The Reality Check
Tool • Gate: Financial Collapse & Purpose
← Back to: How do I deal with the initial shock of financial collapse?
The Reality Check
Purpose / Reason
Acknowledge the situation without judgment. This is a temporary state, not your identity.
Answer to: “How do I deal with the initial shock of financial collapse?”
How to Apply
- Write 3 facts (no judgments) about your money situation.
- Write 1 fear thought and 1 alternative thought backed by evidence.
- Circle 1 action that changes cash today or this week.
- Do it now; log how it felt and what happened.
How & Why It Works
- Externalizing facts reduces cognitive load and catastrophizing; it makes decisions simpler.
Results & Goals
- Immediate (0–72h): Panic down, priorities clear; essential bills triaged and first calls made.
- Short‑term (1–4 weeks): Cash leakage reduced, payment relief in place, income applications in flight.
- Medium‑term (1–3 months): Credit damage contained, basic needs stable, measurable savings/income uptick.
Citations / References
Source Inventory: financial-collapse-purpose.html (exact tool names).