Managing Financial Stress Presented by: Robin Huskey, LCSW, CEAP, Manager of Education and Outreach, FSAP (404) 727-WELL

Objectives To explore the FOCUS model: strategies for managing financial stress more effectively To identify resources for support To create a FOCUS Action Plan

Financial Stress

Impact of Financial Stress Physical Emotions Family Job

How Do You Deal With Stress? Stress Response Options: Fight, Flight, Freeze or Face?

Strategies for Managing Financial Stress Manage the Stress … or the stress will manage you.

Strategies for Managing Financial Stress F ace your fears O bserve yourself C reate opportunities U tilize resources S hare 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 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 vacations

Utilize Resources “Sparkfly” Discount Program Fitness facility discounts Other local discounts The WorkLife Resource Center – Finance Matters workshops

Utilize Resources Emory Alliance Credit Union – Member Express Emergency Loan Emory Hardship Fund Zero-Tier or low cost medications rescriptiondrugs/index.html Free or subsidized alternative transportation services

Utilize Resources FSAP – counseling, coaching, stress management workshops HR –retirement vendor counseling: tions/Retirement%20Plan%20Counseling.html tions/Retirement%20Plan%20Counseling.html Community resources: United Way (211) Online budgeting tools: calculator.aspx calculator.aspx

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 ! F ace your fears O bserve yourself C reate opportunities U tilize resources S hare your action plan

Start Your FOCUS Plan Today 3 Goals for self-care/financial well- being Potential barriers to success Strategies to overcome barriers One strategy you plan to start today and the first step Who will you share your plan with?

Need Additional Support? Call the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (Emory Wellness Center) WELL

Questions