Here’s Why Avoiding Money Fears Is the Fastest Way to Stay Broke and What To Do Instead

Let’s face it—money triggers fear.

Fear of not having enough, fear of losing it all, fear of making the wrong move. It’s something most of us carry around but rarely talk about.

And when we do feel it, the knee-jerk reaction is either to avoid it or make rushed decisions driven by anxiety.

But here’s the deal: avoiding fear doesn’t solve the problem. It only keeps you stuck.

The solution? Stop running from fear and start engaging with it.

Why Avoiding Fear Doesn’t Work

Avoidance may feel like a temporary relief, but it ultimately exacerbates the problem.

When we ignore financial fears, they don’t disappear—they linger in the background, creating anxiety and keeping us stuck.

Avoidance leads to behaviors like procrastination, denial, and inaction, which can make financial issues worse over time.

For example:

• Ignoring a rising credit card balance doesn’t stop interest from accruing.
• Avoiding a tough financial conversation with your partner can lead to misunderstandings and resentment.
• Putting off investing out of fear of market volatility means missing out on potential long-term gains.

By avoiding fear, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to gain clarity, learn, and grow. Fear thrives in uncertainty, and ignoring it only perpetuates that uncertainty.

Flip the Script: Use Fear as Fuel

Instead of treating fear like something to be conquered or ignored, try this: treat it like a compass. Fear is your brain’s way of saying, Pay attention, this matters. When you lean into that message, fear can go from paralyzing you to motivating you.

Here’s how:

1. Fear as a Signal

Fear is often a signal that something important is at stake. Rather than dismissing it, ask:

• What am I really afraid of?
• What’s the worst that could happen if this fear came true?
• What steps can I take to mitigate this risk?
  By framing fear as a message, you shift from feeling powerless to taking control.

2. Fear as a Teacher

Fear can reveal underlying beliefs and patterns that shape how you handle money.

For instance, if you’re afraid of losing money, it might stem from a past experience of financial instability.

Recognizing this helps you separate past fears from current reality, allowing you to approach decisions more objectively.

3. Fear as a Motivator

When engaged with properly, fear can motivate action. It can push you to build an emergency fund, seek financial education, or create a budget—all steps that reduce uncertainty and increase confidence.

Instead of viewing fear as something to eliminate, see it as fuel to propel you forward.

Practical Steps to Engage with Financial Fear

# 1. Name Your Fear

Write down the specific fears you have about money. Be as detailed as possible—sometimes just naming your fear can reduce its intensity.

# 2. Trace the Origin

Ask yourself: Where did this fear come from? Is it based on a real, present-day threat, or is it rooted in a past experience or inherited belief?

# 3. Visualize the Worst-Case Scenario

Rather than avoiding the “what if,” imagine it fully.

• What would you do if the worst happened? 
• Who would you call?
• What steps would you take? 

This exercise often reveals that even in the worst scenarios, you have options and can take action.

# 4. Develop a Plan of Action

Once you’ve identified your fear and imagined the worst case, create a step-by-step plan to address it. This could include:

• Building a financial cushion
• Learning about investment strategies
• Talking to a financial advisor
  Having a plan reduces uncertainty and gives you a sense of control.