Dear Jacquie
I am fast running out of money I work on Adhoc basis and some months are good some are not. This month has been bad owing to the school holidays.The talks of the cost of living crisis make my blood run cold. I am worried about it to the extent I wake up at night. Other people rely on savings it appears but i don’t have any.My landlord has indicated that he will have to put my rent up owing to his bills going up. I am looking for savings everywhere and it is stressful.I don’t let anyone know what’s going on all my friends think I am ok.I fear being asked out and have a list of excuses just in case.How can i calm down my mind is going mad with worryJohn
Thank you for your question.
First I want to say I hear you.
Many people are in the same situation as you but stay quiet so thank you for asking this question on the behalf of many at this time. First, you have to allow yourself to breathe.
Time to evaluate where you are now. Second, turn off the news or limit yourself to what you listen to or read. It is very general and it does not apply to everyone.
You made it through covid, you will make it through this. Third, you have to get realistic with your situation. Get a piece of paper or make up a spreadsheet of all your current bills and money that you owe.
Write it all out somewhere. You have to get some clarity.
This may feel scary at first.
In some cases, it might not be as bad as your thoughts spinning around in your head.
Make a list of your priority bills. Rent, House Bills, Food. Make sure you can pay for these. Know you will have a roof over your head and food in your belly. Be grateful and be grateful for your own health.
If you can’t pay these then you need to ask for support. Do not deal with it on your own. This is where friends and family can be there to help.
Question for you.
If it was your friend or family member that was in your situation and you could help them but they did not ask as too embarrassed, how would you feel?
They are your friends and family for a reason. If they are not in the situation to help financially at least let them help you emotionally.
After you have your priority list, next look at what you owe.
See if you can set up a payment plan to pay it back.
There are companies out there to help you with this. Do some research. They have been trained to help you at this time. Do not be embarrassed to ask, that is what the company is there for.
Next look at your career, Your skills, your pay, and your wages.
Are you getting paid your worth?
Could you look for another job where you can pay more?
Do you have time to get a second job just until you can get back on your feet?
If you are busy, it will stop you from overthinking the worst-case scenario.
This is a moment in time that feels tough but it will not be like it forever.
I hope that helps.
Jacquie
