Hi everyone… I’m taking this new year as an opportunity to really zone in on my finances and have been binging finance podcasts for inspiration. (“ I Will Teach You to Be Rich “ is fascinating!)

But here’s the thing… it’s all about couples.

It made me aware about my own financial anxieties as a single person. I was married and divorced. I’ve had to rebuild my finances from the ground up. Not surprisingly, being solo gave me breathing room and motivation to grow my career and salary. I work from home, can have a digital nomad lifestyle. We had a mass layoff at my company last year and my role was never at risk.

But I feel unsettled and vulnerable about money despite having a large emergency fund (too scared to not be liquid) and putting into retirement. The thought of a mortgage while solo scares me even though I can technically afford it. I am more risk averse about considering another job. There are many parts of solo life that I love. (The peace. Autonomy.) I have created a full life that isn’t less than one in a partnership. I am doing well on my own and am doing my best (good income, live below my means and my spending aligns with my values) but I have waves of sadness? resentment? that I am doing it alone.

This isn’t a persistent feeling. But when I do feel it, it feels so heavy. (I’m also feeling a bit run down and it sucks being unwell while solo.)

Can anyone else relate? Are there resources that you recommend? How do I chill the fuck out? (Laugh cry)