How “Scary Hour” Can Help You Stay on Top of Your Finances



We all have those money tasks that make our stomachs churn — checking your credit card balance after a month of high spending, finally opening that medical bill, or diving into your retirement account settings. Now there's a way to complete all those tasks without off-the-chart anxiety. It's called “Scary Hour,” an hour you set aside to tackle tasks you have been avoiding due to anxiety or fear. There’s something powerful about naming this dedicated time for facing our fears — it acknowledges that these tasks are indeed scary, and that’s okay. Pick a day of the week that works best for you and set aside one hour to be your designated “Scary Hour.” Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and make yourself a cup of coffee, tea or whatever beverage helps calm you………no, whisky does not qualify. Keep a notepad handy for action items, and set a timer for exactly 60 minutes. Knowing that you only have to face these tasks for one hour makes them feel manageable. Plus, the timer creates a sense of urgency that will help overcome analysis paralysis. Money doesn’t have to be scary. By dedicating just one hour a week to facing your financial fears, you can transform anxiety into action. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate financial stress completely; it’s to build the confidence to handle it effectively.