Greetings, and welcome to the 29th edition of the Wallet Wellness Newsletter - your midweek source of practical financial tips to elevate your money management skills!

We hope you got a chance to read last week’s edition, where we discussed how to budget when you are self-employed and tips to help you come up with a winning formula. This week, we shift gears to helping you tackle money anxiety like a pro.

As always, be sure to check out the Concept Corner below for a deep dive into the money concept of the week.

Let’s dive in!

MONEY254 TIP OF THE WEEK

Do You Suffer From Money Anxiety? 5 Ways to Fix It

Everyone knew Martin was doing well. A steady Ksh70K salary, land in his name, a couple of investments — the kind of man you'd call sorted.

But when the job slowed down in his mid-30s, so did he. Quietly. Gradually. He stayed in the same neighbourhood, kept the same routines — but behind closed doors, anxiety was eating at him.

Not because he was broke. But because he didn’t feel safe — financially, emotionally, mentally.

That’s what money anxiety looks like. And it’s more common than you think.

So, what is money anxiety?

Money anxiety isn’t just about lacking money — it’s the constant worry that what you have could vanish at any moment. You might have a job, some savings, or even investments, but deep down, it still doesn’t feel secure. One emergency, one missed payment, one bad month — and your mind starts spinning.

It doesn’t always show up as panic. Sometimes it looks like working nonstop, spending emotionally, hoarding savings but fearing to invest, or avoiding your bank app completely. Over time, that stress doesn’t just hurt your finances — it chips away at your health, confidence, and peace of mind.

5 Ways to Fix It

1. Build a Safety Net, Not Just Assets
Land is great. A car is nice. But if you don’t have liquid cash to cover 3–6 months of living expenses, you’ll always feel unstable.
That’s why an emergency fund comes first — before the next plot, before the new business idea.

2. Know Your Numbers
You can’t control what you don’t understand.
Track your income, expenses, debts, and savings every month. It doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to be clear.
Money anxiety thrives in confusion. Clarity is your defence.

3. Define “Enough” for You
A lot of anxiety comes from chasing goals that aren’t yours — comparing yourself to others.
Ask yourself: What does “financially okay” look like for me?
That number might be different from your friend, your cousin in Dubai, or your old boss.

4. Make Adjustments Without Shame
If life changes — like a salary drop or business slowdown — adjust your lifestyle early.
Move, downgrade, shift. Do it proactively, not as a last resort.
There’s no shame in living below your means — but there’s a lot of stress in pretending you’re okay when you’re not.

5. Talk About It
Money silence breeds money anxiety.
Find someone you trust — a friend, spouse, mentor — and talk about your financial fears.
You don’t need to have all the answers. But saying it out loud is the first step to taking back control.

Final Thought

You don’t have to be broke to feel like you’re struggling. Even with a job, savings, or investments, it’s possible to feel financially insecure. Money anxiety doesn’t always match your bank balance — it can creep in quietly, even when things look stable on the surface.

The key is not to ignore it. Once you recognise the signs, you can take steps to manage it. Whether it’s adjusting your habits, having honest conversations, or making a clear plan — facing it is the first step to regaining control.

CONCEPT CORNER

Buyers’ Remorse

Buyer’s remorse is the sinking feeling you get in your stomach after spending money in a way you shouldn’t have. The lingering feeling of regret and guilt that you can sometimes get after you make a purchase. It can be a big purchase outside your budget or a small impulsive purchase. Read On.

Money Tips & Career Advice

MONEY254 #MONEYTOK

With Ksh6 Million in Cash, Would You Rather Buy a House or Invest in a Bond? See the Math

If you had Ksh6 million today, would you buy a house or keep renting and invest the money? While owning a home offers stability, renting and investing can give you more flexibility and steady returns.

For example, investing the Ksh6M in a 13% bond gives you Ksh65,000 monthly—enough to pay Ksh32,000 rent and still pocket Ksh33,000. Buying means no rent, but all your money is locked up. Each option has pros and cons, and your choice depends on your financial goals.

@money254hq

𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐬𝐡𝟔 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡, 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐲 𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝? 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡 If you had Ksh6 million today, would you buy a h... See more

That's it for this edition of Wallet Wellness. We hope these financial tips have added some energy to your hustle. Stay tuned for more practical insights in our next edition of "Wallet Wellness" next week, and watch out for Money Weekly in your inbox this Friday.

Also, don’t forget to download the Money254 App on the Google Play Store, and remember that we can help you compare over 300 loans, savings accounts, current accounts, and more if you’re thinking about your next product.

Cheers to your wallet's well-being!

Money254 editorial team.