How to Resolve Your Money Anxiety (So You Can Make Clear, Confident Financial Decisions)
Hi friend,
If you’ve ever felt that tight, panicky feeling in your chest when it comes to money—you are not alone.
I’m Tereasa Carter, owner of Red Oak Bookkeeping, where I provide supportive, grounded bookkeeping and advisory services for business owners who want peace of mind with their numbers.
I’ve seen first hand many successful, capable business owners quietly carry money anxiety. The good news? You can learn how to manage that anxiety and take back control, so you can run your business (and your life!) from a place of clarity, not fear.
Let’s dig in...
1. Understand Where the Anxiety Comes From
Anxiety is your body’s built-in alarm system. It’s designed to protect you from danger—even when the “danger” is just your monthly credit card statement.
The first step toward resolving money anxiety is simply naming what’s triggering it.
Ask yourself:
“What specifically makes my heart race when I think about money?”
Is it opening bills? Logging into QuickBooks? Thinking about retirement?
Once you identify it, call it out. Naming it takes away its power.
Think of it like this—my daughter was recently scared of some loud winds outside. But once I explained it was just the wind blowing through the trees, she instantly felt better. Why? Because she understood it. She knew it wasn’t something to be afraid of.
The same goes for your finances.
2. Challenge Your Money Narrative
Money anxiety often starts with a small thought and snowballs from there.
“I’m embarrassed to ask for help with my books.”
Can quickly become:
“I’m terrible at money. Why bother?”
Pause and challenge that spiral. Ask yourself:
Is this thought helpful?
Is it actually true?
Try shifting your mindset:
“Even though I feel a little silly asking, I deserve to understand my finances—and I’m not the only one with questions.”
Then, play out the “worst-case scenario” if needed. Ask yourself:
“Okay, then what would happen?”
Follow it through step by step. You’ll usually realize that while the situation might be uncomfortable, it’s not catastrophic—and you can handle it.
3. Learn About Your Money (Bit by Bit)
You don’t need to become a financial expert overnight. But giving yourself small, consistent learning moments builds confidence and quiets anxiety.
Try this:
Learn about retirement one month
Listen to a podcast on emergency funds the next
Read a few chapters of a finance book the month after that
Also, set aside intentional time to review your numbers—start with 30 minutes a week. As your confidence grows, you might only need 45 minutes a month. Having that regular check-in gives your brain proof that you’re handling it, which calms anxiety before it spirals.
Bonus: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Sometimes the best way to reduce anxiety is to ask for help.
If managing your business finances is causing stress, it might be time to bring in support. A bookkeeper, accountant, or financial advisor can help you read the story your numbers are telling you—so you can make smart decisions without second-guessing yourself.
If you don’t currently have someone in your corner for this, I’d love to help. You can reach out anytime or drop a “tell me more” in the comments—we’ll figure out what’s right for you and your business.
Money anxiety is way more common than you think—and we don’t have to face it alone.
Rooting for you,
Tereasa
