Lynda Moore says focusing on what is within your control, and gently letting go of what is not, creates a sense of steadiness in a world that often feels unpredictable

I confess, I’m not an avid follower of the news.  I don’t read an online paper or have alerts popping up for the latest news story, I listen to the radio, I scroll through my google feed, and if something comes to my attention that I want to know more about, I’ll have a look at it in more detail.

It’s not that I don’t want to know what is going on, but I have to say that lately, the news has been full of scary stories. Headlines about conflict between countries, airstrikes, retaliation, and global uncertainty can feel overwhelming. I don’t want that constantly in my face. It’s the kind of coverage that makes the world feel shaky, and suddenly, even your own finances and life can feel fragile.

I recently got a message from a girlfriend who was panicking. She asked if she should withdraw all her money from the bank, as she had read something (not from a reputable news source), that the banking system was on the verge of collapse. She wasn’t being dramatic. She was responding to fear, which is completely normal when the world feels unpredictable. We’ve all had moments like that, scrolling through headlines and imagining the worst.

Here’s the thing: we can’t control what overseas governments do. We can’t predict market swings or political decisions. What we can control is how we respond. That’s where your power, and your peace of mind comes in.

1. Don’t let headlines run the show

It’s easy to get swept up in dramatic news. Stories are designed to grab attention, and when there’s talk of conflict, it’s normal for your brain to respond as if the threat is right in front of you. But reacting emotionally, especially with money, usually makes things messier.

Before making any quick decisions, pause and ask yourself: “Does this actually change anything for me today?” and “Am I acting from fear, or am I following a plan I can trust?”

Keeping perspective doesn’t mean ignoring the news. It just means letting the headlines inform you without taking over your choices. When you separate what’s happening in the world from what’s happening in your life, it’s easier to respond calmly instead of panicking.

As my girlfriend and I talked more, she calmed down and realised that she needed to take a break from looking at the headlines and going down the rabbit hole that she was digging for herself.

2. Strengthen your own financial foundation

You can’t control global events, but you can make your own finances stronger. That’s where peace of mind really comes from.

Start with the basics. An emergency fund covering as much as you can of your essential expenses.  The ideal is three to six months, it’s a great safety net, but if not achievable for you right now, just tuck something away. If having a bit more helps you sleep better at night, go for it. The goal isn’t hoarding, it’s feeling secure, so unexpected bumps don’t feel so scary.

If you need to have a stash of cash, to make you feel secure then do that.  Just make sure you have it is securely hidden away, not tucked under your mattress. There’s a story in my family, that during the war, one of my Great, Great grandparents had hollowed out broom sticks and hidden cash in them, that was all well and good but until unfortunately their house got bombed, and it literally was raining money… but I digress.

Next, get clear on your budget. Knowing exactly where your money goes gives you a sense of control and reduces stress. You’ll feel calmer knowing you’ve planned for what matters most.

And if you have investments, stick to your plan and get professional advice. Markets always react to world events, that’s normal. Jumping in and out based on fear usually hurts more than it helps. Long-term strategies are designed to ride out the ups and downs, so staying the course is often the smartest move.

Try to resist the urge to look at your Kiwisaver or investment app for a few days while things are looking a bit volatile in the markets as they react to world events.  Easier said than done.  I couldn’t help having a sneaky peak at mine.

Even small steps, like putting a little extra aside each month or checking in on your spending, remind you that you do have control over your finances.

3. Prepare for real-life scenarios

Trying to predict every global crisis is exhausting and impossible. Instead, think about what could realistically affect you. Could income reduce temporarily? Could an unexpected bill come up? Could costs rise suddenly?

Then, write down how you would handle it. Having a plan for “if this happens, I’ll do that” gives your brain a sense of safety. It’s like telling yourself, “I’ve got this covered,” which makes panic a lot less likely.

Once you prepare for the worst, you can stop worrying about it and turning it into something bigger than it may be.  Everyone’s ‘worst’ is going to be different depending on your circumstances so bear that in mind as well.

Review your goals and financial plans regularly. You don’t need to check the markets every day. Just make sure your choices still match your priorities. That way, when anxiety creeps in, you can act from confidence instead of fear.

4. Take care of your mental well-being

This is the most important point. Our brains are wired to scan for danger, so it’s natural to feel anxious when conflict dominates the news. But constant exposure to worrying headlines just makes fear louder than it needs to be.

My girlfriend did the right thing, she messaged me, we talked, she relaxed and was able to carry on with her day.

Take breaks from the news. Go for a walk. Call a friend. Do little things that help you feel steady. Focusing on the things you can control in your everyday life, your routines, your relationships, your money brings you back to a sense of calm.

Taking care of your mental health isn’t separate from managing money. Anxiety affects decisions, and decisions made from worry rarely help anyone. Looking after your brain and emotions is just another form of financial self-care.

Control what you can — and let go of the rest

You can’t stop international conflicts. You can’t predict the next market move. You can’t change political decisions.

But you can:

• Know your financial picture
   
• Build a sensible buffer for yourself and your family
   
• Make decisions calmly instead of reacting to fear
   
• Take care of your mental and emotional well-being

Focusing on what’s within your control, and gently letting go of what isn’t, creates a sense of steadiness in a world that often feels unpredictable. It’s not about ignoring the news, but about acknowledging it without letting fear drive your decisions.

Real confidence comes from knowing that no matter what happens outside your control, you’ve prepared thoughtfully, managed your resources, and protected your well-being. That calm, grounded approach is where peace of mind lives and it’s something you can nurture every single day, one step at a time.

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.