Close up of coins on cash.

Stressing About Money? Six Ways to Change Your Mindset

July 14, 2025

Do you find you’re more anxious about your finances lately? Even when things are going well, do you still get an uneasy feeling? You’re not the only one.

 A recent study reveals 77% of Americans1 worry about their finances. This stress can make it hard to focus on making the right decisions.

 A simple solution is to start changing the way you think about money. Your thoughts shape your reality. If you identify with being financially unstable, you’ll act that way. Here are some ways to change your mindset.

Here are six ways to start changing your perspective.

  1. Identify Your Long-term Goals

You may have a budget and are managing your finances fine. But what about your long-term goals? What are your hopes and dreams? What do you want your relationship with money to look like? It might be having a savings balance equal to six months of living expenses or feeling confident about retirement. But what are some other goals? Do you want to buy a house, save for a dream vacation or do some renovations? Write them down.

Thinking big picture is less stressful because it focuses on where you’re headed, rather than where you are today. When you have clear direction, your finances become a tool to help you reach your goals instead of a daily source of anxiety.

Keep your goals visible by adding them to your phone screensaver where you’ll see them daily.

  1. Start With One Simple Step

Choose one specific action you can take this week to move you closer toward a goal. For example, you might:

  • List all your debt balances to know exactly where you stand.
  • Set up automatic transfers each month to a savings account to build your emergency fund.
  • Explore interest rates to earn more on a savings account.
  • Order free copies of your credit reports and dispute any errors to improve your credit health.

Select something manageable you can complete without much effort. Success builds momentum, and that first small win could give you the boost you need to keep going.

  1. Focus on What You Can Control

Financial anxiety often comes from dwelling on things you can’t change, such as market crashes or inflation. While these concerns are valid, obsessing over them increases stress without improving your situation. Instead, redirect your energy toward healthy spending habits, timely payments and learning more about money. When you catch yourself feeling nervous about economic news, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can do today to move closer to my goals?”

  1. Learn From Your Mistakes

Everyone makes financial mistakes. Think holiday overspending and missed credit card payments. But there’s no need to let regret hold you back. Lingering self-criticism doesn’t change anything. It only reinforces negative thoughts and feelings. When you make an error, be sure to acknowledge your mistake. Accept what happened and create a plan to avoid a repeat event. Learn from the experience without dwelling on it.

  1. Redefine Your Money Identity

If you think you’re “bad with money,” you’ll often act in ways that keep you stuck. Try changing your beliefs by telling yourself, “I’m learning to handle money well.” or “I make smart choices with my money.” Repeat these phrases daily to remind yourself of who you want to become. Over time, your actions will start matching this new belief. Each good choice you make today proves you’re becoming someone who manages money with confidence.

  1. Track Your Progress

Many people focus on what’s wrong with their money while ignoring what’s going right. This creates a twisted view that fuels worry. Make it a habit to notice your money wins, no matter how small. Did you spend less than expected on groceries this week? Celebrate it. Did you increase contributions to your employer’s 401(k) plan? That’s progress worth noting. Keep a journal where you write down positive money moments. Over time, you’ll see proof that you’re more capable than you think.

Holding on to money worries can be costly for your emotional and financial well-being. Instead, turn concern into purposeful planning. When you feel in control of your finances, even if it’s not perfect, that confidence will touch every other part of your life.

 

  1. Source: Mind Over Money