Your finances are meant to bring you a peace of mind when it comes to taking care of bills and paying off debts. However, sometimes financial fears leave us stagnant in life and left with worries about if what you earn will be enough for what you have to pay. With the ups and downs of the current economy, it is no question that some people actually live with big financial fears. But do not worry, it is very common to have these fears and there are ways to overcome them. Read on to discover the biggest financial fears and how you can overcome them.
#1: Check-to-Check Living
This big financial fear is very common among young people just entering into the working world. Living paycheck to paycheck commonly happens which leaves workers with the inability to save money or even pay the bills that they currently have. However, you can break this mentality by your determination to save money despite your current situation. Even if you save a small portion of your check, like $10 each week, you will find yourself saving more money each paycheck than expected.
#2: Extreme Debt
This big financial fear is very common as well. Debt is a normal fear among most people because it is so easy to get into large debt and not be able to come out of it. Debt can be accumulated in a number of ways, including student loans, credit cards, auto and housing loans, and negative bank account balances. Sometimes, it may seem easier to take care of financial issues by opening a new line of credit, obtaining new loans, or over drafting bank accounts. But to do so will mean putting yourself in more financial jeopardy. Instead of creating further debt, take care of the debt you currently have and refrain from opening new loans. Keep your credit score and report acceptable for future purchases, like a new home or a new car.
#3: Losing Your Home
This big financial fear is one that has plagued homeowners for many years since the housing market had been experiencing frequent ups and downs. The inability to pay the bills associated with owning a home could present a huge problem leading to you losing your home. However, there are solutions if you find yourself in a situation where your home is a candidate for foreclosure. Consider refinancing your home or downgrading to a more affordable place to live. The processes may seem inconvenient at the moment, but those few moments of inconvenient is better than long-term homelessness.
#4: Being Jobless
This big financial fear is also a very common fear among people. Job security is not like it used to be. Companies are constantly downsizing and relocating, resulting in the layoff of tons of employees. Being jobless is a huge issue when your obligations are paying bills to keep living in your home and driving your car. Even with unemployment benefits that you may or may not qualify for, you will find it difficult to support yourself or a family. However, a way to provide a financial cushion in case this happens is to start saving as soon as you start working. Also, providing extra employment for yourself will keep you earning money if you were to lose your job.
#5: Being a Victim of Identity Theft
This big financial fear is completely understandable, especially with the number of identity theft cases rising in the recent years. If put into the wrong hands, your hard earned money be taken away from you which can gravely affect your credit. However, there are solutions to this issue. You can start by not carrying about information that could link to your finances, like your social security number. Be mindful of your surroundings when using your money cards or entering banking pass codes on computers. Also, keep a close eye and tight grip on your purse or your wallet. You do not want important information that is usually kept in those areas to be taken or found by the wrong person.
#6: Never Being Able to Retire
This big financial fear usually sets in the older you get and the more you work. You may find it difficult to plan retirement because you are constantly spending money just as quickly as you are earning it. However, you can definitely stop this fear from becoming a reality if you invest in your company’s retirement funds as soon as you are able to. This will allow you to have funds whenever you are ready to or required to retire from your job.
#7: Losing Money in Investments
This big financial fear is common among people who choose to invest in stocks. Investing can be risky, but if done with carefulness and with the advice of experienced stock brokers, the task could be financially rewarding. Choose stocks that will make you the most money and sell them when the time is right. If you want to invest but are not sure of what to do, consult a financial professional or research on your own.
Basically, it is completely normal to have fears when it comes to your finances. You definitely do not want your hard-earned money to be wasted or taken. Take this list of the biggest financial fears and use the solutions given to get rid of those fears. Choose not to live in financial fear, but to live in financial comfort.