How do we respond when money is tight or when we reach a point of financial crisis? This can bring feelings of anxiety and overwhelm to any person especially when it seems we don't have enough to cover the essentials. On this episode we hope to reduce the panic financial upheaval can bring and discuss some tangible ways to care for ourselves and our budgets when things aren't going 'according to plan'.

Sponsors: 
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that feeling when you can barely make ends meet and you are wringing out that dollar for all it’s worth - sometimes our financial situation can feel like a tight squeeze; but our sponsor wants to remind us that this term can also refer to the best most warmest hug from our loved one. So when you’re looking at your budget wondering how you’re gonna pay your bills don’t think of it like a snake coiling around you causing anxiety and panic; think of it like a warm hug coming from your finances. Tight squeeze - when feeling constricted is a good thingTight Squeeze:

Notable Notes:

What the Internet has to say:

This article from Investopedia highlights a few simple ways we can prepare for a financial crisis

What Jen+Jill have to say:
1. Maximize liquid cash
2. Make a budget: know how much you have coming in/going out each month (helps ID how much you should have in emergency fund)
3. Prepare to Minimize Your Monthly Bills
5. Take stock of ‘non-cash’ assets and maximize value (i.e. utilize points, gift cards, extra food in house,
8. Look for ways to earn extra cash
10. Keep up with routine maintenance

More from the Internet:

This article from Very Well Mind gives tangible tips on ways to manage our stress and emotions during financially stressful times

More from Jen+Jill:
Remain calm
Ask for help- friends and family, financial planner
Reframe the situation - watch the internal narrative and find ways to shift perspective
Pushing through the difficulty and identifying ‘kindness’ to invest emotional time and energy into
Take a break - strike the middle ground between ruminating/obsessing and abdicating/avoiding
Ask for help- find a mental health professional, especially if your stress, overwhelm, or feelings of anxiety are inhibiting daily activities
Use this code for a discount for online therapy

Thank you Jess for saving us with your bill about ALL the Bill's who have contributed to making St. Pete Florida so great!BILL OF THE WEEK -
If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill

Lightning Round:

 What we’re doing to prepare
Jen- longer and simpler meal plans
Jill- NOT PANICKING!! cooking at home more
Jen- taking extra work
Jill- re-evaluating budget; spending only on essentials - now’s not the time for extra luxuries :)

Wrap-Up:

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