Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your financial situation? If so, you are not alone. According to an OECD/INFE International survey of adult financial literacy1, more than a third of those questioned (34%) reported that their income did not always cover their living expenses.
What is financial wellbeing?2
Financial wellbeing is about feeling secure and in control of your day-to-day finances. It’s having enough money to pay your bills, with a plan to deal with unexpected costs. It’s about feeling confident making plans for your financial future that are in line with the goals that you set.
Where to start?
1. Get talking
Many people find it very difficult to talk candidly and openly about money with their family or friends. Money and finances are a common source of stress. Talking about money with a trusted friend or family member is good for you, and may help you to manage your stress. It’s good for your mental health and your relationships. It will also help you to plan your financial future more effectively.
2. Make a plan
Getting your finances in shape, or at least having a plan in place, can be a weight off your shoulders. In fact, research shows that financial wellbeing can have a positive effect on both physical and mental health3.
1 OECD (2016), “OECD/INFE International Survey of Adult Financial Literacy Competencies”, OECD, Paris, www.oecd.org/finance/OECD-INFE-International-Survey-of-Adult-Financial-Literacy-Competencies.pdf
If you ever feel overwhelmed by your financial situation, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck - struggling to pay their bills or save for the future.
2 Financial wellbeing is one piece in the overall spectrum of wellness. When one piece of the spectrum is jeopardized, you may feel it in other areas. In fact, poor financial wellbeing has knock-on effects for our mental health, physical health and our relationships. On the other hand, people who enjoy good financial wellbeing tend to be happier, more confident and more productive at work.
HSBC has partnered with Everfi to create a series of modules on a variety of topics, including Savings, Banking, Credit Cards & Interest Rates, Credit Scores, Financing Higher Education, Renting vs. Owning, Taxes and Insurance, Consumer Protection, and Investing, giving you the tools to better manage your financial future. We hope these interactive digital modules can support your choices.
Additionally, HSBC has created the YourMoneyCounts financial wellness program which is presented by HSBC staff to the community in a classroom setting. Participant workbooks covering Budgeting, Credit, and Identity Theft and a budgeting worksheet are found through the YourMoneyCount link above. This program was created in partnership with the national nonprofit Greenpath Financial Wellness, and they provide free individualized support focused on your personal situation and financial wellness.