Studies have shown that while women tend to worry more than men, when men worry it affects their health. Especially when they worry about finances. There are many reasons for this but, the main one is, men tend to internalize their fears instead of communicating them.
Sarah Coghlan, global director of men’s health promotion at The Movember Foundation, told Yahoo News “Many men find it particularly difficult to talk about money worries because they associate money with their success as individuals or even as a mark of their character. A friend who is having money problems, no matter what the reason is, may see it as a personal failure and refuse to talk about it.”
When a man stresses over money it can lead to depression, anxiety and substance abuse which can put him at greater risk for hypertension, heart disease and kidney damage.
The Cleveland Clinic estimates 60% of men don’t see their doctors regularly and only make appointments when they’re extremely ill. While a yearly physical, blood draws to test cholesterol and blood sugar levels, prostate and colon cancer screenings, mole checks, dental appointments, eye exams are some of the Top 10 checkups recommended for men by Healthgrades.
Preventative care not only helps detect serious illness when it’s most treatable, most men feel more open to discussing personal problems with their doctor than with their better half or best friend.
But what can you do to help your partner when he’s stressed over money?
- Ask specific questions about the budget.
- Find ways to spend less and save more.
- Set short-term and long-term goals.
- Create a joint account for household bills.
- Check-in regularly to see if what you’re doing is making a difference.
We have a Budget Worksheet on our website that can be saved as a PDF or printed. And we’re always here to offer help and advice. 800-689-3935