[Patricia]

Please bear with me. Growing up making sacrifices, I have always had a lot of anxiety about money. In the current economic climate, I have been having more and more anxiety.

I have done all the “right” things. I am employed, have health insurance for me and my family; I have saved for a rainy day, saved for my kids college; I have a pension and made modest investments for my retirement (possibly 8 years).

My mortgage is almost paid off (2 yrs maybe). All this puts me in a good place; and yet I worry as I see prices climb in stores, my cars getting older, my benefits reduced, my paycheck shrinking in real buying power, my investments plunge.

I worry about my very smart kid not having enough money to get through college (he is a junior in HS) because his fund has lost 10% of its value so far.

These are realities I am facing (and I don’t need/want a debate about the causes). Are others feeling the same? How are you dealing with it?

And what actions are you taking to shore up your financial health?

[Susie]

You actually sound like you are in a pretty decent place financially.
Here’s the thing… worrying solves nothing. It creates anxiety and more stress and it’s a vicious cycle.

My advice is to take a step back. Stay off social and news for a couple days.

Go for walks, play board games with your family, visit a free museum, read a fun fiction book, spend time in nature.

That will give you perspective on what’s important and allow you to get a larger view of events, and how you can respond to them calmly and rationally.

Times are stressful, and they likely will be for a while. You can’t live every day in “fight or flight” mode. It will break you down. Be kind to yourself, and to others.

I read a lot of philosophy, especially Ryan Holiday. He has at least a dozen books now I think. I also get his daily newsletter.

I highly recommend checking him out.

The most impactful thing in staying calm for me is MOMENTO MORI. It’s Latin for “remember death”. All events and situations – good and bad – eventually end.

All things and people die.

Pull back a little and take a big breath. Focus on gratitude for all you do have, especially the wonderful people in your life.

Each day is precious. You will be ok.

[Lisa]

I am proud of you! You are doing a great job with what you have! One thing you may want to check into with your HR depts is a W4 form that allows you to hold more from your check but may not get a refund at the end of the year.

I did this one year to help cover upcoming new baby expenses. It gave my paycheck and extra 50 bucks.

Refund wasn’t that great but I needed the money through the year more. As for smart kids, had those problems too.

Check with your school district about programs for doing high school and university at the same time. I had one get two years for free and another one year for free but they have to be willing to put in the elbow grease.

My one kid then did military to get more free schooling and a degree. As for food, don’t buy it unless it is local or in season for your area. Last put a couple bucks in your wallet for just you.

An amount of money that makes you feel safe for when you want a vending machine treat or something.

I found as long as I had that wallet money, I always felt okay with money. That was my “OMG, I am out of money line” panic trigger.

Best wishes to you on your success!

[Diane]

Have your kids attend community college first, and then transfer to a university later. Most community colleges offer excellent transfer programs and will also assist with financial aid.

I was a Pell Grant recipient at community college and a university based on my family income and I had no idea I would have qualified until another student recommended it to me.

My kids went to community college first too – best decision!

[Becky]

What I do: Buy used, bidet (no toilet paper), pay extra on mortgage (make sure it goes to principal), cook at home, ask myself if it is a need or want before I buy.

[Andrea]

On SS, food stamps, section 8. My vehicle is kaput & I live in an area without decent bus routes. I’ve got service dogs to care for.

I tried ignoring the media but that hasn’t worked.

My anxiety is through the roof every day. It’s only been 3 months…

[Amy]

You literally listed all the financial things lots of people would lobe to have.. sounds like you have it together.

You know times change things get better they get worse thisnis why we save during the good.

[Elizabeth]

same….im doing all the right things, but have this gut fear that it isn’t going to be enough. there is only so much you can do to be honest, if you are making all the right choices, then you have to be ok with that.

I keep my money fearfully tight….and that is all I can do. never eat out, two jobs, don;t shop, pinch every single penny.

I am currently paying my sons full tuition…..and everything outside of that he pays with his job….he is a waiter, and fulltime student.

Being debt free when he graduates is my present to him. Whenever he or my daughter complain that I am cheap, I remind them that the ONLY way I am able to afford college tuition is by being this way.

And in the long run it will pay off for them. There will be one year where they will both be in college at the same time……why did I not time that properly when I was having children?

how on earth am I going to be able to afford TWO tuitions?

I will figure it out. But know that you are not alone, we are all suffering. good luck my friend.

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