Riding Financial Panic with a List and a Smile
Last week I was on the phone with a friend, and it seemed to me that out of nowhere she said, ‘œGosh, you sound really panicky about money lately. I mean, really panicky.’
I was miffed and quickly denied it. But when I hung up the phone, I realized that I shouldn’t BS myself. Yes, I have been panicky about money. I write about money, which means I read a lot about money, and everything I’m reading seems to materialize around me. There’s business trouble for my family, my 401(k) looks like it has been mauled by a money-eating monster, and I’m a full-time student again, this time around living in the second most expensive city to rent in the U.S. with my partner who is also a full-time student.
By all means, yeah, I’ve been concerned with how to survive without getting into loads of debt, as I’m sure many of you are.
After one too many vodka tonics this weekend, I concluded that 1) money worries do not go away even with two-for-one drink specials and 2) thinking about financial difficulties only makes them worse.
This weekend Zac and I stumbled upon a fun activity that lightened both our moods. We started listing to each other our favorite things. For instance, I told him my favorite ice cream is peanut butter chocolate; my favorite food is pizza and so on. We did this for almost an hour, and the number of new things we learned about each other (even though we’ve been together for over two years) surprised us.
Later I got the idea to list my favorite things about my finances. For instance:
1. My finances are well organized, and it’s easy for me to stay on top of my bills.
2. I actually have a 401(k), as opposed to my younger days when I didn’t think about saving for retirement.
3. I’m actually acting like I’m allergic to debt, unlike my free-spending days in the past.
4. My credit score improved by 200 points in less than two years.
5. The new skills I’m learning in school + previous work experience = one hell of a marketable skill set for freelance work.
And so on’¦
When I put things in perspective, I see that I’ve come a long way. I see what’s working. I see my strengths, and I realize these strengths may help me get through some financially uncertain times.
It would be silly to ignore all the press about current financial woes, but you don’t have to be miserable while staying informed about how to best manage your money. No matter how tough your situation, there are probably a few things going right for you.
Is there a roof over your head? Do you have food in your fridge? Do you still have a job? Little things might not seem like a big deal to you, but listing them may show you that there’s much to be happy about — maybe even a few things you forgot about that can help you get by.
Why not give it a try? Please feel free to share some of your favorite things about your finances below.
As someone married to a full-time student and in a high-rent area (my friends have a house elsewhere for less than our apartment) I understand some of that panic. But I think for someone my age I’ve got my finances in decent shape. Food in the fridge, as you say, and even a tiny Roth IRA. 🙂
Plus I’m actually getting a credit score for the first time and I like where I work.
John: This is an inspiring post and a good reminder that we all have something to be grateful for. I know so many people out of work, so I’m ever thankful Jeanine and I are both employed. At times I bitch and moan about finances, but the big picture is pretty good… partly because we haven’t had any hiccups with our employment, health, etc. these last several years.