
Let’s face it—rising costs are no joke. Groceries, energy bills, even the basics—it’s all adding up, and it can feel like your confidence is shrinking along with your bank balance. I’ve felt that pinch, and it’s easy to start doubting everything, including yourself.
But here’s the truth: your confidence is not your bank account. Even when you’re stressed about money, there are ways to keep your mindset strong, your self-belief steady, and your sense of possibility alive.
Here’s what I’ve learned about staying confident during a cost of living crisis—and how you can make these shifts for yourself, starting today.
💡 1. Acknowledge the Stress—Don’t Pretend It’s Not There
Let’s start with this: pretending everything’s fine when you’re worried about money just makes things worse. It’s okay to say, “This is hard right now.”
When you acknowledge what’s real, you can start to work with it, not fight it.
Talk about it with someone you trust. Write it down in a journal—get those thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Breathe deep, and remind yourself: You are bigger than this moment.
🌱 2. Redefine What Success Looks Like for You Right Now
We often link confidence to how much we earn or what we can afford. But real confidence isn’t about that—it’s about showing up for yourself where you are.
👉 What can you control today?
👉 What small step feels achievable?
Maybe it’s sticking to your budget. Maybe it’s cooking a meal at home. Maybe it’s saying no to something that doesn’t feel right anymore.
These small, daily choices build confidence—they’re proof you’re still steering the ship, even in rough seas.
🌟 3. Mindset Shifts to Hold Onto (Even When Money Feels Scarce)
When money’s tight, negative thoughts can creep in:
“I’m failing.”
“I’ll never get ahead.”
“I’m not good enough to deserve better.”
But here’s what I remind myself (and you!):
✅ Your worth doesn’t drop just because your finances do.
✅ Confidence is about how you treat yourself—not what you have in the bank.
✅ Resourcefulness and creativity are real strengths.
Even in a cost of living crisis, you have choices, skills, and ideas that matter.
🛠️ 4. Practical Ways to Protect Your Confidence
Let’s get real about what actually helps when money is tight:
🔑 Declutter your finances.
Take a hard look at what’s going out each month. Cut or pause subscriptions you don’t need. Switch to cheaper brands or local resources. Challenge yourself to find new ways to save—there’s power in feeling proactive.
🔑 Shift how you spend.
Prioritize the things that feed your mindset—like a daily walk, a good book, or a free podcast that lifts you up. Say no to the things that drain you—financially or emotionally.
🔑 Nourish your mind.
Journaling: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Affirmations: Speak them out loud, especially on the tough days. Lean on your people: reach out to someone you trust, and let them remind you how strong you are.
💬 5. Embrace Community—You’re Not Alone
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling, but you’re not.
Join free community groups online (Facebook, local support networks, or even free webinars). Engage with content (like this blog, hint hint!) that speaks to what you’re feeling. Share your story—when you open up, others feel less alone too.
Community and connection are confidence-boosters, even if they don’t cost a penny.
🌟 6. Keep Your Dreams Alive—Even If They Feel Far Away
It might feel out of reach to think about your big dreams when you’re counting every penny, but don’t let them slip away.
✅ Create a vision board—even if it’s just on Pinterest or in a notebook.
✅ Set one small, free action step toward a bigger goal—like learning something new or planning for a future project.
✅ Remind yourself: You’re allowed to dream, even now.
When you stay connected to your “why,” you’ll find a confidence that’s deeper than anything money can buy.
✨ My Final Thought: You Are More Than Enough
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. You’re a human being doing the best you can in a hard season.
And that? That’s enough.
Keep showing up for yourself in small ways every day—because those small acts of courage add up to real confidence.
If you need a little extra boost, my Confidence Kit is always here for you—it’s free, and it’s packed with gentle affirmations and reminders that you are capable, resourceful, and so very worthy.
We’ve got this, together.
Leave a comment