Financial instability occurs when we lack a financial safety net or expectation of regular income. Long periods of financial instability can leave us with chronic stress and anxiety that eat away at all aspects of our well-being and can lead to a defensive, scarcity-based mindset that follows us even after we transition into financial security. The fear of financial instability can also lead us to stay in situations and relationships that have become harmful to us in other ways. It’s important to remember that our financial security is not a reflection of our self-worth, capabilities, or character, and understanding how it affects us mentally and physically can help us navigate its pressures in our lives and make the best choices for our wholeness and well-being.