![\"Worried](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/woman-spend-credit-card-iStock-1292892339-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n Jelena Stanojkovic \/ Getty Images <\/p>\n
Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n
GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years Trusted by For a variety of reasons, from limited financial literacy<\/a> to persistent financial struggles, financial insecurity is a common experience for many Americans of all income levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nathan Astle, a client counselor at Beyond Finance<\/a>, said most people with financial insecurity don\u2019t suffer from a lack of intelligence or willpower, \u201cbut \u2026 they carry the weight of past mistakes, shame and uncertainty in a system that rarely allows for second chances.\u201d<\/p>\n He and other experts explain some of the common signs of financial insecurity and how to begin building confidence<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 1. Reacting Strongly to Money Conversations<\/p>\n A clear sign that someone is feeling financially insecure is how they react when the topic of finances comes up, said Grace Moser, owner of the women\u2019s lifestyle blog, Chasing Foxes.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSometimes they might act irritated or avoidant, changing the topic or making you feel uncomfortable for having brought it up,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n 2. Feeling Anxious About Spending or Bills<\/p>\n Another common indicator is anxiety that crops up when facing financial tasks that require taking an honest look at your money \u2014 from checking your bank balance to opening bills. <\/p>\n \u201cFor people who are feeling financially insecure, it can sometimes feel better to pretend it doesn\u2019t exist or to procrastinate looking at it,\u201d Moser said.<\/p>\n That anxiety can manifest during everyday spending \u2014 whether to shop, have dinner with friends or some other experience that involves payment. <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not always aware of how much they have in the bank<\/a>, and the idea of having their card declined causes them a lot of stress,\u201d Moser said.<\/p>\n 3. Procrastinating on Money Decisions<\/p>\n Putting off important financial tasks or payments can be another sign of financial insecurity.<\/p>\n Financially insecure people tend to do things last minute when it comes to important purchases, Moser said. \u201cFor instance, if they know that they need to purchase tickets to attend their sister\u2019s wedding in a neighboring state, they might procrastinate, even if that means they end up spending more,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n 4. Feeling Guilty About Money Missteps<\/p>\n Everyone makes occasional financial mistakes<\/a>. However, financially insecure people may feel outsized guilt for common mistakes like missing a payment, carrying high-interest debt or overspending, Astle pointed out.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile guilt can be constructive, serving as a signal that change is needed, it becomes harmful when it turns into shame,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen shame takes over, we begin to feel that we are our financial mistakes, rather than we made a financial mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n Shame spirals can cloud judgment and prevent clear financial decision-making.<\/p>\n 5. Internalizing Money Insecurity<\/p>\n Over time, insecure thoughts can harden into self-limiting beliefs, Astle said. \u201cAnd these beliefs shape our behavior. We avoid looking at our bank accounts, delay decisions and even seek advice from \u2018gurus\u2019 who promote rigid, black-and-white thinking about the \u2018right\u2019 way to manage money.\u201d It\u2019s a vicious cycle.<\/p>\n 6. Comparing Your Finances to Others<\/p>\n Another sign of financial insecurity is comparing your financial situation<\/a> to others\u2019, according to Julian Merrick, founder and CEO of Supertrader.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWhen a friend buys a new car or moves into a bigger place, they feel like they are falling behind,\u201d he said. \u201cTo keep up, they start spending money they don\u2019t really have, which only deepens the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n 7. Relying Too Much on Credit To Get By<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Helping You Live Richer<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-experts-review.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon__trusted.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Millions of Readers<\/p>\n