Financial Self-Care
We often hear about self-care in the form of face masks, $7 oat milk lattes, or “treating yourself”, and while those things can be part of a healthy routine, they’re often confused with what I call financial self-care. If you're a college student navigating classes, work, debt, and pressure from every direction, it's easy to fall for myths that can quietly sabotage your long-term wellness. Let’s break some of them down.
Myth #1: “Getting a massage or nails done every month or buying the new shoes is self-care.”
It can be! But only if it’s within your financial means. If you’re skipping rent or running up credit card debt to keep up with monthly “treats,” it’s no longer care, it’s stress disguised as relaxation. Learn to practice JOMO (joy of missing out), and say no to things, even events, that don’t align with your financial well-being. Real self-care means caring for your future self as much as your present one.
Myth #2: “Checking my bank account gives me anxiety, so I avoid it.”
Avoiding your bank balance might reduce anxiety in the moment, but it feeds it long term. Financial avoidance can lead to overdraft fees, missed payments, and mounting stress. Facing your finances can feel uncomfortable at first, but it's actually one of the most empowering steps you can take toward peace of mind.
Myth #3: “Budgeting is restrictive and stressful.”
A budget isn’t a punishment, it’s a tool. Think of it like a map. It doesn’t tell you what to do with your money; it helps you get where you want to go. A good budget gives you freedom and clarity, not guilt. Even a super simple budget (like tracking your spending for a week) can make a huge difference.
Myth #4: “I’m in college, I don’t need to think about money yet.”
This one’s common. But financial self-care starts now, even if you don’t have much. Learning to manage small amounts of money builds habits that will help when you’re dealing with larger paychecks (and bigger bills) down the line. Financial literacy is a form of emotional resilience.
Myth #5: “As long as I’m paying my bills, I’m doing fine.”
Paying bills is important, but it’s not the whole picture. Are you saving anything, even a few dollars a month? Do you understand your student loans or interest rates? Are you spending on things that actually reflect your values? Financial wellness isn’t just survival, it’s about feeling secure, informed, and in control.
So what does financial self-care really look like?
Checking your account regularly, even if it’s scary at first
Saying “no” when spending doesn’t align with your goals
Talking openly about money with safe people
Making a budget that fits your life, not someone else’s Instagram
Asking for help, there’s no shame in not knowing
Taking care of your finances is taking care of your mental health. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out below to learn more.
