Busey Bank | Money & Stress: Easy Ways to Reduce Financial Anxiety

Money is one of the most common sources of stress today. In fact, 65% of Americans say money is their top source of stress, and 41% report that financial worries have seriously impacted their mental health. The good news? You can reduce financial anxiety by creating systems that bring clarity, predictability and control.

We’ve put together a quick list of how and where you can get started when it comes to financial anxiety.

Tracking Your Spending
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Tracking your spending helps you understand where your money goes and make informed adjustments.

• Start small—use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet.
• Categorize expenses into essentials and discretionary items.
• Review your progress weekly or monthly.

It may feel tedious at first, but knowing your numbers reduces uncertainty and gives you a sense of control as you work on those items raising concerns.

Autopay
Automation removes the mental load of remembering due dates and ensures bills are paid on time.

• Set up auto-pay for recurring expenses like rent, utilities, credit cards and insurance.
• Automate savings by scheduling transfers right after payday. Even small amounts add up—$50 per paycheck equals $1,300 per year, and if invested, compound interest can turn that into something much bigger.

Automation gives you peace of mind and helps you stay consistent without constant effort. Setting up contributions through an employer sponsored retirement plan like a 401(k) is a simple and easy way to automate savings and get you a step closer to your future goals.

Emergency Fund
An emergency fund acts as a financial safety net for unexpected expenses like car repairs or medical bills.

• Aim to save three to six months of living expenses over time.
• Keep this money in a separate savings account to avoid temptation.

Having quick access to cash helps you avoid loans, credit card debt or dipping into investments—reducing stress when life throws you curveballs. If you experience an unexpected job loss, an emergency fund helps cover essential expenses and stay afloat while you search for your next opportunity.

Simplify
Too many accounts create confusion and increase the risk of missed payments. Simplify where possible:

• Use one checking account for bills, one savings account for goals and one credit card for everyday spending.
• Schedule a weekly or monthly review of your spending and savings to stay proactive.

Reducing financial anxiety isn’t just about numbers, it’s about mindset. Setting big picture goals gives your money purpose and shifts your focus from fear to progress. Small steps compound over time—so focus on progress, not perfection.

Final Thoughts
Stress and anxiety stemming from personal finances is real, but it does not have to control your life. By tracking spending, automating bills and savings, building an emergency fund and simplifying your financial systems, you can create clarity and confidence when it comes to your long- and short-term goals.

By taking even one small step forward today, it brings you that much closer to freedom from personal finance stressors.

The experienced team at Busey Wealth Management is here to help you create a financial strategy that works for you today and for the years to come. To learn more, visit busey.com/wealth-management.

This is not intended to provide legal, tax or accounting advice. Any statement contained in this communication concerning U.S. tax matters is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties imposed on the relevant taxpayer. Clients should obtain their own independent tax advice based on their particular circumstances.

This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities.

This presentation is for general information purposes only. It does not take into account the particular investment objectives, restrictions, tax and financial situation or other needs of any specific client.