Financial avoidance is a common habit, and advisors say the fix is simple

Many people stop checking their bank accounts when the stress of money management becomes too much to handle.

This behavior creates a cycle where unchecked statements lead to overspending and unmanaged debt. Financial advisors describe this as a form of avoidance that worsens the very problems people are trying to escape.

Steven Conners, founder of Conners Wealth Management in Scottsdale, Arizona, says the issue is a negative feedback loop. He notes that individuals walk away from bills to feel better, but the inaction often leads to higher costs.

Wanda Belle, an accredited financial counselor in the Atlanta area, recommends a physical approach to reviewing finances. She suggests printing out recent statements to make it easier to see the full picture. Her advice is to mark any expenses that feel unexpected. Belle urges people to avoid shame and focus on awareness instead of judgment.

Once a person has reviewed the last one or two months of spending, the next step is setting a specific goal. Belle advises targeting variable expenses, which are costs that change each month. Examples include groceries, rideshares, and restaurant visits. These categories are easier to control than fixed costs like rent or car payments. A reasonable goal might be cutting dining out by $100 per month.

Jason Bernat, CEO of American Financial Services in Boardman, Ohio, takes a broader view with his clients. He reviews all bills, loans, and assets to find the source of the most stress. From there, he works backward to decide where to start. This might mean opening a new retirement account or identifying a specific loan balance that needs to be paid down.

Bernat prioritizes paying down credit card debt using any savings generated from the new spending habits. He explains that reducing debt makes other financial tasks easier to handle. At the same time, building an emergency fund protects against future surprises like car repairs or medical bills. He warns against trying to fix everything at once. His advice is to pick one stressor at a time and address it.

For those who feel a physical reaction to money tasks, Conners suggests pairing the work with a physical activity. He says that working out, walking, or going to the gym helps release tension and anxiety. Other calming activities, such as listening to music or knitting, can also help. The goal is to tackle the difficult tasks while in a calmer state of mind.

The final step is tracking progress over time. Belle recommends documenting spending and checking in throughout the month to stay on course. After a month, the person should review the new statement to see if the goal was met. If the goal was met, the person can pick a new category to focus on. If not, they should adjust the plan and try again. This process builds a habit of intentional spending rather than avoidance.