Money and personal finances are one of life’s biggest stressors. Dealing with significant financial problems can lead to stress on personal relationships and mental health. This is on top of the actual issues that come with having poor finances.

Feeling friendly towards your financial situation can feel like a long journey. Maybe you just incurred an unexpected medical bill you’ll be paying off for years to come. Or perhaps you’re still recovering from poor financial decisions that lead to debt in your younger years. Or maybe, the promotion you’ve been waiting for still hasn’t happened yet. There are many different ways to feel like you are behind or not doing well with your finances.

But, when dealing with a situation out of your control, here are a few tried and true tips to start to feel friendlier towards your finances:

Take Control

This step is easier said than done, but it is most important to make yourself feel better. Taking control of your finances can mean a lot of different things. Some simple actions would include creating a budget and monitoring your spending for a set period of time. This will allow you to see where you could cut back or save more. While it seems small and simple, what it brings is peace of mind.

Start Tackling Your Debt

Start paying it now. If you can’t afford to start paying it now, see the above tip and figure out how to throw any money at it. The sooner you can pay it off, the better (and cheaper) it will be for you in the long run. If you really cannot afford to pay off any debt, look into options such as getting a low-interest loan or talking with a financial advisor.

Take Initiative

The best way to feel better about your finances is to make more money. Of course, this is easier said than done. But this is your life, and you should enjoy it. So ask for that promotion or a raise. Start the side hustle you’ve been dreaming about in your spare time. Or just pick up any odd jobs you can manage, such as pet sitting. The more money coming in, the better you will feel about your finances. But don’t forget to live within your means as you start to earn more!

Feeling friendly towards your finances can be as simple as following these steps or as difficult as talking to a financial advisor about the next best step. Financial decisions can be tough, and managing your finances can be even tougher. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, and professionals if you are feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. Hopefully, taking a little time to reorganize will have you feeling friendly towards your finances in no time!