Managing Financial Stress
Presented by:
Robin Huskey, LCSW, CEAP, Manager of
Education and Outreach, FSAP
www.fsap.emory.edu
(404) 727-WELL
Financial Stress
Impact of Financial Stress
Physical
Emotions
FamilyJob
Objectives
• To learn the FOCUS model: strategies for managing financial stress more effectively
• To identify resources for support
Strategies for Managing Financial Stress
Manage the Stress …
or the stress will manage you.
Strategies for Managing Financial Stress
• Face your fears• Observe yourself• Create opportunities• Utilize resources • Share your action plan
Face Your Fears
• Recognize and normalize your emotions
• Accept uncertainty and change
• Monitor the fight-flight response
• Communicate your concerns
• Write down your challenges
Observe Yourself
• Challenge your negative thinking
• Practice positive behaviors
• Minimize media exposure
• Keep life in perspective
• Stay in the moment
Create Opportunities: Self Care
• Maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits
• Exercise regularly
• Practice relaxation, meditation, prayer, and positive affirmations
• Enhance your organizational and professional skills
• Make time to play – play is a state of mind!
Create Opportunities: Financial Care
• Budget, budget, budget
• Eat out less – pack a lunch; make dinner and take leftovers
• Offer handmade gifts, personalized coupons, e-cards
• Plan free or inexpensive family activities and vacations
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-bargain-hunter/
Utilize Resources
• “Sparkfly” Discount Programhttps://emory.sparkfly.com/
• Fitness facility discountswww.fsap.emory.edu/health/fitnesscenters
• The WorkLife Resource Center www.worklife.emory.edu
• Emory & the Economy FAQ’s www.emory.edu/home/news/special/emory-and-the-economy/index.html
Utilize Resources • Emory Alliance Credit Union –
Member Express Emergency Loan http://www.emoryfcu.com/loans-consumer.html
• Emory Hardship Fund http://www.emory.edu/hardshipfund
• Zero-Tier or low cost medicationshttp://www.hr.emory.edu/eu/benefits/healthanddental/prescriptiondrugs/index.html
• Free or subsidized alternative transportation services http://www.epcs.emory.edu/alttransp/index.html
Utilize Resources
• FSAP - counseling and coaching
• Workshops - financial education, stress management
• Community resources
• Online budgeting tools –(www.mint.com, www.cccsatlanta.org)
• Family, friends, colleagues, advisors
Share Your Plan
• Put your FOCUS plan in writing and make copies!
• Communicate your plan to others
• Ask others to help hold you accountable
FOCUS !
Face your fears
Observe yourself
Create opportunities
Utilize resources
Share your action plan
Start Your FOCUS Plan Today
• Focus Plan goals
• Potential Barriers to success
• Strategies to overcome barriers
• One strategy you plan to start today
Questions