Beneath the veneer of success and career progression, many of us experience a persistent undercurrent of anxiety about money that is often left unspoken.

It’s not just budget worries or investment decisions; it’s a deeper, more pervasive unease, a fear of money that can influence our career choices and even impact our overall well-being.

It’s about dealing with the constant worry that there will never be quite enough, or that what you have could vanish, regardless of your current income or assets. 

These fears often have their roots in our formative years, shaped by observing our parents’ financial struggles, experiencing scarcity ourselves, or internalising cultural messages about money that focus more on fear than empowerment.

As we grow older, these early imprints can be reactivated by life’s inevitable curveballs: Examples include a global pandemic, unexpected job loss, rising living costs or mounting financial responsibilities when caring for ageing parents or launching children into adulthood.

Even seemingly positive steps, such as a long-awaited promotion or a significant investment, can trigger anxiety about maintaining newfound wealth or fear of making the ‘wrong’ decision. On top of all this, there is the constant societal pressure to maintain appearances and project an image of effortless success, which only adds to the complexity of this emotional landscape.

The first step is recognising that you might be grappling with money fears. These fears will manifest as behaviours that seem contradictory or irrational, so be on the lookout.

For example, suppose you consistently avoid checking your bank statements, pay bills at the last minute, or put off important financial planning meetings. In that case, it may be because you are afraid of what you might discover. Conversely, suppose you constantly check your account balances, fixate on market fluctuations or endlessly calculate worst-case scenarios, even when your financial situation is stable. In that case, you may be grappling with money fears.

You may also be so afraid of making the wrong move that you are unable to make any financial decisions. This could apply to investing, saving, or even spending on necessary items. If those aren’t obvious red flags, consider that you may be reluctant to talk about money, even with your spouse, business partner, or advisors.

If you recognise these patterns in yourself, you need to address your fears and develop a healthier relationship with your finances.

Educate yourself. Knowledge is a powerful antidote to fear. Take the time to understand the basics of personal finance, such as budgeting, saving, managing debt and simple investment principles. There are plenty of resources available, from reputable financial blogs to workshops and free e-books.