Stressed About Money? USF Credit Union’s New Puppet Show Has Tips

Today, our not-so-typical USF Credit Union financial wellness series is back - and our fun-loving puppets are tackling something that can put a serious dent in your peace of mind:  Financial stress.

Bills. Credit cards. Monthly expenses. And all those little purchases that somehow add up to a very big number.

So, who better to ask for a few tips than our very own chief operating officer, Richard Sellwood?

Start With the Want-to-Haves

Richard’s first tip for reducing financial stress is to take a closer look at the things you want versus the things you actually need.

That doesn't mean you have to eliminate everything you enjoy.

If you can comfortably afford a few want-to-haves, go for it. But Richard recommends keeping those extras relatively limited.

Think about the purchases that can quietly add up - eating out, subscriptions, impulse buys, coffee runs or whatever your personal financial weakness happens to be.

Simplify Your Finances

Richard also recommends looking for opportunities to consolidate.

Because financial stress isn't always about how much you're spending. Sometimes, it's simply about having too much to keep track of.

• Multiple accounts.
• Multiple credit cards.
• Bills coming from different places.
• Different due dates.

If you can consolidate some of those accounts or simplify your financial setup, it may make it easier to see where your money is going - and stay on top of it.

Your Financial Health Matters

There's a bigger reason to pay attention to all of this.

Richard points to an important connection between financial health and physical health.

When you're constantly worried about money, that stress can follow you everywhere. That's why financial wellness is such an important initiative at USF Credit Union.

Taking control of your finances isn't just about having the right numbers in the right accounts. It's about creating a financial life that feels more manageable - and less stressful.

Small Changes Add Up!

A few small changes can make your financial life feel a whole lot more manageable.

And if you need a little help along the way, we're here for that, too.  Because financial wellness doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes, it just starts with taking a closer look - and taking a little stress off your plate.

For more financial wellness resources, tools and tips from USF Credit Union , visit us online.