and conditions of investment and should be read in full, particularly the risk section, prior to lodging any application or making a further investment. All investments, including those with Trilogy Funds, involve risk which can lead to loss of part or all of your capital or diminished returns. Trilogy Funds is licensed to provide only general financial product advice about its products and therefore recommends you seek personal advice on the suitability of this investment to your objectives, financial situation and needs from a licensed financial adviser. Investments with Trilogy Funds are not bank deposits and are not government guaranteed.

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