Money and emotions

Lesson 10 of 12 in our free Money Mindset guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Money Mindset is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

Mo's money worries are keeping him up at night and he's started avoiding letters. What's the kindest, most useful next step?

Have a free 'boredom list' ready: walk, call a mate, free uni events → Boredom. Bored brains want novelty — free novelty works too.
Write down what's actually worrying you before opening a shopping app → Stress. Naming the stress often shrinks the urge to buy it away.
Delete saved card details and log out of shopping apps → Late-night scrolling. Friction at 1am = fewer 1am purchases.
Leave items in the basket for 24 hours → Late-night scrolling. Most 'must-haves' look different in daylight.
Five minutes of breathing or a short walk before deciding → Stress. Calm brain, better choices.
Fact: “Money worries can affect your mental health, and vice versa.” — Very common. Support exists for both, and they often work together.
Myth: “Asking for help with money means you've failed.” — It means you're dealing with it. That takes guts.
Fact: “Free debt advice charities exist in the UK.” — Yes — StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential help.