Money has a powerful influence on people's lives, affecting not only how they live but also how they feel emotionally. While financial journalism often focuses on ways to grow wealth through saving and investing, it frequently misses the emotional toll that financial stress can have on individuals. Many people, regardless of how much they earn, feel a constant, gnawing anxiety about money that can affect their mental well-being and quality of life. One journalist shares their personal experience of feeling financially insecure despite earning a good salary. They note that while they are better off than many others, the rising cost of living has made life more difficult for even middle-income earners. For example, a simple meal at an Italian restaurant now costs over £70, a dramatic increase from what such a meal might have cost in the past. Looking back, the journalist recalls their first job in London in 2006, when a salary of £30,000 allowed for a comfortable amount of disposable income after paying for essentials. However, even with an income roughly double that amount today, their disposable income has actually decreased due to rising costs. Expenses like rent, energy bills, and other necessities have gone up, leaving less room for personal spending or savings. To cope, the journalist has made several lifestyle changes, such as switching to a cheaper supermarket, selling second-hand clothes, and cutting back on non-essential purchases. They also deal with challenges like high transportation costs, frequent car repairs due to poor road conditions, and limited access to healthcare without private insurance. Despite these difficulties, they remain positive about their life, acknowledging that while the pain of financial strain is relative, it is still very real. They also point out that many middle-income families in the UK are facing similar struggles, highlighting a growing sense of financial anxiety among this group.