Task 3: Getting support while dealing with debt
It is not always easy to ask for support. You may fear that people will judge you or just will not get what you are dealing with and how it affects you.
You could try:
- Friends and family members: Read our guide on talking to loved ones about your debt
- Your GP: If your health is poor due to your money worries, tell them. They can help you manage stress and other conditions
- Your HR team at work: They should give you advice privately. Or maybe they can point you towards other places to get help
- Lots of people like you, who are going through what you are going through. Take a look at the MoneySavingExpert.com ‘Debt Free Wannabe’ forum
Task 4: Take control of other areas in your life
Remember our first email? We said we wanted you to thrive not just survive.
To survive means you:
- Only thinking getting by day to day
- Make just enough to cover your living costs
- Let your stress affect your relationships
- Put off investing in your future
To thrive means you:
- Think of your long term goals and how you can achieve them
- Use the hard lessons you have learned from being in debt to turn into a money expert
- Have healthy relationships
- Grab all the chances that come your way to improve your health, career and general happiness
I want to thrive! What should I do?
We have already looked at ways to boost your income and reduce your living costs. Here are some ways to thrive when it comes to:
Your future goals
Did you know you are more likely to keep to your New Year Resolutions if you write them down? Yes, that is right. Studies have proved this.
If you write your goals down, this becomes a written contract. Not a scary one - this is just between you and your notebook.
Try writing your goals once a week or month. This way you can check how you are doing. This will help make your goals stick in your mind.
Not sure what your goals are?
Well, think ahead to when you have money to spend again. What would you like to spend it on? Maybe you want a holiday. Sorry, need a holiday. Or you might be planning a wedding or wanting to start a family.
Whatever you would like to see in your future, that is your goals. And you can have more than one. It is your future.
Go on, grab a pencil and a piece of paper.
Your health, wellbeing and happiness
You can not put a price on good health. But it can be pricey to join a gym. And as for eating healthy food, you may be stuck for ideas. And do not forget your mental health.
We have some ideas for you. Read our guides to:
Your relationships
If you have had money worries for some time, it is likely there has been some friction with your loved ones. If you are a parent you may worry every time school breaks roll around that you won’t have money or ideas on how to keep your kids entertained. This can be a huge source of stress.
Find out how you can:
Now, it is over to you!
We hope that we have given you lots to think about since you began your 7 Days, 7 Ways journey.
You have achieved so much this week. Please remember it really takes courage to deal with your debt and money worries.
One last time: It is time to thrive, not just survive. Take back control of your financial future.