Be patient with yourself

“Financial self-care isn’t just about managing your bank account and miraculously fixing all your problems; it’s about changing your mindset towards money. By trying to embrace a more positive and forgiving attitude, avoiding comparing yourself to others and dealing with issues head on rather than hoping they’ll go away, you can improve your overall wellbeing,” Galloway says.

However, these things take time and are much more of a gradual process. “Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of the journey, so it’s important to not be too hard on yourself. Just like physical, emotional or spiritual self-care – looking after your financial health is an act of self-love that pays off in the long run,” she adds.

Save, but only if you can

Galloway recognises that saving isn’t always possible, especially in a cost of living crisis.

“Prioritise what you can afford, rather than having the mindset that you need to be saving as much as possible, even if that means you won’t allow yourself to spend any money on things that bring you joy. Set realistic targets and establish short term goals as well as long term plans. Whether it’s paying off debt, a holiday or just saving up to go out for dinner, having something to plan for gives you financial purpose.”

Try different budgeting techniques

Galloway also explains that budgeting isn’t a one size fits all and “if one method doesn’t work for you it can be easy to give up, but it’s important to try different techniques to see which is best for you, your finances and your mentality.”

She recommends reviewing your budget weekly to see how you can best adapt it to work best whilst also allowing yourself some flexibility.

Educate yourself

“Educating yourself about things like money management, personal finance and investments will make you feel more confident in your financial decisions. Understanding how it all works will help you be able to adapt to changing circumstances, unexpected expenses and economic environments, as well as helping you make better decisions and have a better attitude towards spending.”

Feeling anxious about money? Here are 8 ways you can practise financial self-care, according to an expert