Money Anxiety Is Real

One of the harsh realities for many South Africans is that money anxiety does not just rear its ugly head in January — it lasts throughout the year. Here’s how to manage it...

- Yolisa Qunta

Unless you are born into a wealthy family or happen to win the lottery, you will most likely worry about money at some point in your life. Keeping afloat financially is a responsible, and perfectly normal concern. But, in certain instances, it crosses over to a real worry. This then manifests itself in a number of ways that add up to various symptoms, presenting as a disorder. In a 2012 report submitted to the American Psychological Association, Dr. Brendan Burchell and Dr. Gilla Shapiro defined money anxiety as “an uneasy and unhealthy attitude toward engaging with, and administering, personal finances in an effective way”. Having said that, there is no exact test to diagnose it, so a therapist will have to do more probing for a diagnosis.

Dr. Brad Klontz, a financial psychologist and Associate Professor of Practice in financial psychology and behavioural finance at Creighton University, says money anxiety can also be described as persistent patterns of self-destructive and self-limiting financial behaviours. These are a result of distorted beliefs about money, that were developed from financial flashpoint experiences or distressing and dramatic life events associated with money. They are so emotionally powerful that they leave a lasting imprint. Additionally, many of these experiences stem from childhood, and persist well into adulthood.

TYPICAL MONEY STRESS OR FINANCIAL ANXIETY?