We often talk about interest rates, loan approvals, and financial planning, but behind every screen and inside every office at our credit union, there is a person just like you.
We know that life, and finances, can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help you navigate these moments, we’re pulling back the curtain to share how some of our team manage stress and keep their financial lives on track.
How We Unwind
When the workday ends, our team finds balance by stepping away from the digital noise and giving themselves space to reset.
“Exercise, even just a little, is key. Your body can't be anxious and tired at the same time. I also prioritise logging off completely. I stay off digital equipment as much as possible. If I want to read, I pick up an actual magazine or book rather than a screen. Most importantly, I’ve learned not to judge myself for being stressed. It happens to everyone.”
“For me, relaxing from family or work issues means taking a walk and intentionally leaving my mobile phone at home. It’s the only way I can truly switch off and enjoy a bit of me time.”
“When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I turn to my ‘Focus & Flow’ playlist. For me, music acts like a reset button for my brain. It’s the quickest way to drown out the noise of a busy day. I find that putting on noise-cancelling headphones and getting lost in a specific playlist helps me process my thoughts without having to actually talk about them. It’s my go-to way to recalibrate my mood so I can start fresh.”
Of course, it’s not just our team navigating these challenges. One of our Community Outreach staff, Elaine, spoke to Eli from Coalville Can recently. She said:
"Look at your current finances and figure out where your money is going. Once you do this, you will have more success in creating a budget you can actually stick to because you will know where you stand. For example, you can't budget £500 for food when you currently spend £1,000; you need to bring it down slowly."
Our Go-To Financial Wellness Tips
Separating money can take away the stress of guessing what is left for bills. Creating dedicated accounts or savings pots for essentials like bills, food, social spending and savings can make your budget much easier to manage.
One simple tip from the team is to withdraw a weekly food budget in cash and keep it in a separate wallet. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
- Go through your bank statements and cancel anything you no longer use.
- Track your income and outgoings in a spreadsheet.
- Look for regular payments that could be reduced or removed.
There is no shame in turning down a social event because it does not fit your budget. A little short-term discomfort is often better than financial stress later on.
Expert Resources
If you are looking for more ways to stay on top of your finances, our team recommend:
Money Saving Expert
