CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — While the first of the month brings a fresh start, it also comes with a cost, paying your bills.
The National Financial Capability Study shows over 50 percent of Americans are stressed when it comes to thinking about finances.
The generation that feels the most burdened financially is millennials.
The first issue at hand for this generation? The lack of saving.
"They spend their money before they pay themselves first," said Daniel Sciantarelli, District Advisor for First Command Financial Services,
In other words, consumers are paying bills first before putting anything in savings. Sciantarelli says about 20 percent of the struggling age group do save money, but the remainder live paycheck to paycheck.
"I know people who have to take shift jobs, things like that. Have to switch classes especially doing night classes and making time for their families," said Del Mar Student, Ryland Garcia.
The biggest struggle for this generation surprisingly isn't rent, mortgages, kids, or even school loans.
"The anxiety they might feel when it comes to finances is the credit card debt that they've accumulated," Sciantarelli said.
So, how do you get away from financial anxiety? Sciantarelli advises save first before spending anything from your paycheck.
If possible, he recommends 20 percent. Second, budget and make a financial plan.
Next, if you struggle with financial discipline, avoid credit cards
Especially ones with high interest. Finally, take advantage of benefits offered through your company.
No matter what you do, Sciantarelli says, doing something, is better than nothing at all.
"Don't put it off till next week, next month, next year. Start doing something now and I promise you that stress will go away."
