Financial stress has become a daily nightmare, especially for Generation Z, who this summer feel the pressure of expensive trips and outings. According to a recent Cash App survey, 65% of young people are willing to increase spending on experiences, but the same percentage admits that planning these costly activities makes them anxious. Is it even possible to make a smart saving decision without being completely overwhelmed by stress? Financial therapist Lindsay Bryanpodvin says that complete elimination of stress is unrealistic, but a little controlled stress can actually be helpful — it helps you understand what truly matters and keeps you on track.
The key is identifying your financial priorities. If you want to boost your emergency fund, you might have to skip a few concerts or dinners out this summer. That might mean saying “no” to friends, but it will save you from awkward situations and help you reach your goals. Automating your savings, like setting up automatic transfers to a savings or investment account, reduces the chance of spending that money elsewhere. Also, using high-interest savings accounts can help your money grow faster.
Open conversations about money with friends and family can reduce social stress and bring accountability. However, obsessively checking your savings balance can increase anxiety, so it’s better to set boundaries — for example, checking your balance once a week instead of daily. Lindsay advises that before making any big financial decision, rate your stress level on a scale from 1 to 10. If your stress is too high, pause, take a walk, or write in a journal until you calm down. Only then will you be in a better position to make a wise choice.
So, financial stress isn’t the enemy — it’s a signal of what matters to you. If you’re constantly feeling pressured to invest more, ask yourself — whose expectations are those? Maybe you’re chasing someone else’s standards of success, not your own. Everyone needs to find their own way to handle financial stress and make decisions aligned with their values.
If you’re torn this summer between spending on a trip or saving, maybe it’s time to consider these tips. And if you have your own tricks for dealing with financial stress, feel free to share them in the comments — who knows, your advice might just change someone’s life!