Everyone worries about money from time to time, but if it is becoming a source of anxiety, stress, or worry for you, it can be a good idea to talk to someone and get some support.
Talking about money
We get it: talking about money can be hard. Some people feel shame when they are struggling to get by or worried that other people may judge them. But money is something that everyone thinks about.
It can feel isolating and lonely worrying about money, so taking the first step and having a conversation can be really helpful.
Do you know an adult that you trust, or a friend that you could try and speak to about your feelings? You can start small and build up to larger conversations if that helps.
Tips for your mental health if you’re worried about money
Talk to people you trust
We know it might feel uncomfortable, but talking to someone you trust is really important if you’re feeling worried about money. Remember, most people worry about money at some point in their lives. You aren’t alone.
They might be able to give you advice that you hadn’t heard or thought of before or help you find further support.
Try to look after yourself
Feeling stressed, anxious, or worried about something can be draining. It’s important that you look after yourself, both physically and mentally!
You could:
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Try to eat well and get some sleep. This can help reduce your stress levels.
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Try going for a walk or visit a friend. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you could try and talk about how you're feeling. It can sometimes feel easier to talk about things when you’re on the move.
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Do something you enjoy. This doesn’t have to involve spending money, you could get outside, visit a friend, have a kick around, or even visit some free exhibitions or museums if they are local to you.
Think about your time online
We know it can feel annoying hearing people say, ‘think about your time online’ all the time. But it’s true that sometimes social media can make you feel worse about your experiences.
For example, if you see people on your feeds and for you pages doing ‘hauls’, showing off about buying lots of new things, or going on holiday all the time, it might make any worries you have about money feel worse.
Our top tips:
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Try to follow people and accounts that make you feel good!
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Remember that not everything you see online is real.
You can read more advice about social media and mental health here.
What really makes us happy?
It’s easy to feel like money is the key to happiness, but it's actually the people around us - our social connections and relationships - which have the greatest impact on feeling happy. Spending time with friends, family, or people who make you feel good can make a huge difference to your wellbeing.
Think about what truly brings you joy - maybe it’s hanging out with mates, sharing a laugh, or being part of a community. Even if money feels tight, there are loads of ways to enjoy those connections without spending much. Whether it’s a walk with a friend, cooking together at home, or just chatting, it’s the moments that matter most.
If you’re feeling worried about money, it can also help to think about your longer-term goals. Writing them down might make them feel more achievable and give you a clearer sense of what you’re aiming for. Just remember - happiness doesn’t have to come with a price tag.
Different ways to manage your money
Everyone faces different challenges and experiences when it comes to money. Lots of people find money and finances stressful.
Below are some tips to help you feel more in control of your money.
Make a budget
Making a budget can help you see how much you spend and areas where you could save.
You can find lots of free information online about creating budgets.
Thinking about starting a job?
Whether you’re approaching working age, 16 years-old, or thinking about getting a job for the first time, finding employment can be exciting.
When looking at opportunities, make sure the job is right for you and your life. Think about your schedule, what you want to do, and what you want to learn.
If you need some support, we provide courses, support and careers advice. Whether you're interested in construction qualifications or a hairdressing apprenticeship, you can find out more about our Employment, Training and Skills support here.
Get financial support
If you’re struggling with your money and budgeting, getting financial support can be really helpful.
To find out if you’re entitled to any financial support, you could use a benefit calculator. You can find out more information about benefits, and check your eligibility, on the Citizens Advice website.
What to do if you need urgent help with your finances
Every young person’s situation is different. If you are struggling to pay for any essentials, such as bills, housing, or food, there are organisations that can help.
Below are services that you can find support for:
Local food banks
If you need support accessing food, finding out about food banks local to you is a good place to start.
You can find your local food bank and advice on how to access them on Citizen’s Advice’s website, or on The Trussell Trust website.
You could also look on FairShare’s website whose team can link you up with one of their regional food centres, which can provide you with food based on your needs.
Housing
If you’re worried about housing, finding somewhere to live, and paying rent, the housing charity Shelter have lots of information, advice, and support on their website.
Debt
If you’re worried about debt, StepChange are a national debt charity that can help.
You can also find advice and support on the Citizen’s Advice website on debt and money.
Energy bills
If you are struggling to pay an energy bill, you can find information and advice on Ofgem’s website.
Get support
It can feel really hard to ask for help with money, but it is better to get help as early you can, before things feel or become unmanageable.
If you're struggling to find support, or feel like there isn't someone to talk to, there are other ways you can get support. You can also search to see if there's a local Barnardo’s service you could get support from below.
Understanding stress
Life can be stressful! We know that. Understanding what stress is, how it’s caused, and finding tips to ease any overwhelming feelings can really help if stress is affecting your mental health.
How to access support
We are all wonderfully unique, which is why the right support will look different to everyone. There are lots of types of support, it’s all about finding out what’s going to be best for you.
Looking after yourself
Self-care is a bit of a buzzword in today’s world, but what does it actually mean, and how do you find out what works for you?
All of the information on this page was created with practising health professionals. This page was reviewed in April 2025. We will next review the page in 2028.