1-Be realistic: Change starts with you. You won't get control of your finances if you're not realistic about your income, your limitations and your goals. To avoid or combat financial stress, you must determine-and understand and organize-your income, spending habits and debts.

You should also take pride in taking this step and taking control of your financial well-being.

2-Manage your money: It's best to face your fears head on and assess your situation. Gather and organize bills and your expenses by date or amount owed. You can use paper and pen to keep track of bills. There are also apps that can help you keep track of them. Choose the method that best suits your lifestyle.

3-Focus on saving: In life we stumble upon unforeseen events, that's just the way it is. Unexpectedly and easily we could get into debt and not be sure how to solve it. An emergency fund allows for unexpected expenses. Planning ahead and starting to focus on saving little by little to have an emergency fund can help you avoid the stress you feel in situations where you need money, but don't have much.  

4-Seeking practical help: If you find it difficult to manage your finances alone, seek practical help elsewhere. You could enroll in money management courses, ask friends you trust for advice on the methods they use to manage their money, or enlist the help of financial advisors to develop a budget and savings strategy.

Translated by: A.M