Site Archives financial fear

Controlling Worry


We all worry about our finances to some degree. Even if everything seems to be going great in your financial world, uncertainties over world events, “fiscal cliffs,” and issues like healthcare and retirement can make you worry. If you have other stressors like an uncertain job or no emergency fund, your worry meter can go [...]

Dealing With Financial Fear


Years ago when I was first thinking about self-employment, one thing scared me above all others. Taxes. It sounds silly, but I was terrified of screwing it all up and ending up in jail. Estimated taxes, quarterly payments, and self-employment deductions freaked me out so badly that it almost seemed better to stay employed with [...]

8 Ways to Get Over the Fear of Screwing Up


Many of us are afraid to make financial decisions. There is so much we don’t know and so much that (we think) can go wrong. What if we invest in the wrong mutual fund and we lose everything? What if we don’t get the best insurance policy out there? What if we try to start [...]

When the Poverty Mindset Threatens Family and Fun


Here’s a case study to think about: A member of my family has large retirement funds and savings accounts, a good income, no mortgage, and no other debt. She does not buy the top of the line in anything and is as frugal as they come. She buys very little that isn’t necessary and gets [...]