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Table of content
Introduction
Another associated source of stress is financial stress, which is typically a major contributor to stress among women who are housewives since they always have to manage their household income. This pressure can make someone develop severe stress that affects not only the affected person but the whole family. The impact of financial pressure on housewives and the ways stress in this regard can be minimised should be studied to enhance mental well-being. It is also important to resort to history to find answers to this perpetual problem and identify applicable lessons for the current difficulties.
The Role of Housewives in Financial Management
Female employees mostly agree that housewives are trendsetters, specifically when it comes to managing the family’s cash. They also control finances, such as setting up household bills, paying bills, and financing groceries, among other household needs, as well as the need to balance and make the most of every coin. This task is even more demanding if the family is living with a single breadwinner, hence the need to manage the finances as well.
Financial stress is experienced when one has to make adjustments to their budget, common causes of which are: developing amplified medical expenses, job loss, inflation, and the cost of raising children, among others. Coping with the everyday struggle for survival in the face of negative political changes results in chronic stress, which affects the physical as well as mental health of a person. It arises in the form of anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic diseases such as hypertension, and many others.
Historical context
In this paper, financial pressure will be discussed as one of the persistent problems that housewives have faced throughout history. In the 1930s, people worked under large social pressure. As families, they often suffered from economic difficulties during the Great Depression. Due to the high rates of unemployment and diminished wages, housewives had to work very hard to provide the basic food and clothing for their families. Sometimes they are forced to prepare the food in a way that would make them last longer, fashion their clothes, and engage in trading to gain other basic amenities. These responsibilities took their toll on the emotional state of such women, as they had to keep their families afloat from complete collapse.
Likewise, during the Second World War, the phenomenon of women being alone to take care of households with their husbands away at war was common. Restrictions on portions of food and any other basic items required in the home ensured that housewives had to be very conscious of how they used the limited amount of money at their disposal. The pressure of making certain food available for their families, coupled with the apprehension concerning their husbands’ wellbeing, shifted the women to another level of pressure.
Modern-Day Financial Pressures
Thus, the financial factor remains one of the major causes of concern for housewives in the modern world. The standard of living has gone up in many countries, and to be able to have a decent life, one has to work two jobs most of the time. However, due to other responsibilities such as caring for children, having fewer opportunities available, or personal preference, some housewives may not work outside the home, and therefore, managing the finances is very crucial.
There was a report suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the finances of many families in a negative way. A direct consequence of the persisting social recession was a decrease in household income due to layoffs, reduced working hours, and higher healthcare expenses. Most housewives were left in a somewhat compromising situation of having to cut down on the few available resources while grappling with other challenges, including health complications and homeschooling for children.
The Psychological Impact of Financial Pressure
Financial pressure, which comes as a consequence of poor earnings, has serious psychosocial consequences for housewives. These include:
1. Anxiety and Depression:
This stress is often followed by tension and anxiety regarding money, which in turn cause chronic depression. The stability of tomorrow is undermined; there is a fear that there may be no ways to meet family needs, which results in anxiety.
2. Feelings of Guilt and Inadequacy:
Women can feel a failure if they do not go out to work or if they cannot afford to buy all the things their families may desire. This may make someone develop an inferiority complex and poor self-esteem.
3. Relationship Strain:
Financial difficulties would always affect the relationships between families, even with out-of-town relatives. Money issues are one of the most frequent areas of conflict, and the tension created by these conflicts destroys human relationships.
4. Physical Health Issues:
Prolonged stress affects one’s physical health, contributing to such ailments as headaches, gastrointestinal complications, and heart disease. Stressful conditions bring about changes in the body that are not desirable, particularly in as much as they undermine the immune systems and expose individuals to various forms of illness.
Strategies to manage financial stress
Materialistic pressure can be a strenuous burden for housewives; nevertheless, there are ways that can help housewives reduce stress and increase financial resources at home. Here are some practical steps:Here are some practical steps:
1. Budgeting and Financial Planning:
Create a detailed budget:
Provide for all earners and spenders. Subdivide cost as the cost of inputs that remain constant over time and other costs (e.g., rent and light, food and beverages, and live entertainment, respectively). The former assists in determining where the axe has to fall.
Set financial goals:
Set both the operational and strategic targets. This can give people focus as well as a definite goal, which contributes to the hastening of their worries related to the future.
Emergency Fund:
Save for an emergency fund to cater for any form of emergency. The small contributions feature the amount saved regularly over a specific period of time, which can be used in dire times.
2. Reduce Expenses:
Cut non-essential spending:
Pinpoint some of the expenditures that can be decreased, like eating out, subscription services, or any unnecessary items.
Shop Smart:
Coupons should be used; it is recommended that one order in large quantities and during certain special occasions where the prices are reduced. Another way to cut expenses is to organise the meals depending on the offered promotions and try to buy products from generic brands as much as possible.
3. Increase income:
Part-Time Work or Freelancing:
Consider doing any form of work in your spare time, doing freelance or borderline work, or being a small-scale home businessman. This can enable one to earn an income to supplement that of a full-time job or even a full-time engagement.
Utilise skills and hobbies:
By-pass frills and convert them into sources of income. For example, one can bake, knit, or teach in their spare time to make some cash.
4. Seek financial education:
Financial Literacy Programmes:
Join in classes or seminars that teach about money matters. Acquiring knowledge in finance could enable housewives to make proper financial decisions.
Online Resources:
Spend time on the internet to find various applications that are better for use when it comes to expenses and other smart financial tips.
5. Mental Health Support:
Counselling and Therapy:
It is recommended that one consult a counsellor or a therapist to control stress and anxiety. Speaking to a specially trained person helps you find ways to deal with stress and have someone to talk to.
Support Groups:
Seek the services of organisations that help people in similar financial circumstances. It is reassuring when others gain and have similar situations, and nothing is more comforting than a group hug accompanied by ‘let’s fix this’ advice.
6. Family Communication:
Open Dialogue:
Keep the family informed about the financial aspects of things. The approach of budgeting and saving with the participation of all employees implies the formation of a team and a partnership in managing personal expenses.
Set boundaries:
Set working spending parameters and differentiate the essential from the nonessential. Teach family members how they can be involved in contributing to the formulation of ideas concerning money-saving strategies and the achievement of personal financial goals.
7. Self-Care:
Prioritize self-care:
Set aside an amount of time to be able to work out, take a break, or do activities that one enjoys doing. Stress can be managed by observing proper mental and physical healthcare.
Breaks and Rest:
Get enough sleep and rest as and when necessary. One thing that worsens chronic stress is exhaustion; therefore, one should take a break once in a while.
Historical Lessons
Historical examples are a good source of useful insights into the possibilities of coping with financial problems. It should be noted that the tradition of mutual support is well illustrated by the example of the Great Depression. Most families got by on trading, resource sharing, and food from community gardens while awaiting better days. All these strategies can be practiced in today’s settings by promoting the company's people and mutual support.
In wartime, like during World War II, families had to learn how to ration food, and this made many families adapt to every situation with what they had. Thus, such aspects as learning what should be considered essential and avoiding unnecessary spending could assist modern families in successfully coping with their existing financial issues. Also, such a presentation of housewives from different historical periods shows that they were not only optimistic but also strong in spirit and knew how to survive in difficult conditions.
Conclusion
When it comes to insisting on consequences, another source says that financial pressure is the most tense for housewives, but it is by no means insurmountable. As a result, housewives can enhance their financial conditions and decrease the level of their stress using the concept of financial stress and practical strategies for its alleviation. Analysing historical events and their effects, one may find many lessons on resilience and resourcefulness, which are still significant at the present stage. If housewives make certain changes in their approach, reflecting on their psychology, communicating with their husbands, and adding mental health to their agenda, they can better manage those financial problems they might face, thus creating a more stable and less stressful lifestyle for themselves and their families.
It, therefore, shows that getting out of that rat race of chasing after every dime and of everyday stress may in fact be possible. Housewives can thus act on the problem and get help to regain their tranquilly and guarantee that their families are financially comfortable.
What Are Some Creative Ways You've Found to Save Money on Everyday Expenses?
I am always looking for new and innovative methods to stretch our household budget and manage our finances effectively. I'd love to hear from you! Please share your creative strategies for saving money on everyday expenses. Your tips and experiences can provide valuable insights and inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Whether it's a unique approach to grocery shopping, DIY projects, or any other cost-saving measures, your input is greatly appreciated.
