She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Financial Anxiety

Growing up in poverty and foster care, I knew the constant stress of not having enough. As a teenager, I’d scour sale aisles for affordable groceries, and later, I’d sacrifice comfort for the sake of saving money. The anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck haunted me for years, even after I landed a scholarship and student loans to attend college.

The Weight of Uncertainty

Despite my best efforts to budget and plan, unexpected expenses always seemed to lurk around the corner. I recall taking out a loan to cover the costs of renting an apartment, and later, I’d obsess over finding the cheapest deals on everything. My anxiety around money was suffocating, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was one misstep away from financial disaster.

Uncovering the Root of My Fears

As I delved deeper into personal finance, I discovered the concept of money mindsets. I realized that my scarcity mindset was rooted in the trauma of my childhood, and that I was perpetuating my own anxiety. I began to understand that my fear of not having enough was not only holding me back but also affecting my mental health.

Finding Peace and Abundance

It took time, effort, and self-reflection, but I eventually broke free from the shackles of financial anxiety. I built a robust emergency fund, and then a pre-emergency fund, to safeguard against unexpected expenses. I reminded myself that I was no longer the vulnerable 15-year-old struggling to make ends meet. I acknowledged that I had survived every financial setback and that I had systems in place to protect myself from future shocks.

A Newfound Sense of Freedom

When unexpected medical costs hit me last month, I was prepared. I assessed my finances, made adjustments, and reminded myself of my abundance. I realized that I was lucky to have the means to afford the deductible and catch the issue early, saving myself from potential long-term financial and health consequences.

A Mindset Shift

Switching my mindset wasn’t easy, but it has been liberating. I no longer stress over every little purchase or worry about going bankrupt. I choose to spend my money on experiences and things that bring me joy, knowing that I have enough. I take care of my health and well-being, knowing that I have enough. I’ve learned to appreciate my abundance and live a more peaceful, fulfilling life.