Dennis Bridges’ Top 5 Ways to Confront Worries

First, I’d like to put out a little mini-fire that’s been raging on the interwebs a little: No — Federal tax refunds are NOT being delayed until October 15, 2015.

Sometimes, satire is so close to what’s *actually* happened that it takes on a level of “truthiness” that gives it legs. That’s what happened here. An article from a website called “The National Report” (which is a bit like The Onion) posted a headline that refunds were already being delayed. On top of the FACT that filing season has been delayed for the past two years … and that the IRS is being tasked with enforcing some of the mandates within the ACA … well, again, this recent scare seemed like part of the general trend.

But hear me clearly: If something like this were to ACTUALLY occur, I will let you knowdirectly.

Now … speaking of scares.

If you’re at all like me, you take a look at the recent (non-satire) news pages online, and on the covers of newspapers and magazines … and a niggling sense of anxiety begins to creep in.

The world certainly seems to be fraying at the edges a bit these days.

So with it, I recommend vigilance — and a sense of humor.

And, of course, all of this is wrapped up in how we think about our finances. The world economy certainly plays a part in interest rates, currency valuations, and a host of other factors that affect how truly “well off” we might be.

But when it comes to those finances, I’ve found that there really is an antidote to worry.

Dennis Bridges’ Top 5 Ways to Confront Worries
“Fresh activity is the only means of overcoming adversity.” -Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

With all of the news about disasters, outbreaks and spiraling federal debt, it’s natural that Americans are taking a hard look at their own situation, and it sometimes leads to worry — even for those who are relatively secure.

Interestingly, my clients who have MORE cash in the bank often worry more. Funny, right? But it’s normal human nature….

You see, under all guidelines and measures, my finances are very solid. I’ve got a thriving firm which is more secure than most people’s jobs. I work with numbers and am very good at taming balance sheets.

Yet, I still sometimes worry about money.

After a lengthy time of thinking, discussion and some more thoughts into the matter, below are a few takeaways I’ve settled on which can help us ALL reduce our worries over money.

1. Realize That It’s Exaggerated – Worry is a funny feeling; it seems to exaggerate any problem. While there are certainly many people who actually run out of money, those are usually not the people that tend to worry.

2. Spend The Same Time Making Money Instead – If you are going to spend time worrying about money, why not use that time and get a side job instead? Maybe start a website (or two, or three). I know it’s easier said than done, but the more you work at it, the easier it gets.

3. Develop Your Confidence – Part of the reason why we worry about money is because of the lack of confidence in our own abilities to earn an income. How can we boost our confidence you ask? Confidence comes from success, and success starts from taking action. So try a few low-risk entrepreneurial ventures. If they bomb, see it as a laboratory: learn from it and try again.

But never (never) allow it to touch your identity as a person.

4. Consider Your Workplace – One’s workplace plays a big role in worry. Are your colleagues encouraging? Is your boss supportive? If not, then do something about it. Don’t get into the thinking of “I can’t find another job.” Yes, you can — especially if you HAVE a job right now. If you got this job, you can get another one.

5. Recognize That Worrying Can Actually Be Good – A little, measured worrying is actually healthy for us. It’s what drives us to be better. It’s what turns our energy switch to the “On” position. The right way to deal with it is to channel it into your work ethic, and your desire to be better.

How Do You Deal with It?

Of course, what I listed above is just the tip of the iceberg. How do you deal with worrying about the lack of money? Or do you? What has worked for you? I’d be interested to hear…

Warmly,

Dennis Bridges
(770) 984-8008
E. Dennis Bridges, CPA