Money Problems & Family Stress: 6 Steps To Get Fianaces Under Control
2008 December 21 by: ScottA November 2007 survey called “Stress in America” found 73 percent of those asked said money was a stressor, compared with just 59 percent in 2006. And in the Midwest, nearly half of the respondents said paying the rent or the mortgage was a significant stressor. 54 percent said they’d had at least one argument in the past month with someone close to them, most often a spouse or partner.
Family Stress Due To Money Problems
The following are tips to reduce family stress due to the “poor economy:”
- Create monthly a budget: List all your bills and spending for groceries and other items including heat, gas for car(s), insurance and house mortgage. List everything your spend money on. Once you’ve completed the list, write down your family income. Take your income minus your spending. If your spend exceeds your income. Begin to list the items that you spend money that you do not need. For example: many people have reduced or cut eating out of their budget. Other do not rent movies any longer. Make a grocery list and stick to the list. Avoid impulsive shopping.
- Reduce Credit Card Debt: Always make you credit card payment on time. Try to pay more then the required amount shown on the bill.
- Save Money: That right…you may think time are tough now. Strive to save money in a bank account for a time that may become even more stressful. You will be happy that you did!
- Are you a smoker? It’s a great time to quit. If you can quit…cut way back.
- Eat in not out: This needs to be a family plan. Cook meals at home and eat together as a family. This mealtime will bring your family closer together. Who knows, you may lose weight and become healthier. This will reduce stress too!
- Family Fun At Home: Instead of going to the movies and other entertainment places, stay home and play family games. Play cards. There are many card games listed online.
