May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the importance of emotional wellbeing, and one of the biggest stressors affecting our mental health is money. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, financial stress consistently ranks as a top source of anxiety for Americans. But there's good news: making healthy financial lifestyle choices can significantly reduce that stress. And when it comes to support and guidance, credit unions are uniquely positioned to help.
The Mental Weight of Money Worries
Financial security is strongly tied to mental wellbeing. Whether it’s living paycheck to paycheck, dealing with debt, or not knowing where to start with saving, financial uncertainty can fuel anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems.
Stress about money isn’t just about the numbers, though, it’s about security and peace of mind. That’s why building healthier financial habits can have a direct impact on our emotional wellbeing.
Financial Wellness Is Mental Wellness
The road to better mental health can begin with simple, thoughtful financial choices, like creating a budget, building emergency savings, or tackling debt. But making those choices is easier with the right tools and support system. That’s where your local credit union can make a big difference.
The Credit Union Difference
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives. We focus on people helping people, and that mission is especially meaningful when it comes to helping members manage financial stress.
Here’s how credit unions support both your financial and mental well-being:
- Personalized Support: PFCU offers financial counseling, budgeting tools, and educational opportunities to help you take control of your money and your peace of mind.
- Lower Fees, Better Rates: From lower loan rates to fewer (and more transparent) fees, credit unions help you keep more of your money.
- Community Connection: There’s something reassuring about being part of a financial institution that knows your name and genuinely cares about your goals.
- Empowerment Through Education: Credit unions are committed to financial literacy, and the more you understand your finances, the more confident and in control you’ll feel.
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Small Steps, Big Impact
As we reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment to assess how your financial life affects your emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s setting up an savings plan, speaking with a financial counselor, or consolidating high-interest debt into a more manageable loan, even small steps can ease mental strain and build long-term resilience.
Prime Financial Credit Union is here to help, offering judgment-free support and smart solutions tailored to your needs.
Additional Resources
If you are experiencing hardships beyond financial wellbeing, free and confidential resources are available to you. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Mental Health Crisis >
If you are experiencing mental health crisis, dial 9-8-8 to speak to someone at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find Resources & Services >
If you would like information about resources available in your area, dial 2-1-1 to speak with someone about utility assistance, housing, food, elder care, crisis intervention, alcohol and other drug recovery, and much more.