Money Dysmorphia - Overcome Financial Anxiety

HOW TO HEAL FROM MONEY DYSMORPHIA If you identify with any of the above, there are steps you can take to repair your relationship with money. DEVELOP MONEY AWARENESS. Pollard challenges

people to tune into their fears about money. Spend a week tracking your ratio of positive to negative thoughts. Next, write a list of things that you value and that make you feel fulfilled

besides money, like your social interactions, community and passions. When a negative money thought arises, shift the focus away from your finances and focus on the things you listed out

above. TAKE IT SLOW. Overcoming money dysmorphia is not something you’ll accomplish overnight. “The fact is that it’s small, incremental changes, like being more intentional about how you

spend just on one thing, that tend to make sustainable, positive steps toward accomplishing your goals,” says Michael Liersch, head of advice and planning for Wells Fargo. Making regular

progress can help you rethink how you look at money and develop a healthy relationship with your finances. FOCUS ON THE FACTS. Poffenroth suggests maintaining a diary where you track your

income and expenses to gain clarity on your financial situation. “Rather than letting worries run wild depending on guesses and what-ifs, this data-driven approach helps ground them in

reality and help to control them,” she says. CREATE A BUDGET. Once you have a firm grasp on your expenses, set boundaries for your spending. “Retirees and older adults are often afraid to

use their money because they falsely believe they’re overspending,” says Krom. “Knowledge brings confidence, and knowing exactly how much money you’re spending each month will give you more

freedom to enjoy your money.” STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS. Frequently comparing your lifestyle to other people can lead to unhealthy spending habits, especially in today’s digital era,

where people post photos of their lavish trips and designer handbags on Instagram, Facebook and other social media. One survey found that people who spend more than 3 hours a day on social

media are significantly more likely to make impulsive financial decisions. So try cutting back on social platforms — setting a time limit of 30 minutes per day can reduce anxiety, depression

and fear, a 2023 Iowa State University study found. And remember that what you see online is not necessarily real life, or something you must aspire to. ASK FOR HELP. If you’re feeling

overwhelmed about money, consider working with a financial advisor who can review your finances. This may help to reassure you that you are probably doing better with money than you think

you are. If you need a little boost in that department, an advisor can offer budgeting  tips to help you feel more confident on your path to retirement.  Also, don’t be afraid to seek out

support for the anxiety that money dysmorphia may be causing you. Pollard says a licensed psychologist, mental health counselor or social worker can help you address money fears.