Overcoming Money Anxiety: What It Is, Why It Happens, and 5 Ways to Feel More in Control

Money anxiety is real — and more common than you think.

If you’ve ever avoided checking your bank balance, felt a wave of guilt after spending, or panicked about your financial future, you’re not alone. For many women, money doesn’t feel empowering — it feels overwhelming, confusing, or even scary.

According to HSBC, 69% of women in the UK don’t feel confident about investing. One in four say they simply don’t know enough to start. But this isn’t just about investing — it’s about how money makes us feel. And the truth is, most of us were never taught how to manage those emotions.

In this article, we’ll explore what money anxiety really is, where it comes from, and five simple steps to start feeling more in control of your finances.

What Is Money Anxiety?

Money anxiety is the stress, fear or unease that shows up when you think about your finances. It might hit when bills are due, when you think about the future, or even when someone brings up money in conversation. It’s not always tied to how much you earn or save — even people who are doing “well” on paper can experience it.

In many ways, this anxiety is logical. In our world, money often equals safety, access, and autonomy. So when we feel financially insecure, it can trigger deep emotional responses — fear, guilt, shame, or even avoidance.

Common Signs of Money Anxiety

You might not call it anxiety, but if any of these sound familiar, you might be feeling the effects:

• Avoiding your bank account after a weekend of spending.

• Putting off financial tasks like budgeting or setting up savings.

• Feeling guilty every time you spend, even on essentials.

• Constantly worrying about the future, even when your finances are stable.

• Arguing with your partner or avoiding money conversations altogether.

Why Do So Many Women Feel Financial Stress?

There’s no single cause of money anxiety, but for many women, it’s a mix of:

• Financial trauma or instability growing up.

• Lack of education or transparency about money.

• Social conditioning to be cautious, not take risks, or wait until we’re “ready”.

• Systemic barriers to building wealth, from the gender pay gap to the cost of childcare.

We’re told to save, but not taught how to invest. We’re encouraged to budget, but rarely shown how to feel confident doing it.

How to Overcome Money Anxiety  

You don’t need to fix everything overnight. Managing money anxiety is about taking small, intentional steps — and knowing you’re not alone. At Vestpod, we’re here to help you feel more confident, one step at a time.

1. Acknowledge how you feel

Stress, guilt, avoidance — these are real, valid responses to money. Naming them is the first step toward feeling more in control.

2. Understand your money story

Think about how you grew up around money. What were you taught — or not taught — about saving, spending, or success? Your past might be shaping your habits more than you realise.

3. Make space for regular check-ins

We love the idea of a “money date” — even 10 minutes with a cup of tea to look at your finances without judgement. It’s not about fixing everything. Just noticing what’s there.

4. Find resources that speak to you

Whether it’s our Investing Bootcamp, a short podcast episode, or a blog post on setting financial goals — we’ve created tools that make money feel less scary, and more supportive.

5. Reach out when you need support

Money can feel isolating, but you’re not in this alone. Join a community like Vestpod where it’s safe to ask questions and learn without judgement.

Ready to take your first step toward overcoming money anxiety?

👉 Download our free worksheet to help you pause, reflect, and feel more in control of your finances.