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Heart Break

Writer's picture: Siobhan HamiltonSiobhan Hamilton

It's the month of love, and while everyone’s talking about relationships, there’s one connection that rarely gets the spotlight, the one between your money and your heart. Let’s change that.


Money is Breaking Our Hearts (Literally)

We all know that money stress keeps us up at night, whether it’s thinking about bills, wondering where the hell our paycheque went, or dreading that “we need to talk” conversation about finances with a partner. But did you know that money stress doesn’t just live in your mind, it lives in your body? One place it can rear it's ugly head is your heart.

The Surgeon General Says So (And So Does Science)

The U.S. Surgeon General recently confirmed what many of us already feel in our bones: money is the top stressor for parents, causing anxiety, relationship tension, and overall mental health struggles. But here’s the kicker, financial stress is also wrecking our physical health, especially our hearts. 🔬 Here’s what the research says: ✅ A 2023 American Psychological Association (APA) survey found that money is the #1 stressor across all age groups (yes, even above work and relationships). ✅ The Jackson Heart Study found that people experiencing moderate-to-high financial stress had more than double the risk of developing coronary heart disease. ✅ Chronic stress from money worries leads to higher cortisol levels, which means higher blood pressure, worse sleep, and an increased risk of heart attacks.

Translation? Money stress is out here doing cardiovascular damage, and our hearts are just along for the ride.

Your Nervous System Thinks Debt Collectors Are Bears

You know how, when you're stressed about money, your heart pounds, your stomach tightens, and your brain starts running worst-case scenarios like a Netflix horror special? That’s because your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between a financial crisis and being chased by a bear. Credit card debt? Bears. An unexpected bill? Bears. Checking your bank balance after a weekend of “treating yourself”? Bears.

Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode every time you face financial uncertainty. And when that response is triggered constantly, it wears down your heart, immune system, and mental resilience.

So, What Can You Actually Do?

1️⃣ Start with the Smallest Possible Step

You don’t need a financial overhaul, you don't need to January 1st your money. You just need one small step. Maybe that’s checking your Safe to Spend number, (how much Fun Money you have left this day, week or month - you choose!) instead of avoiding your banking app like an ex. Maybe it’s starting a five-minute money check-in with your partner (without the stress spiralling). Small, easy wins reduce stress.

2️⃣ Reframe Your Money Relationship

Money stress is inevitable (hello modern living), the goal isn’t to eliminate it but to change your relationship with it. Try this:

  • Instead of “I’m bad with money”, try “I’m figuring out what works for me.”

  • Instead of “I should be saving more”, try “I’m making progress, even if it’s slow.”

Your self-talk matters because stress comes not just from what’s in your bank account, but how you feel about what’s in your bank account.

3️⃣ Share the Load (Literally)

If you have a partner, money conversations don’t have to feel like an interrogation. Try a low-pressure “money date” where you check in on finances without judgment or shame (and maybe with snacks). And if you’re solo, Safe is here to be your financial therapy sidekick, no spreadsheets required.

Final Takeaway: Your Heart Needs Financial Peace Too

Look, money can be stressful but it doesn't have to be non-stop-stress. The goal isn’t to be perfect with money. It’s to feel less anxious, more informed, and in control (without giving yourself a heart attack in the process).

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