3 Reasons Why You Avoid Facing Your Finances

When you were a kid, were you afraid of the dark? How about the Boogie Monster? The basement? Under your bed? You may laugh now at the thought of being scared of such things, but as adults, we are still very much afraid.

Our fears, of course, are of the “grown-up” variety, but there is something they have in common with our childhood worries: the unknown. Just like when you were six, most of what you are afraid of now has to do with what you cannot see. When it comes to our finances, we fear the future because we do not know what is in store for us.

Unfortunately fear can lead to avoidance, and avoidance, of course, worsens our situations, which in turn confirms our fears. To get out of this cycle, identify which of these reasons is causing you to avoid facing your finances.

1. Ignorance is Bliss

You might be avoiding your situation because you don’t mind not knowing what’s going on. A bill comes in the mail, and you don’t open it, the phone rings, and you don’t answer it. You know things are kinda bad, but you just don’t know how bad—and you don’t want to know.

While ignorance can feel blissful, in the end, it is damaging. Your avoidance is making your situation go from bad to worse, and you are missing out on opportunities to improve your finances.

Face what’s going on by opening your bills and responding to contact from creditors. Even though you may be fearful, you will gain a sense of control once you finally know.

2. You Don’t Understand

It’s easy to push matters aside when you don’t understand them. Sometimes, we assume financial topics are complicated, and as a result, we don’t try to wrap our heads around them.

No one was born knowing everything they need to know, so give yourself a break. If handling your finances well doesn’t come naturally to you, seek ways to counter that. There’s no shortage of resources, information, and professional help available.

Educate yourself, so that you will feel empowered to face your financial situation.

•   Related Reading: Common Financial Advice That Will Keep You Broke and in Debt

3. You’ve Got Time

You may be avoiding what’s going on because you feel you have time—you’ll get to it eventually. I am a big believer in the fact that “it’s never too late,” but I’m also a big believer in starting.

If you suspect (or know) that things aren’t going well, don’t delay doing something about it. You are complicating matters, and you will regret waiting. One way to get you to take action is to play out scenarios of what would happen if you don’t make changes. “If I don’t stop overspending each month, then…If I don’t start saving now, then…”

Walking out the “what if’s” will motivate you to take control of your finances.

•   Related Reading: 5 Reasons You’re Not Paying Off Your Debt Quickly

Knowing is Half the Battle

Years ago, when I was in massive debt, the weight of it was so overwhelming, that I avoided finding out just how much trouble I was in. When I decided to confront my situation and learned that I was $74,000 in debt, I surprisingly felt empowered. Knowing exactly what I was up against allowed me to face it.

Just like when you were a kid, and you discovered there was nothing under your bed, and that the basement was just cold and dark, once you face your finances you may learn that the picture you’ve built up in your head is worse than reality.

Decide today to take action and face your financial situation.

Which of these reasons is causing you to avoid facing your finances?