3 Tips to help turn Blue Monday into Blue Skies

Today is ‘Blue Monday’, a day commonly considered to be the most depressing of the year. With the Christmas festivities over (leaving higher than usual credit card statements in their wake) and winter still in full swing, it’s no wonder the 3^rd Monday in January has a negative reputation.

It doesn’t have to be a day for doom and gloom though as our 3 tips below should help to make the day more manageable.

1. Reach out

We can often find it difficult to discuss challenging topics, especially those related to finances. But shouldering the financial burden alone is more of a stressor than a solution. If you are worried about money, it’s crucial to remember that you are not alone – help is available to you.

Cultivating a financial support network allows you to share ideas and talk about money worries with others. This network can comprise of friends, family, or professional financial services.

If debt is a concern, consider reaching out to a debt-management agency for support. Charities such as StepChange and Citizens Advice offer an invaluable service for free. Once your financial situation stabilises, it’s a good idea to focus on building an emergency fund which will give you future peace of mind.

Depending on your circumstances, speaking to a financial planner may be the best option. A qualified financial planner can offer tailored advice and work with you to find the most suitable solutions for your specific circumstances.

2. Create a Budget

There are a variety of budget planners and tools available online to help you stay on top of your finances. A budget helps to illustrate where your money is being spent and offers you the chance to see where you may be able to cut-back or switch to a better rate.

3. Don’t Forget Self-Care

When we are worried and stressed it can often feel like there is no room or time to focus on ourselves. It’s important to leave space for things that can take your mind off your worries and give you a much-deserved boost. Whether this takes the form of a day-out, a nice meal, a catch-up with a friend, or anything else.

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