You only have to pick up a paper or listen to a news bulletin to know that life can be pretty unpredictable. Even if everything is fine and dandy now, there’s no guarantee that a curveball isn’t waiting around the corner.

Often, when life takes an unexpected turn, there are financial implications. If you get hit by a bolt out of the blue, this can cause profound distress. The good news is that there are strategies you can employ to minimize financial stress.

Using savings and emergency funds

If you’ve been saving money every month for the past few years, or you set up an emergency fund a while ago, the first step to take when life gets tough, is to use the money you have available. If you’ve lost your job, your relationship has broken down, or you’ve been involved in an accident, and you need long-term medical care, now is the time to break the glass, and dip into that pot.

None of us plan to spend our hard-earned savings on car repairs, household bills or hospital or legal fees, but sometimes, life doesn’t pan out in the way we hoped. Using savings can help to reduce the risk of getting into debt and prevent stress if you need money quickly.

Here’s why you definitely need to have an emergency fund.

Seeking expert advice

If you find yourself in a scenario where your financial situation could change significantly, it’s wise to speak to an expert. If you’ve been made redundant, your ability to work has been affected by illness or an injury, or you’re facing the prospect of breaking up with a partner with whom you share children, businesses or properties, the best thing to do is to seek assistance.

Look for a legal firm that offers child custody legal help or set up a meeting with a financial adviser who has experience in helping people plan their next move after taking time off sick or losing their job. When you sit down and have a chat, you can raise concerns, get things off your chest, and ask questions. Hopefully, you should find that speaking to those with expertise clarifies your situation, and gives you more confidence about the future.

How to get expert advice regarding your money.

Taking control of your finances

If your financial situation has changed, or you’re facing an uncertain future, it’s crucial to take control. You may not be used to analyzing every payment, but maintaining a tighter grip could benefit you moving forward. Check your account balances on a regular basis, and draw up a monthly budget. This will help you keep track of spending, enable you to save if you have money left over, and lower the risk of debt.

Life is unpredictable. While it can throw incredible surprises our way, it can also hit us with unwanted curveballs. Often, unexpected turns cause emotional stress, but they can also have negative implications for our finances. If you’ve hit a rough patch, hopefully, this guide will help to minimize financial stress and anxiety and help you keep moving in the right direction.

You don’t have a choice: you must take control of your finances today.