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 vacationshttp://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