Why financial procrastination can harm your health (and your finances)

Financial procrastination—delaying financial tasks—can harm your finances and health. Common signs include overwhelm, fear of mistakes, and unclear goals. Combat it with expert advice, clear planning, and proactive steps to take control and achieve financial stability.

February 24, 2025 2 minute read

General Financial
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Financial procrastination – delaying financial tasks – can negatively impact both your finances and health. Signs of financial procrastination include fear of mistakes, lack of confidence, and unclear financial goals. Combat procrastination by setting clear financial goals, seeking expert advice, and taking proactive action. 

We all know that putting things off is all too easy. As the new year rolls around, many will be making resolutions to get organised. Is ending financial procrastination one of your goals? 

What is financial procrastination? 

Broadly speaking, financial procrastination refers to a tendency to delay or avoid financial decisions or tasks. Its impacts range from paying bills late to avoiding getting started on retirement planning. 

In the busy modern world, it’s easy to overlook your financial to-do list. Other causes of financial procrastination include stress and confusion around managing money. Putting off financial tasks can impact more than your money: studies have linked procrastination to negative health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. 

Signs you’re a financial procrastinator  

The first step to fighting financial procrastination is to understand what it looks like. Do you fear making mistakes with money? Does a lack of confidence prevent you from taking control of your finances? Do you have low motivation or self-discipline with money? 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused about your finances, have unclear goals and priorities, or experience strong negative emotions about money, you may be a financial procrastinator. 

Take control of your finances  

Thankfully, combatting financial procrastination can be relatively easy. The key remedy is to talk through your finances and develop a plan to take control. By establishing a series of financial goals and longer-term objectives and taking expert advice, you can make sure financial delays never hold you back again. 

Here to help 

We take an active approach to managing your finances – no procrastination here! Get in touch today for the support and strategy you need to achieve your financial goals – whatever they may be. 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. Financial protection policies typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse. 

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