There’s no denying the fact that money stresses us all out.  

Whether it’s bills piling up or unexpected expenses, it’s easy to feel like you will never get ahead. 

As an accountant and financial advisor, I’m often seen as someone who has it all together when it comes to money. But the truth is, even I have moments where I feel the stress of money weighing me down. 

My twenties were a period where I was trying to find my money mojo and where I made most of my mistakes. As they say, you learn more from your mistakes than your success and boy, did I make some mistakes. 

I get it, taking control of your money can be an overwhelming task, and it’s easy to feel broken and frustrated when things don’t go according to plan.  

However, it’s important to keep in mind that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.  

So, instead of giving up when things don’t go your way, it’s important to look at what you could handle better next time and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve.  

By analysing what went wrong and what you could have done differently, you’ll be better equipped to handle similar situations in the future.  

Remember, taking control of your money is a journey, not a destination. With persistence and a willingness to learn from your mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to financial freedom and security. 

So here are the four steps I took to remove money stress from my life. 

Number 1 – Mindset 

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a financial rut?  

No matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get ahead?  

The truth is, when it comes to money, our mindset matters just as much as our budgeting skills. In fact, our mindset is often the starting point for taking control of our finances.  

Our mindset IS incredibly powerful. 

It can alter how we perceive situations, shape our decisions, and determine our level of success in life. When it comes to money, having a positive and proactive mindset is the key to taking control of your finances.  

By viewing money as a tool to achieve your goals and aspirations, rather than an obstacle to overcome, you can start to make better choices with your finances.  

When we believe that we are capable of building wealth, we are more likely to take the necessary steps to make it a reality. On the other hand, if we feel defeated and powerless, we may find ourselves giving up before we even begin.  

So, if you’re ready to take control of your money, start by taking control of your mind.  

Adopting a growth mindset, where you believe that you can learn and improve in your financial decisions, can also help you overcome any past mistakes.  

Believe that you have what it takes to build a bright financial future. The rest will fall into place. 

So why not choose to embrace a positive mindset today and take control of your money?  

Your financial goals are within your reach, with the right mindset to guide you along the way. 

Number 2 –  Know your numbers 

Understanding your numbers when it comes to your money is crucial to your financial stability and growth.  

Knowing your budget isn’t enough, you also need to have a clear understanding of how much you’re spending, when you’re spending it, and how much money you need to be bringing in, in order to maintain your lifestyle.  

Knowing your numbers helps in gaining clarity and control. 

How much did I spend on coffee last month?  

Do I know the total amount of my monthly bills?  

Surprisingly, many don’t know those answers.  

Tracking spending isn’t about nitpicking every cent you have, but about having a clear picture of where your money goes.  

This clarity allows you to exercise control over impulse spending and channel funds where they make the most difference. 

Knowing how much you need to make to sustain your lifestyle is crucial.  

By understanding your numbers, you can determine if your income aligns with your financial goals. Whether it’s saving for a house, planning a holiday, or ensuring a comfortable retirement, the precise knowledge of your numbers sets the stage for actionable, achievable goals. 

Knowing the amount of debt you carry, its interest rates, and repayment timelines is the first step in forming a plan to eradicate it. With this knowledge, you can prioritise high-interest debts, explore refinancing options, or adopt strategies like the snowball or avalanche methods to become debt-free. 

By getting a grasp on your numbers now, you’re setting yourself up for financial success and stability in the long run. 

Number 3 – Make a plan 

It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the thought of managing your money, but there’s good news, planning can help you take control. When you set goals and create a plan, you give yourself direction and a sense of purpose.  

Goals give us focus, purpose, and clarity.  

By identifying what you want and what you need, you can create a roadmap to financial success.  

Additionally, when we set goals, we are better at prioritising what matters most, rather than getting sidetracked by instant gratification or unnecessary expenses.  

It’s like having a compass when we’re lost. Setting financial goals helps us create a plan of action.  

Instead of aimlessly hoping things will fall into place, we can actively take steps towards our objectives. With a clear understanding of our financial goals and strategies, we can take control of our money, and in turn, reduce the stress and overwhelm it may bring about.  

Planning can alleviate the anxiety that comes with not knowing where your money is going.  

Planning helps you make better decisions about how to allocate your money, which ultimately leads to financial freedom.  

You’ll find that dedicating some time to plan your finances can save you from headaches down the line.  

It can be tough to confront the reality of your financial situation, but making a plan and taking steps towards achieving your goals can be empowering.  

Plan for the unexpected, as life is full of unforeseen events.  

Be it a medical emergency, car repairs, or sudden job loss, these events can derail your financial stability.  

By creating a plan and understanding your numbers, you can determine how much you need in an emergency fund to weather those unexpected financial storms without plunging into debt. 

But planning is not just about spending and saving your money.  

Knowing the amount of debt you carry, the interest rates, and repayment timelines is the first step in forming a plan to eradicate it. With this knowledge, you can prioritise high-interest debts, explore refinancing options, or adopt strategies like the snowball or avalanche methods to become debt-free. 

As you progress and see your goals come to fruition, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and security. So, don’t let fear and uncertainty hold you back from taking control of your finances.  

Start planning today and see how far your hard-earned money can take you. 

Number 4 – Make peace with yourself 

Money mistakes are a common part of life.  

We’ve all made them at some point, whether it’s going over budget, taking out loans we can’t afford, or making impulsive purchases that we later regret.  

No matter how big or small the mistake, it’s important to make peace with your past financial missteps.  

Dwelling on them only leads to feelings of regret, guilt, and shame, which can hinder your ability to make better financial decisions in the future.  

Instead, use your past mistakes as a learning opportunity, a chance to reflect on what went wrong and how you can avoid making the same mistakes again.  

Embrace the lessons you’ve learned and take steps to develop healthy financial habits.  

Remember that no one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. The key is to learn from them and move forward.  

Making peace with your past financial mistakes isn’t just good for your mental well-being, it can also have a positive impact on your financial future.  

By embracing the lessons of your past, you can set yourself up for greater financial success in the future, one that you can feel proud of.  

So, take a deep breath, let go of the past, and move forward with confidence.  

Taking control of your finances can be a game changer.  

Imagine a life free from constant worry about money, with the ability to save for your next holiday or splurge guilt-free on a night out.  

It’s not just a pipe dream, by mastering these few key financial skills, you can make it a reality.  

And the best part, It’s never too late to start. 

Your financial future starts today.