Why Financial Burnout Is Real and What to Do About It

You know that tired, achy feeling in your bones from when you’ve been overworked and can’t bother to look at your computer screen anymore?
Well, financial burnout feels pretty similar to that—except it kicks in when thinking or talking about money becomes too exhausting.

Sometimes it’s because you’ve been stretched thin for too long.
Sometimes it’s one or more surprise expenses that throw off your monthly budget.
It’s real—and more common than you think.

I’ve experienced my own share of financial burnout since taking on more freelance writing projects.
Corporate America wasn’t great for my creativity, but I could count on a stable paycheck every two weeks—and that helped things run pretty smoothly.

Working for myself brings a lot more uncertainty and spontaneous planning, which makes burnout feel even more real.
But like most things worth building, persistence and resilience go a long way.
No matter how exhausted you feel, one small step in the right direction can help you reset.

Step 1: Build a Budgeting Habit

I don’t do anything fancy.
I just use a simple Google Sheet to track my monthly expenses and when they’re due.

If I have more bandwidth, I might check on my investments or see where I’ve been overspending.
But when I’m burnt out?
I focus on the basics.

Step 2: Don’t Make Any Major, Impulsive Purchases

When it feels like every dollar is already spoken for, splurging just adds stress.
That new pair of jeans I really want? If I don’t need them, they wait.

Impulsive spending can kill your budget—and the guilt afterward can feed more burnout.
So I make a list.
Literally.

I keep a Google Doc of my bigger wants.
When I’ve saved enough, I go back and pick a few that still feel worth it.

Step 3: Choose Connection Over Novelty

When money is tight, I lean into low-cost connection.
Instead of dropping $50 on dinner at the new spot in town, I’ll grab a coffee and go for a walk with a friend.

You don’t have to deprive yourself.
Just make small, intentional choices that support your reset.

Final Thoughts: Burnout Is Real—But It’s Not the End

Managing money is a daily practice—just like eating, moving, or brushing our teeth.
It doesn’t have to leave you feeling powerless.

With a few habit shifts and small choices, you can get back on track.
You can feel clear.
You can feel capable again.

At SIMMER, we’re building a one-of-a-kind financial literacy app that helps you learn money so you can create freedom.
Sign up for our waitlist here.