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Every day, we're bombarded with news that shakes our sense of stability. One moment, we think we have a grasp on what's happening, and the next, everything shifts again. Social media, financial experts, and even well-meaning friends flood us with opinions and predictions, making it nearly impossible to feel at ease.
Uncertainty affects us all physically, mentally, and emotionally. Stress tightens our muscles, clouds our thoughts, and weighs on our spirits. It’s exhausting.
Many of us are concerned about how the new presidential administration's changes will affect our lives and livelihoods. It doesn’t help that studies indicate that:
77% of millennials experience financial anxiety or negative thoughts about money.
46% of Gen Z feel stressed most of the time.
Even high-income earners aren't immune—80% report financial stress.
For most people, money is deeply tied to their sense of security, so when the economy feels unstable, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. Questions like "Should I save more? Invest now or wait? Pay off debt faster?" flood our minds, triggering our stress response of fight, flight, or freeze.
Why We React with Fight, Flight, or Freeze
Fight, flight, or freeze is our body's natural defense mechanism in response to stressful, frightening, or dangerous events. Unfortunately, studies show that the body can also overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening, such as financial worries, work pressure, or economic uncertainty.
When uncertainty hits, our brains go into survival mode, and we react in one of three ways:
Fight: We get angry, blame external factors, or try to take control aggressively. Maybe that looks like blaming banks for high interest rates or venting frustration about rising prices—causing hasty reactions that don’t bring resolution.
Flight: We avoid or run away from the issue entirely. Maybe we delay making important money decisions because it feels too overwhelming. Avoidance brings temporary relief but often leads to bigger financial challenges later.
Freeze: We become paralyzed by fear and do nothing at all. Have you ever found yourself unable to decide what to do, so you end up doing neither? That’s the freeze response in action.
This natural response is rooted in fear, but fear is not from God. As 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us,
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
God has given us the foundation for finding peace during uncertainty.
Navigating Uncertainty For Financial Stress
Imagine this: You’re scrolling your timeline, and an article about a possible recession pops up. Instantly, worry sets in. Should I stop spending? Pull my investments? What if I lose my job?
Later that day, you grab coffee with a friend who mentions they’re buying a new home, and suddenly, comparison creeps in. You go down a mental rabbit hole, wondering What am I missing? Should I be doing the same? Am I falling behind? By the time you get home, you’re mentally drained. The uncertainty feels paralyzing, and instead of taking action, you avoid your finances altogether.
Sound familiar?
Many of us cycle through these emotions—stress, comparison, avoidance—without realizing that we have more control than we think. The key is shifting from reaction mode to intentional, faith-led decision-making.
One of our favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is:
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase."
As a financial coach, we create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to clarify a direction that aligns with your goals. Whether it’s mapping out potential future outcomes or developing a plan that brings peace of mind, we help you transform uncertainty into peace and action so you can step forward with confidence and create a future you're excited to explore.
Finding Peace During Uncertainty
The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in the stress cycle. Here are a few strategies to help you navigate financial uncertainty with clarity and trust in God’s plan.:
1. Control What You Can
You may not control the economy, but you can control your financial habits. Start by:
Having a system in place to know where your money is going (awareness brings clarity).
Focusing on your personal financial goals rather than reacting to outside noise.
Making small, consistent choices that strengthen your financial security.
Take Action: Instead of feeling overwhelmed, focus on one small step you can take today.
2. Anchor Yourself in God’s Promises
When fear creeps in, turn to scripture for wisdom and peace.
Psalm 5:12 reminds us: "For You, O Lord, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield."
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to shift our mindset: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right… think about such things."
Take Action: Pray over your finances and ask God for wisdom in your decision-making.
3. Reframe Your Mindset
Instead of seeing financial uncertainty as a threat, view it as an opportunity to grow. The Apostle Peter walked on water when he focused on Jesus but the moment he let fear take over, he started to sink (Matthew 14:29-31).
Take Action: Shift your focus from fear to faith. Ask yourself: How can or does this situation move me closer to my financial goals?
4. Seek Wise Counsel
You weren’t meant to navigate financial stress alone. Surround yourself with a supportive community, whether that’s a financial coach, mentor, or trusted friend.
Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed."
Take Action: Download Your STEWARD Identity® Pathway to gain clarity on your unique financial path.
5. Prioritize Self-Care & Stillness
God often speaks in stillness (1 Kings 19:12). When anxiety runs high:
Take a deep breath.
Step away from the noise (news, social media, etc.).
Engage in prayer, exercise, or journaling to clear your mind.
Take Action: Create a daily habit of pausing and seeking God’s peace before making financial decisions.
Walk in Faith, Not Fear
The future may feel uncertain, but you can't navigate it alone! God is your provider and protector. With His guidance, you can replace stress with strategy, fear with faith, and uncertainty with confidence.
You are ready to move from anxious to actionable!
"Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always."
Philippians 4:6-8 (The Passion Translation)
About Weslia and Willa
Weslia Echols and Willa Williams are Accredited Financial Counselors® on a mission to help Christian women embrace their STEWARD Identity® and ultimately walk their unique path to financial fulfillment, managing money confidently, living purposefully, and building wealth intentionally.
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