Households worried about money in the run-up to Christmas are being urged to adopt five simple financial habits that can help reduce stress and make everyday expenses feel more manageable. With the festive season approaching, concerns about household bills, debt repayments and unexpected costs can leave people feeling overwhelmed.
During Stress Awareness Week, which runs from November 2 to 8, debt advice service PennyPlan is highlighting practical techniques to help people manage financial anxiety and take small steps towards improving their circumstances.
Advice from PennyPlan's Head of Advice
Joe Smithies, Head of Advice at PennyPlan, said: "Money worries are far more than just numbers on a page and they have a significant impact on so many parts of our lives, from how we feel, how we speak to others, how productive we are at work, in how we parent. It can be something that takes up a lot of headspace."
The organisation recommended combining mindfulness techniques with small, manageable financial routines rather than attempting to resolve every money concern at once.
Five simple money habits to help reduce financial stress
Check your bank account regularly - Checking your balance once or twice a week can help you keep track of spending and understand how much money is available before your next payday.
Review upcoming bills - Setting aside time every Sunday evening to check upcoming payments can help you prepare for household expenses and identify potential shortfalls before bills are due.
Organise financial paperwork - Spending just 10 minutes sorting bills, statements and other financial documents can make important information easier to find when needed.
Update your household budget - Reviewing a simple budget at the end of each month can help you see where your money is going and whether any adjustments are needed to cover essential expenses.
Set reminders for payment dates - Using calendar alerts or phone reminders for important payment dates can help you stay organised and reduce the risk of accidentally missing a bill.
Mindfulness techniques for money worries
PennyPlan also recommended two mindfulness exercises to help people manage the emotional impact of financial difficulties.
The first is box breathing, which involves breathing in slowly through the nose for four seconds, holding for four seconds, breathing out for four seconds and holding again for four seconds. The process can be repeated several times to encourage a calmer state of mind and improve focus.
Another technique is journaling, which involves writing down financial concerns rather than allowing worries to build up. This can help people organise their thoughts, identify priorities and consider manageable next steps.
Joe added: "Financial uncertainty can create a cycle of anxiety, with people worrying about upcoming bills, debt repayments and unexpected expenses, particularly at this time of the year. For some it can even mean feelings become so overwhelming that they begin to avoid finances altogether."
"Mindfulness can help break this cycle and encourage us to focus on the present moment, allowing us to organise our thoughts and introduce small financial routines that can help make things more manageable."
He also encouraged people experiencing financial difficulties to seek support rather than trying to manage everything alone. Joe said: "It is also important not to face financial difficulties alone. Reach out to loved ones, while seeking professional advice can help you understand what options are available to you and what steps you can take towards a more stable financial future."
People struggling with debt can access free, confidential advice through organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland and StepChange. Further information about the techniques is available in PennyPlan's guide to managing money anxiety.
