So it’s almost Halloween, and I couldn’t be more excited. You would think I was a little kid, as much as I’m looking forward to it, but I think it’s even better than that…I’m a grandma. I have no reason to take little ones out trick-or-treating; instead, I get to sit at home, turn on the porch light, and hand out candy to anyone who knocks on my door. I can’t wait!

Of course, as a grandma, Halloween isn’t about the ghosts and ghouls. I’ve never been a big fan of the scare, I’ve always been more about the fun. Haunted houses aren’t my thing and never have been. You can put scary movies and creepy costumes on that same list—they’re just not for me. Some people might say that’s because I’m something of a chicken, but I like to think it’s because after decades of wisdom, I know what should really scare you, and it’s not in a store. I just received a quarterly statement about my 401K earnings earlier this month…opening that envelope was more frightening than any old warehouse full of zombies and witches could ever hope to be. But whether it’s financial worries, family concerns, or even just being scared of the boogie man, it all boils down to one thing: we’re the most frightened, and the most stressed, about the things we can’t control.

In a way, Halloween is about facing your fears. What’s a haunted house, after all, but a way to confront and conquer the things that go bump in the night? So while you won’t find me waiting to jump on a haunted hayride or making my way through the twisted asylum of terror, I can appreciate the kids and kids at heart who will be enjoying a fright or two. And in the spirit of facing those fears and taking control, here are five tips on how you can also better manage the financial and personal stress in your life this Halloween and all year long.

1. Read. Well this is starting it off pretty easy if you’re a habitual reader like myself. But reading actually releases stress by taking your mind off of your concerns. Immersing yourself in a book is like taking a breath of fresh air; you’re able to return to the source of your concern with a fresh perspective.
2. Take care of your physical self. That means getting enough exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy. Everybody KNOWS this, it’s just a matter of actually DOING it. I’m an expert on that myself, with the donuts and Pepsi I had for breakfast as Exhibit A.
3. Focus on the positives.
4. Focus on what you CAN control. So obviously I can’t control the stock market, which is why that envelope was so scary. But I can control who I diversify my portfolio (and therefore my risk) and also on the other pieces of retirement planning, such as what I’ll do with my time, my lifestyle, etc.
5. Finally, take action on what you can control. Moving forward, progress…it’s a good thing. So when you have a plan for something you’d like to do, whether it’s retirement, a career change, or anything else, act on it. Waiting for the perfect moment will mean missed opportunities.

Whatever you’re doing this Halloween, here’s hoping it’s a safe, fun, and exciting time for you and yours.