Starting college was one of the most exciting yet stressful experiences of my life. I was thrilled about my new classes, meeting new people, and exploring campus life. But underneath that excitement was a constant, nagging worry on How was I going to manage my money? I did not come out of high school feeling prepared to handle my finances. So, when I stepped into this new world of tuition payments, textbooks, and everyday expenses, I felt completely overwhelmed. Each time I bought groceries or paid for books, I worried that I was somehow spending too much or not saving enough. My on-campus job was just barely keeping me afloat and even when I had enough in my account, I couldn’t shake the feeling of overwhelming financial anxiety.
That anxiety followed me everywhere. I was stressed about whether I’d have enough for groceries, whether I could afford to go out with friends, or if I’d run out of money entirely before the semester ended. This constant worry was detrimental on my focus, my sleep, and even my social life. It felt like financial anxiety was controlling me.
The turning point came when I realized that my anxiety wasn’t just about the numbers in my bank account, but it was about feeling powerless over my money. I didn’t know where my money was going, which made me feel like I was walking blindfolded through my financial life. That’s when I decided to take action.
I started by tracking my expenses. At first, this was intimidating, and I was almost afraid to see how much I had been spending. But facing those numbers gave me clarity. I started to see patterns: I was spending more on food than I realized, and my impulse purchases were quietly draining my budget. Once I recognized this, I began making small changes. I planned my meals better, started bringing snacks from home instead of buying overpriced campus food, and found free or low-cost social activities to replace expensive nights out.
These changes didn’t feel huge at first, but gradually I began to notice a difference. By being more intentional with my spending, I started to feel more in control. That sense of control was key. I no longer felt like money was slipping through my fingers.
Saving was another challenge. When I first heard financial advice about building an emergency fund, I thought, How am I supposed to save when I’m barely getting by? But I started small by setting aside just $5 or $10 whenever I could. Over time, that small effort grew. Eventually, I had enough to cover unexpected costs without panicking. Knowing I had that safety net in place gave me peace of mind and reduced my anxiety tremendously.
Another thing that helped me overcome financial stress was learning to say no which something that didn’t come easily. College is filled with opportunities to spend money, whether it’s going out to eat, buying new clothes, or joining friends for spontaneous activities. Also living in Nashville didn’t help my cause as there were so many fun things to do but at an outrageous cost. I was shocked at the cost of living in a city like Nashville and it took a while for me to realize I needed to reign in my spending. At first, I felt guilty turning things down. But I realized that prioritizing what mattered most like spending quality time with friends in more affordable ways, allowed me to save without sacrificing my social life.
While managing my money better was essential, I also had to change how I thought about my finances. I used to beat myself up over every mistake whether I overspent on groceries or forgot to budget for a school supply. That self-criticism only made my anxiety worse. Eventually, I realized that setbacks were part of the process. Each mistake was a chance to learn, not a reason to panic. I was still so young and needed to be easier on myself. I couldn’t expect myself to have everything figured out before I was even 20 years old.
Another huge change I had to make was to stop myself from comparing my financial situation to others. It is said that comparison is the thief of joy, and I totally believe that. At times I got so caught up with what other people’s situation were like and feeling behind. But once I realized that I don’t really know everyone’s situation exactly and that we are all just trying our best I was able to let go of that comparison and envy.
Looking back, overcoming my financial anxiety wasn’t about becoming perfect with money. It was about gaining control, educating myself, and building habits that made me feel more secure. There are still times when I worry about money, but now I have strategies to manage those feelings. I know where my money is going, I have savings to fall back on, and I’m more confident in my ability to handle financial surprises.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by money right now, know that you’re not alone. That anxiety doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t have to control you forever. Financial security isn’t about perfection; it is about progress. With time and patience, you’ll start to feel more confident, just like I did.
It is also important to remind yourself that progress looks different for everyone. Some months, you might hit your savings goals easily, while other months may be harder and that is totally okay. Progress is not linear and each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Don’t underestimate the power of small wins. Even learning from financial mistakes is part of the journey. The key is to stay patient with yourself and trust that with time and effort, you will build better financial habits and feel more in control of your money.
What is most important is remembering that financial anxiety doesn’t mean you’re failing; it just means you care about your future. That worry shows that you’re invested in making smart decisions, even if things feel overwhelming right now. Instead of letting anxiety hold you back, use it as motivation to take action.
