Supporting someone with money stress can be challenging because they may be resistant to accepting help or discussing their financial difficulties with you.
Often people don’t want you to know they are struggling because of judgement, but this is the time to be the friend or family member to support them. There is always a way out and often they can’t see that due to the stress they are experiencing.
Sadly some people feel the only way out is to leave this earth and that only leaves the loved ones behind with sadness and more stress than ever before.
Simply checking in with someone, taking them out for coffee, and listening to how they are doing can go a long way toward helping and being the supportive person they need.
Here are some ways to help them while still giving them space to maintain their dignity:
LISTEN ACTIVELY
Start by being a good listener. Let them talk about their financial concerns and stress without offering advice or judgment. Sometimes, just having someone to vent to can relieve some of the emotional burden.
YOU CAN HELP WITHOUT GIVING MONEY. YOU CAN SHOW YOUR SUPPORT IN OTHER WAYS.
Offer your time, company, or help with things that do not cost money, like doing chores around the house, running errands, or giving emotional support during hard times.
PUT AN UPBEAT SPIN ON ANY DISCUSSION OF MONEY AND ALWAYS ASSUME THE BEST.
You could say, “I have been looking into some great financial resources that I think could help anyone, and I thought you might find them interesting,” instead of “You need help with your finances.”
RESPECT THEIR PRIVACY.
Give them space and privacy when it comes to their finances. Do not ask them too many questions or force them to talk more than they want to.
MAKE MONEY PROBLEMS MORE COMMON BY TELLING STORIES OR GIVING EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD MONEY PROBLEMS AND GOTTEN THROUGH THEM.
This can show them that many people have trouble with money and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
BE PATIENT.
Know that it might take them some time to open up or accept help. Wait your turn and let them lead the conversation and decision-making.
OFFER HELP WITHOUT BEING OBVIOUS.
If you find articles or financial resources that could help, share them in a quiet way. You can send them an article or a link instead of talking directly about their money.
SUGGEST PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE.
If you believe they would benefit from professional financial advice, make a non-confrontational suggestion. You might say, “I know someone who is really knowledgeable in this area. Would you be interested in talking to them? It might give you some new insights.”
AVOID OFFERING FINANCIAL ASSITANCE.
Do not give them money directly unless you are sure it will not hurt your relationship or encourage them to act irresponsibly. Instead, focus on helping them feel better and giving them information.
EXPRESS YOUR CONCERN.
Tell them you care about their well-being and are ready to help them in any way they feel comfortable. Make it clear that you are not judging them, but that you care about their happiness and health as a whole.
STAY SUPPORTIVE.
Keep being there for them, even if they do not accept your help or ideas right away. Let them know that you will always be there for them.
It is important to give them their independence and let them decide for themselves what to do with their money. You can give them help and resources, but in the end, they have to be ready to take steps on their own to deal with their money stress.
Your patience, understanding, and willingness to not judge them can go a long way toward helping them get through their money problems.
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Money stress is a common problem for many people, and it can come from a variety of sources.
Here are five of the most common money worries that people face:
1. DEBT
Having a lot of debt, like from credit cards, student loans, mortgages, or personal loans, can put a lot of financial stress on you. Keeping up with monthly payments and interest on debt can be hard for many people and families.
2. EMERGENCY EXPENSES
Worrying about medical bills, car repairs, or home repairs that come up out of the blue can cause a lot of stress. Many people worry about how they would pay for these costs if they came up suddenly.
3. INSUFFICIENT SAVINGS
Not having enough savings for emergencies, retirement, or future goals can be a major source of stress. People may be concerned about their financial security and whether they will be able to meet their long-term financial goals.
4. JOB SECURITY
Concerns about job security and the fear of losing a job can cause financial stress. People may worry about how they will pay their bills if they lose their job or have their income go down.
5. LIVING EXPENSES
The rising cost of living, including housing, healthcare, education, and utilities, can put pressure on people’s finances. Meeting everyday expenses can be challenging, and this can lead to financial stress.
People often have to deal with more than one of these money worries at the same time.
Creating a budget, paying down debt, building an emergency fund, and getting financial advice when needed are common ways to deal with stress related to money.
It is important to deal with these worries ahead of time to improve your financial health and reduce stress.
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Being a student of learning means that you’re constantly growing as a person.
I believe that it shouldn’t matter what stage of life you’re in, whether in work or personal – you should never stop learning, as this enables you to stay open to new opportunities and experiences that life has to offer.
If you want any part of your life whether it be in your relationships, financial, physical or emotional to be changed or improved then you must be a student of learning.
Whatever area within your life is causing you pain or unhappiness, then go and research how you can go about changing it.
Read books, listen to podcasts, study those you admire and look at the straits that you want to be more like.
When it comes to financial matters and ways to improve the health of your money, look for coaches and people who understand money and how they can teach you to become better money managers.
Recently I undertook an exam, the Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management. The reason I did this was that I’m already talking to people about ways they can reduce their mortgage (a major debt in their life) so I decided to educate myself further on how I can truly make a difference and advise people with more knowledge about how to become mortgage-free sooner.
So whatever you’re looking to improve: research, study and look into ways on how to make those changes.
The way to a better future is to work on you.
Look at the areas that aren’t working and ask yourself where can I learn more about this so I can change the outcome.
And finally, GET YOURSELF A COACH. Look at our athletes and our favourite sporting teams and how they employ coaches to help them be on top of their game.
A financial coach, as in myself, is someone who’s trained to guide, motivate and teach you how to make sure you’re managing your money wisely.
Regular coaching will ensure you are working towards your goals of becoming debt-free, financially happy and making healthy choices with your money.
Financial education is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Check out mymonthly coaching program to ensure you get on top of your money game and for a limited time, you can join my program for a little as $1. Go on do yourself and your money a favour and join my monthly coaching program today.
See you on the inside.
In the meantime, here’s to your financial health wealth and happiness.
