Stressed About Money?

With gas and food prices rising, a huge wave of foreclosures continuing, and many Americans deep in debt, many people have been stressed about money. Now with bank troubles showing up as a new potential crisis, financial stress is getting even more common and more intense. If you're worried about money, you're not alone!

While I can't give out cash (oh, wouldn't that be great?), I can give you the next best thing: resources for understanding and dealing with financial stress, and tips for making the most of your money situation. Here goes:

Financial Stress - How It Affects You, and What You Can Do
This article discusses how many people are stressed about money, how that stress affects people, and some general strategies for making the most of your financial situation. If you're stressed about money, start here!

Protecting Your Money
What's the best investment you can make in this economy? Ken Little, About.com's expert in Stocks has a surprising answer: pay off your personal debt first! Read more here.

5 Ways to Save on Gas
Jeremy Vohwinkle, About.com's Financial Planning Guide, has some timely tips on stretching your dollar at the pump. Definitely worth a read!

How Does FDIC Work?
If you're like many people--a little confused about the fall of IndyMac and what this means to bank customers everywhere, About.com's Banking expert, Justin Pritchard, has the scoop on the FDIC and how it works.

Losing Sleep?
If you're stressed and losing sleep over money troubles (or other stresses in your life), this article explains the various ways that stress can rob you of sleep, and provides valuable tips for getting your "z"s--even when stressed!

Stressed about money? Have tips to share on dealing with the stress of financial problems? Come talk about it in the Stress Management Forum!