Français du Canada 
Financial literacy and mental well-being can often come hand in hand. According to the 2025 Financial Stress Index, nearly half (49%) of Canadians say that money is their number one source of stress [1]. Even people who are “good with money” can feel financial stress that can come from pressure, uncertainty, or the emotional baggage money often carries.
Money and Mental Health
There’s always been a conversation on the importance of being financially literate, being able to budget, invest early, and manage finances well. But there’s a lesser talked about topic which is the mental burden that comes with managing money, especially in today’s economy.
Even people who are deemed “financially stable” still experience anxiety tied to:
- Market volatility, fearing losses
- Decision fatigue from constantly optimizing every dollar and calculating every risk
- Caring for dependents while trying to build wealth
- The constant thought of “Am I doing enough?”
For many, this stress has just become so normalized that it’s sometimes hard to recognize until the signs have shown up. Financial stress can open you up to serious health consequences, making you four times as likely to suffer from sleep problems, headaches and other illnesses [2].
Managing Financial Anxiety
Managing anxiety tied to finances doesn’t have to be overcome all at once. Taking small and proactive steps can go a long way in protecting your mental well-being:
- Automate finances where you can (savings, payments, investments)
- Set realistic boundaries on your financial goals and timelines
- Don’t hesitate to talk about it, whether with a professional (financial planner, therapist), or someone you trust
- Reduce complexity by investing in tools or platforms that offer easier financial management
Final Thoughts
It’s okay to be overwhelmed even if you deem yourself someone who is financial savvy. Take note of how managing your finances make you feel, and recognize where you feel the most stress. Creating a balance between better finances and better mental well-being will give you long-term peace of mind.
