How to handle money stress — in the moment
What to do when the money panic and shame take hold.
Bills, debt, no idea how you'll cover it — and the panic's surging.
— Right now
- Breathe — you can't think straight in panic, and panic makes it look worse than it is.
- Get the real numbers on one page. The unknown is scarier than the figure.
- Ring the free National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007. They do this all day, no judgement.
— Don't
- Don't bury the bills unopened — the dread of not-knowing is worse than knowing.
— Later
- A financial counsellor is free and can talk to creditors for you. Game-changer.
Bills, debt, no idea how you'll cover it — and the panic's surging.
— Right now
- Breathe — you can't think straight in panic, and panic makes it look worse than it is.
- Get the real numbers on one page. The unknown is scarier than the figure.
- Ring the free National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007. They do this all day, no judgement.
— Don't
- Don't bury the bills unopened — the dread of not-knowing is worse than knowing.
— Later
- A financial counsellor is free and can talk to creditors for you. Game-changer.
Money stress: the short version
- 1.Real numbers on one page beats the unknown.
- 2.Free help: National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007.
- 3.Open one bill. Avoiding is the thing eating you.
- 4.Tell your partner the real picture.
- 5.It's fixable. You're not a number. Dark? 13 11 14.
Doing it tough?Call Lifeline 13 11 14