How to tackle money stress
A bit of stress is normal – after all, things challenge us daily. The key is recognising when stress is a problem.
When we're stressed, our body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol and this can be helpful, as it can help us focus and get things done.
But too much stress can affect our mental and physical health – from money worries keeping us awake at night to bristling with irritability and snapping at loved ones.
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic.
Around one in four adults in Great Britain say they find it fairly or very difficult to get by financially, according to the Office for National Statistics' National Wellbeing Dashboard.
Here's what my clients tell me about stress: 'Talia, I want to stop stressing about money. I want to know I have enough money to live well – now and in future. I live with a constant level of stress because money is always nagging away at the back of my mind.'
So, what can be done to alleviate money stress? Knowing you're stressed about money is one thing but knowing isn't doing. It's important to focus on what you can control.
Pause and reflect
In my experience, it's common for people to spend more time stressing about their finances than actually working on their finances.
The result? Nothing changes. And people live with a constant level of stress because money is always nagging at the back of their mind.
Stress is a sign that something needs dealing with, so listen to what your stress is telling you.
Reflect on what's causing your stress and consider what changes are needed. It can help to put pen to paper to slow your racing mind and write down what's causing you stress. Seeing it written down can give you clarity needed to take action.
Give yourself permission to learn
There's an assumption that because we all use money, by the time we're adults we should all know how to manage money. And if we struggle, it's easy to consider it a personal failing.
But let's consider managing money a skill like any other. A skill that has to be learned, honed, developed.
Give yourself permission to learn about money – your money. And understand the cause of your financial stress so you can address it.
One step at a time
Baby steps to bigger goals is what I say to my clients. It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done and then to be 'overwhelmed into inaction', as one client said to me.
The result is that nothing changes. Instead, focus on what you can control. Work backwards and break that bigger financial goal down into small steps, baby steps. And then take action one step at a time.
Keep doing what keeps you well
When stressed, it's common to drop all of the things that keep us well, such as exercising or spending time with family and friends. Can't manage a workout? Go for a walk. Can't spend time with a group of friends? See people one-on-one. Self-care isn't just a nice to have – looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is key to managing stress levels.
Open up, seek help
A problem shared is a problem halved. A trusted person can listen and provide new perspectives and solutions. Is there a friend, family member, colleague or peer you could speak with? Does your workplace or trade union or professional body offer a financial support service?
There are brilliant organisations doing great work to support people with money. If you're worried about debt, charities such as StepChange can help. Citizens Advice can help with money, legal and other problems. Financial guidance website MoneyHelper has a range of resources.
Talia Loderick is a money coach. Talia helps people understand and take control of their behaviour with money so they can stop stressing about money and have enough to live well – now and in future. Visit: talialoderick.co.uk.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
26 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Mounjaro prices double as weight loss jab popularity soars
US-based Eli Lilly says a 5mg dose will nearly double from £92 to £180 from September 1, while a 15mg pen will rise from £122 to £330. A Lilly spokesperson said: 'Following a review, Lilly will increase the UK list price for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) from 1 September to address pricing inconsistencies compared to other developed countries, including in Europe. We have reached an agreement with the NHS to ensure continued supply and patient access." The statement continues: 'While Lilly does not determine the prices that private healthcare providers set, we are working with them to maintain patient access. The UK was one of the first countries where Lilly launched Mounjaro, and our priority was to bring it to patients as quickly as possible during a time of limited supply of GLP-1 RA treatments for type 2 diabetes. 'At launch, Lilly agreed to a UK list price that is significantly below the European average to prevent delays in NHS availability." More than 1.5 million people in the UK are believed to be using weight-loss medication each month, with most buying the jabs from private pharmacies. Mounjaro users report surprising side effect - pharmacists share their tips — Bucks Free Press (@bucksfreepress) August 8, 2025 This comes as the Government has joined forces with Eli Lilly in a bid to tackle obesity. The move could see patients accessing care at pharmacies or by using online platforms. The £85 million programme from Eli Lilly and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been designed to look at how obese patients can access weight management care more easily. This includes through community services, in pharmacies and online. Using these tools, eligible patients could be treated 'in a matter of months', according to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Under the agreement, the Government will contribute up to £50 million in UK-wide investment. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly will back the programme with £35 million, and NHS organisations will be able to apply for a share of the funding. Recommended reading: Mounjaro warning as pens ruined by heatwave temperatures This comes as users are risking having to throw away perfectly good Mounjaro pens as they have overheated in the recent heatwave. Improper storage of Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro during a heatwave could destroy the active ingredient in these jabs, potentially wiping out their effects entirely, even if the medication looks completely normal. 'We recommend treating your weight-loss pen the same way you'd treat insulin or any critical medication,' says Danielle Brightman, Clinical Director at Numan. 'When in doubt, don't risk it. Speak to a healthcare professional and arrange a replacement.' 8 tips to protect Mounjaro and other weight-loss injections during hot weather Use a medical-grade cool bag. Transport your pen in a proper, insulated container designed for sensitive medications. Don't use improvised ice packs that might freeze the pen by accident. Never leave your pen in hot places. Even 10 minutes in a parked car or on a sunny kitchen counter could expose it to damaging heat if out of its delivery packaging or unrefrigerated. Always check the environment before setting it down. Store below 30°C once in use. Once opened and if not refrigerated, keep your pen in a shaded, ventilated area, away from heat sources, windows, and radiators. If you live in a flat or home without air conditioning, keep the pen in a bedroom or hallway that doesn't heat up from direct sun. Avoid storing near exterior walls if the property retains heat. Follow the usage timeline carefully. The storage instructions between medications. Wegovy after first use can last 6 weeks below 30 degrees then needs to be disposed of, whereas Mounjaro has a shorter time of 30 days below 30 degrees before needing to be disposed of. Stick to that timeframe, and if you're unsure whether it's still safe, consult your provider. Use a fridge thermometer at home. Fridge temperatures can fluctuate, especially in older models or over-packed shelves. A simple digital fridge thermometer can help ensure your pen is always stored between 2–8°C before first use. Planning to travel? Use airline-friendly cooling cases. If you're flying or taking long journeys, consider TSA-approved insulated medication pouches with cooling gel packs. Always store the pen in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage, as cargo holds can get hot or cold. Set storage reminders on your phone. If you're prone to forgetting where you left your pen, set daily reminders to check if it's stored properly, especially during heatwaves or while travelling. Don't store near appliances or steam sources. Keep pens away from kettles, toasters, ovens, dishwashers, and anywhere that might experience sudden heat or humidity, especially in small kitchens or shared spaces. Injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now widely used across the UK for appetite control and sustainable weight management. But despite their growing popularity and increasing availability now through the NHS, most patients don't realise the strict temperature guidelines that must be followed to keep these drugs effective. 'We speak to patients every day who are using GLP-1s for the first time,' says Danielle. 'With temperatures set to soar again this summer, it's crucial we raise awareness about safe medication storage. Heat damage isn't always obvious, but it can have a huge impact on effectiveness and safety."
.png%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75&w=3840&q=100)
Evening Standard
26 minutes ago
- Evening Standard
South London hospital staff set to strike over 'Mickey Mouse' contracts
The workers, all now directly employed by the NHS, are calling for the same pay and conditions as colleagues on the national Agenda for Change (AfC) framework, which sets standard rates for most NHS staff. UVW says that despite being brought back in-house more than four years ago, they still receive lower pay, less annual leave, inferior pensions and no enhancements for night or weekend work.
Daily Mirror
27 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Is private health insurance actually worth it - and can you afford it?
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry explores the pros and cons of private health insurance With NHS waiting lists months long for simple things, and seeing a GP a challenge due to patient numbers and limited time, more people are turning to private healthcare. But what does it cost, and how does private health insurance work? What is private health insurance? Paying a monthly amount to a health insurance company means that when you need healthcare, you can access GP and specialist treatment much faster than on the NHS. As with any insurance, this could mean you pay for years and years without needing to claim anything – but it could also save you thousands on life-saving care. Insurance is always a risk: you might pay out more than you get back, but could you afford to not have the access to the care if you needed it? Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. How does it work? You pay a monthly premium to a health provider. In return, you can access private healthcare within days instead of weeks or months on the NHS. Your insurance gives you access to booking services with private GPs and consultants, who will be able to see your NHS medical record if you choose to share it with them (which is recommended). For smaller treatments and some initial consultations, you might need to pay first and then reclaim the costs from your insurance. If you need treatment, always check with your health insurance provider before booking it, to make sure it is covered by them. Any treatment or healthcare specialist you speak to via private healthcare can keep your NHS GP and medical record up-to-date, with your permission. This helps you receive seamless care between NHS and private settings. Employee private health insurance Many employers will offer private health insurance as an employee benefit. This might be as a standard benefit offered to all employees, or as a salary sacrifice. These schemes will also often include discounted gym memberships. If your employer offers private health insurance, it can be worthwhile considering the package on offer. This is because they will often get corporate discounts on premiums, meaning you can access a higher level of cover for less. However, people with pre-existing conditions may not be covered, and other forms of insurance could be better suited to your personal circumstances. Make sure you read all the fine print before signing up to a policy, otherwise you could be paying for something you can't use. What isn't covered by private health insurance? Every policy differs, so it's really important to assess the level of cover you want, the excess you're able to pay on any treatments, and your current health situation. Most standard private health insurance policies are designed to help you receive timely care for acute, short-term conditions. Comprehensive policies are more expensive, but offer broader care for chronic or long-term conditions. If you have an existing illness or previous injury causing long-term difficulties, this is called a "pre-existing condition". Some policies might not cover for any healthcare related to that pre-existing condition, so it's really important to read all the fine print of any policy before agreeing to it. A standard policy is likely to include an excess – the amount you have to pay before you can claim costs on the insurance – as well as an upper limit per condition. This means once you've claimed the maximum amount for a condition, you won't be covered by the insurance any more. Emergency care is not covered by private health insurance, but with a comprehensive policy you could receive follow-up care such as physiotherapy or ongoing surgical needs. Similarly, many standard policies won't cover ongoing cancer care – but they might be able to get you a faster diagnosis and initial treatment. Pay as you go private health Private healthcare can be accessed by anybody: you don't need to have insurance to get it. However, it is very expensive for most people and this means it's often a last resort. An increasingly common private healthcare option people do choose to take is a private GP service. This makes it easier to speak to a GP on the same day, often by a video call, to get reassurance or start the ball rolling on a referral pathway. There are online services like Dr. Online, or healthcare groups like Bupa and Nuffield Health, which let you book a GP appointment and pay for it. Expect to pay around £60 to £90 for the first appointment, depending on whether it is in person or remote, and less for follow ups. Your first appointment is a longer consultation. If the private GP prescribes medication, there will be an extra cost for that medication (which is much higher than the NHS standard prescription cost of £9.90). Some private GP services offer a subscription service, such as Bupa's Well+ Bronze from £15 a month, which can be a way to have consistent GP care for complex conditions without huge charges. You can also self-refer to private specialists, like rheumatologists, endocrinologists, or gynaecological consultants. These appointments are much more expensive, around £200-£300, about half an hour long, and could result in additional payment for follow-ups. They can be useful if you need to see someone fast for reassurance, but unless you also have funds for follow-up tests and appointments, it's still best to wait for your NHS treatment. A specialist can, for example, provide a diagnosis and refer you back to your NHS GP – but it won't push you up the NHS waiting list for treatment. However, it may help you access interim care, such as medication prescribed by a GP, sooner. How to keep health insurance low There are some things you can do to keep your health insurance premiums lower. The first is to be proactive on preventative care (aka looking after yourself). Many insurance providers reward customers who have a healthy lifestyle and may even offer discounts on gym memberships and fitness kit to incentivise getting active. For example, Vitality health insurance runs a rewards programme. Connect your fitness tracker to their app, and you earn points to convert either to partner rewards for discounts and freebies on your shopping, or to reduce your health insurance premiums. This might seem impossible if you think you're not particularly mobile due to poor health. However, all movement can count. So, a gentle walk around the block or a chair dance at home can build up your rewards points. If you want to cycle everywhere but your mobility prevents you, consider an electric tricycle like those by Jorvik Tricycles. A tricycle provides more stability than a bicycle, lets you carry your groceries in a basket rather than unbalanced in a bag on your back, and the power-assisted cycling means you can cycle up hills and for longer than without. Participating in a healthy lifestyle also reduces your premiums. Quitting smoking and alcohol, for example, are ideal for improving your overall health anyway – and over time can help bring your premiums down. Finally – of course – it's important to shop around and compare your private health insurance cover before you buy. Using cashback websites can give you a big chunk of change back on your policy, while shopping around before the policy renews can help you negotiate a better price, too. Some of the brands and websites we mention may be, or may have been, a partner of However, we only ever mention brands we believe in and trust, so it never influences who we prioritise and link to.
