“I’m desperate and I don’t know where to turn. I’m over my head in debt and my salary isn’t enough to pay for my basic needs much less pay down my loans. Every day prices increase, but my money only stands still. No matter what I try, I can’t seem to dig out of my financial mess; sometimes I feel like just giving up. Help!”

Everywhere you turn, people are complaining about their money problems. Food prices are skyrocketing, consumer debt is spiraling, utility costs are rising; everything is going up except our incomes! Many people are definitely getting anxious about money or their lack of it.

As a financial advisor, one of my biggest challenges is how to help someone with a tough financial problem that has no obvious solutions. Some money problems can’t be fixed with the regular smart advice of how to earn more and spend less. In reality, some people have money troubles that only get more depressing as you try to find a workable way forward.

So what can you do if you’re in the middle of a really tough financial mess? Give up? Not an option!

When we can’t find an answer to a tough problem, it helps to seek expert help. When I’m faced with daunting money stories that seem unsolvable, I turn to the master of positive thinking, Norman Vincent Peale for possible solutions. Peale is best known for his inspirational masterpiece The Power of Positive Thinking which describes the powerful connection between your thoughts and the results you achieve in life.

In his book Positive Imaging, Peale notes that “with the possible exception of health problems, money problems weigh more heavily on people’s minds than any other form of anxiety.” He reveals six suggestions to help people struggling with financial difficulties:

1.   Don’t panic

Peale recommends that if you find yourself getting anxious, you should create an image of peace of mind to calm yourself down. “Fear not only paralyses the will and the mind, it also seems to scare money away, probably because fearful people are not creative or resourceful,” he asserts. It’s important for your mind to be relaxed so that you can be logical and hopeful about your problems.

2.   Get organized

One you have your emotions under control, Peale advises that you must be clear about your true financial situation. He points out that many people don’t know exactly how much they owe or what their basic expenses are. After calculating your income, you have to either increase it to meet your needs or reduce spending until your budget is balanced.

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3.   Be disciplined

Peale encourages us to ignore the ‘demon of instant gratification’ that wants us to spend, spend, spend. “The demon is happiest when you don’t know the true state of your finances, because then it knows that you’re less likely to apply the brakes.” I always insist that proper budgeting is the foundation to improving your finances, as it allows you to control your spending choices. If you’re already in debt, stay away from more debt unless it only replaces the higher interest obligations.

4.   Think

There’s always an answer to a tough problem, we just have to really think it through. Peale advises us to “have our heads examined” that is, to search deep inside for new ideas for possible sources of income. “Opportunities for money making surround us all the time,” Peale confirms, “it just takes an inquisitive, lively mind to see them.” Instead of focusing on your problems, decide to highlight your assets, and this will help you to think creatively.

5.   Give all you can

Peale recommends tithing as a way to release the universe’s abundance into our lives. “Tithing seems to put a person in touch with some mysterious force that attracts money,” he reveals. When we’re worried about money and desperately try to hold on to the little that we have, we perpetuate the scarcity of money in our lives. Peale advises anyone with money problems to take a leap of faith and be generous.

6.   Visualize

Peale describes imaging as “a form of mental activity that consists of vividly picturing in your conscious mind a desired objective, and holding that image until it sinks into your unconscious mind, where it releases great, untapped energies.” According to Peale, when the imaging concept is applied steadily it solves problems and enhances the chance of success in any endeavour.

The idea is to focus your energies on your desired outcome instead of wasting effort worrying about the problem. So if you’re in debt, visualize yourself as being debt-free. “Imagine vividly the relief, the happiness, the peace of mind you will feel when the last payment is made,” describes Peale. He recounts dozens of true stories of how positive imaging conquered formidable health, relationship and money challenges.

Remember- although the going may be tough now, there is always a solution!