Poll Shows Stress Driven By Finances

A recent social media poll by 1Life has revealed that 68% of South Africans experience stress and anxiety due to financial pressure, underlining the strong connection between money worries and mental health.

Hayley Parry, Money Coach and Facilitator at 1Life’s Truth About Money, said the findings were not unexpected.
“Money worries remain one of the biggest triggers for stress and relationship strain. The good news is that with small, consistent changes, South Africans can take back control—both financially and emotionally,” she explained.

Parry shared five practical steps for easing money stress:

1. Face your finances – Understand what you earn and owe.
2. Create a budget – Track spending and set achievable goals.
3. Build an emergency fund – Even small savings can soften unexpected shocks.
4. Talk about money – Open conversations reduce shame and anxiety.
5. Invest in knowledge – Financial education builds confidence and better decisions.

“Financial wellness is mental wellness,” Parry added. “The more we normalise talking about money and planning ahead, the less control it has over our peace of mind.”

Truth About Money, 1Life’s financial education and empowerment platform, continues to offer free online courses, debt management, and counselling support to help South Africans build brighter financial futures