<prompt> Human: Ever since I got my first 100 bill as a child Ive been addicted to money. It wasnt too bad early in my childhood, but lately its been fairly severe.I dont buy phone credit anymore, dont buy food when Im out with others, get people to pay for me sometimes, I try to sell everything I can to get extra money, I actually do not spend money at all, I keep tabs on my balances and notes every day, I literally think about money all day and how much I can save by this date. I end up calculating hypothetical situations like bestworst case scenarios by the end of 2015 which makes me feel stressed and pressured so I recalculate which makes me even more nervous.I need to try solve this issue. Its so difficult though because Im concerned about the future. Anyone in a same situation or has previously experienced this?Assistant: Yes. I grew up extremely poor and have a lot of anxiety about returning to that state. I have gotten much better now. You may honestly need some help from a therapist depending on how extreme this is.Consider your underlying reasons for this problem: Are you just addicted to accumulating money or do you have an anxiety problem that you medicate by accumulating money? Is your anxiety problem unfounded, or is it based out of particular bad experiences, such as being evicted from your home as a child? Does this problem impact you in any significant way beyond your mental health such as poor health due to cutting corners on groceries and doctor visits?Human: I guess its a combination of both being worried about the future and due to having no hobbies. I have so much free time right now and Im also working full time again soon, not sure if that would even help because all day its just working for money and coming home and thinking about money again. I have nothing better to do than calculate and think about saving my money. I do have anxiety issues about a problem, something that isnt really relevant to money though.  <response>: Okay well, I also worry about the future. Here are some things I have done to combat that worry: I track my money carefully with YNAB. This allows me to really understand how much it costs for me to live. I have extra disability insurance due to serious personal health concerns. I am working on a death plan for my husband to have. This includes insurance to pay for him to finish college, pay off student loan debt, and provide for him for a few years while he gets on his feet. I research my jobs carefully. I need great health care insurance, and it reduces my stress that my current company provides several months of severance package unless I am fired at fault. I have renters insurance and have documented everything I own in case something gets stolen or damaged. I have researched things like how much unemployment I qualify for, and what my SS payout would be based off current salary. This information makes me feel better because I know how much it costs me to live. I contribute to retirement accounts.So take actionable steps to combat your anxiety. Whatever you fear about the future, make a plan to prepare for it so you can feel better. It is better to pay a little extra money for the peace of mind, imo.Then get some hobbies. Personally, I enjoy playing video games with friends. It prevents me from going out and spending loads of money, and its very social. I also enjoy cooking and baking my husband and I purchase specialty cookbooks sometimes, crocheting, quilting, and reading. I have a tablet and check out ebooks from my library system, so this does not cost me much either.Finally, what are you saving for? Make a decision to spend on something that is important to you. You will feel anxiety and regret at first, but stick with it. Keep making decisions to spend on important things - not immediately, but in the future. In May this year, I am going to buy a state park pass. This will cost me 100, but I will use it on 8 weekends this summer. It is healthy for me to hike around out doors, and I will have wonderful entertainment for less than 1hour. That is good value. 