Personal Issues of Stress
Bills seem to cause many people stress even is that person is wealthy because it forces you to pay for something that is possibly needed and not something you want to pay for. I find that bills can increase more stress if you do not have a financial solution to that stress. I am thinking about speaking to a financial advisor.
Some bills, not all, can be reduced, if not eliminated, however. This takes some time and effort, but it is well worth it.
My family and I switched from a garbage collection/disposal service that charged $143 per month to one that charges $87 every six months after shopping around for a different provider. Our old service charged a lot of money, and pickups were irregular during the holiday season. We are very happy with our new service.
On groceries, we have decided to eat more fresh produce and to avoid making large meat and dairy purchases. It is unfortunate because I love chicken, cheese, and ice cream, but it is cheaper and definitely healthier. I also avoid eating out as much as I did in college because I can save that money for my new emergency fund.
For my long commutes to work, the cash back I earn on my credit card helps me save money at the gas pump. Also, cable and land lines are not services I need as I find the internet and my smartphone to be quite versatile alternatives.
Upon some reflection, we can certainly find ways to reduce the stress bills cause in our lives.
I completely agree with you. Personal life is full of stressors that must be managed accordingly. People with effecient coping mechanisms are able to reduce stress to a healthy, manageable level.
Damaso, Great overview of what you learned in this module. Thanks for that. Yes, the knowing the difference between healthy and not healthy coping mechanisms is key, yet so many instructors struggle here. If you ever struggle with this, I recommend asking yourself about both what you gain and what you lose with the use of each coping mechanism.
Dr. Melissa Read
Yes, stress is sure a part of our life, our society today. But as the lesson indicates we have to make a list as to the stressors that we can Eliminate, Reduce, or the the ones that we need to Cope with. The other point is being able to identify the differences between those that we can elimanate altogether and those that can just be reduced. And of coarse the ones we need to cope with, we have to be extra careful so we do it in a healthy manner. Again we need to know the difference between healthy and not so healthy; we can fall in the trap, thinking that what we are doing is going to benefit coping with our level of stress when in reality it may not.
Great idea. Financial Planners initially help one to streamline one's life and achieve financial goals. However you may need to review your goals yearly and update the planner for major life/financial changes. This is one way of easing some stress in your life.
This is true Harold. Sometimes tasks get stressful when they're overdue and when we let things accumulate. It's important to stay on top of urgent things, like paying bills, so we can enjoy the benefits of doing so longer term.
Yes, financial problems can put unwanted stress on any relationship Chris. Marriages are certainly one of them. You also make an important point about the cumulative nature of stress. If we don't deal with it in the shorter term, it can come back to get us longer term.
Bills are just one of a hundred other items that cause stress. Bills become stressful to me only when I have overspent and now I have to deal with lack of funds because of it.
It is a good example of stress, because normally you cant just get rid of that bill/stress, you have to monthly work at it until it is paid off. As you pay it off you can teach yourself how to control spending.
Financial problems I have heard is the leading cause of divorce, this stress in your life can lead to longterm health problems.
Thanks for sharing Sarah. Sounds like a tough situation. Yes, there are some things in life that we simply can't compromise on. In those situations, we know what we have to do - no matter the cost.
I agree some what with you. I know that bills have become a large area of stress for my family. We have already taken steps to limit the "things" we buy. We have a large amount of bills from hospitals in regard to our child who was born with health problems. We didn't really have a choice with these bills. It was do this or our child may not live.
that would be a good way to help with the stress and maybe a account to help with paying your bills as well.
That sounds really tough Antonio. Sounds like you are balancing a lot right now. Many instructors find themselves in a similar situation. Sometimes sharing what you're going through with others like you can help.
In general stress is caused by our every day life , bills to pay getting the kids to school , having a loved one with health problems , all that may affect our own performance at work and place additional stress
I don't think the issue is bills that causes stress, to be honest. The amount and number of bills equates to how well a person can take care of those around them.
It's a matter of personal pride to shop at one store instead of another... to buy steak instead of hamburger. But... with the financial situation the entire world is in, people have to change their outlook on what they buy, which personally impacts how they may feel they take care of their family and loved ones.
Bills will always be there, regardless of the situation, and if they become deliquent they do. However, having those around us suffer for the bills not being paid is an entirely different and uncomfortable aspect that is becoming more prominent in everyone's life.
It may be difficult, but it might be time to downgrade the cable, cancel the gym, and stop buying almond milk. It's all a matter of persepctive.
Financial advisers can be very helpful Desharla. Go ahead and give that a try if it's not too expensive to meet with them. Sometimes it's better when we rely on our experts.
