We’ve all faced times when unforeseen expenses suddenly appear. Our reaction can vary based on past experiences, our unique genetic makeup, and our individual response choices. An understanding of these factors can help us navigate these financial bumps more effectively.
THE HISTORY
We can’t control our monetary past; it shapes our current outlook towards money and finances. This past plays a significant role in our response to unexpected costs. We may initially react with frustration or anger, typical knee-jerk responses. However, our past experiences can guide us in shifting quickly to problem-solving.
Picture this: you once experienced sudden job loss, having to craft a hasty plan to pay your bills and feed your family. Your reactions in that situation can predict how you might react if it happened again.
Repeatedly facing similar situations without productive change could indicate that your previous response was ineffective. It’s worth remembering the definition of insanity: doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. To bring about a change in your financial circumstance, you need to alter your behavior.
THE BIOLOGY
Apart from past experiences, your genetic makeup might also influence your reactions to unexpected expenses. A study published in the Journal of Molecular Psychiatry highlights that our reactions could be significantly determined by our brain chemistry, particularly by a hormone and neurotransmitter called Norepinephrine.
Findings show that people with lower levels of norepinephrine transporters, indicating an accumulation in certain brain areas, exhibit less aversion to monetary losses. Conversely, those with higher levels, implying no buildup of the neurotransmitter, display higher sensitivity towards financial loss. If you fall into the latter category, you may react forcefully, driving you to regain financial stability quickly. However, rash decisions can sometimes worsen the situation, so careful consideration is crucial.
LESSONS LEARNED
While you can’t alter your past or genetic composition, understanding your previous reactions can guide your future actions. Common emotional responses to unexpected financial woes include anger, indifference, shock, distress, or franticness, and these emotions influence our subsequent actions.
Awareness of past behaviors and responses can help you modify your future actions, making it essential to reflect on your past experiences.
NAVIGATING THE FUTURE
When hit with unforeseen expenses, allow yourself time to process your feelings. Use this awareness and understanding to plan your financial restoration. Begin by evaluating the situation thoroughly and the potential future impacts. Construct a budget incorporating your regular bills and savings to recover your emergency fund while minimizing expenses.
Several apps can aid budgeting, such as Mint, Personal Capital, and Digit. Also, consider taking up side jobs. They can prove to be profitable and flexible. If you have debts, prioritize paying them off and then build your savings. Having a least six months’ worth of expenses as savings is a good rule, giving you sufficient buffer to recover.
If you’re prone to spur-of-the-moment spending, temporarily switching to cash transactions can make you more mindful of your expenditure, aiding in a faster recovery from financial loss.
Remember, this setback is temporary. With the right approach, you can not only recover fully but also emerge stronger and more financially secure. What strategies have you implemented to tackle unexpected expenses? Have these experiences made you more resilient?
