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Information For Living With: Choose condition »
Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Budget

Related Article: Budget: Creating/Living With

Instructions

  • For budget purposes, ballpark numbers work. They don't have to be precise.
  • Under each spending category, either complete the details or enter one sum for the whole category.
  • Totals change with each entry in real time. As you make each entry, you can scroll down to the bottom to see if your budget is balanced.
  • The form includes the option to mark certain daily expenses to be paid out of a weekly allowance. Where applicable, check the box for items you'd like to pay in cash out of a weekly cash allowance.

My Budget

DATE
LAST REVISED:

INCOME

Using the amount of income you actually receive, enter the weekly or monthly amount.
All Income Sources Weekly Monthly
My Job:
Disability:
Investment Income:
Other Income:
Other Income:

CASH OUTLAYS

Savings & Income Protection Weekly Monthly
"Emergency+Fund"
Disability Insurance not paid by employer
Life Insurance not paid by employer
Investments
Other
Other
Total Savings
 
Debts and Obligations Weekly Monthly
Estimated Federal Tax Payments
Estimated State Tax Payments
Alimony / Child Support
Credit card payments
Rent/Mortgage Payments/Maintenance
Student Loans
Car loan(s) and/or lease(s)
Debt Repayment(s):
Other:
Total Debts & Obligations
 
Household Expenses Weekly Monthly
Electricity
Oil
Gas
Water/Sewer
Telephone
Mobile Phone(s)
Cable / SatelliteTV
Internet Access
Property Taxes (not included in mortgage payments)
Renters or Home Insurance (not in mortgage payments)
Maintentance/Repairs
Home furnishings
Other:
Other:
Total Household Expenses
 
Medical Care Weekly Monthly
Insurance Premiums (your share)
Medical office/hospital co-payments
Prescription co-payments
Over-the-counter medications
Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements
Eyeglasses / Contact Lenses
Medical equipment
Dental
Therapy
Other Uninsured Medical Expenses
Other
Total Medical Care

DISCRETIONARY CASH OUTLAYS

Food Weekly Monthly Allowance
Supermarket
Restaurant / Takeout
Tobacco / Alcohol
Other:
Other
Total Food
 
Transportation Weekly Monthly Allowance
Auto 1 Insurance
Auto 2 Insurance
Gasoline. Oil
Maintenance, repair
Public transportation
Tolls
Registration
Other:
Other:
Total Transportation
 
Personal Care Weekly Monthly Allowance
Hair care / haircuts
Wigs/Hairpieces
Makeup
Toiletries
Clothing
Dry cleaning / Laundry
Tailor
Gym membership
Other
Other
Total Personal Care
 
Recreation Weekly Monthly Allowance
Vacation / Travel
Movies / Theatre
Parties in home
Newspapers, books
Music
Software
Pet food / Supplies
Vet Expenses
Movie Rentals / Videos
Hobbies
Other
Other
Total Recreation
 
Gifts & Contributions Weekly Monthly Allowance
Birthday gifts
Holiday gifts
Place of worship
Other Charities
Other:
Other:
Total Gifts & Contributions

Professional Services Weekly Monthly
Lawyer
Accountant
Financial Planner
Other:
Other:
Total Professional Services
 
Childcare Weekly Monthly
Day care / Babysitting
Toys / Clothing
Education / Books
Other
Other
Total Childcare
RESULTS Weekly Monthly
Total Income
Total Expenses
Total Breathing Room
Allowance  

If you haven't already, be sure to read Managing Your Debt to minimize these payments.
If your income is low or you are disabled, you might be able to get these basic services at a reduced rate. Check with your utility companies
Note that people with serious health conditions often spend more in food, both because they have additional nutritional needs and they turn to convenience foods, takeout, and restaurants for meals due to low energy or time limitations.
Click here to read about alternate transportation options if you meet your municipality's definition of disabled and/or handicapped.
Although you might not think of it this way, personal care items can be very important to your well being. Don't underestimate your spending in this category, especially given the benefits of exercise. Plus, looking good might actually make you feel better.
Like personal care, don't downplay the importance of this category. Recreation can reduce stress, which impairs the immune system making it a less potent foe of illness. Pets, too, can help reduce stress -- and can be a source of companionship. To learn more, see: Personal Care,Pets
Consider volunteering instead of giving cash.
For tips on decreasing what you spend with your professionals, see: Lawyers 101, Accountants, Financial Planners
Tip: If you're not working but are disabled, you may still be able to take advantage of the Child Care tax credit. See Taxes.
Estimating your out-of-pocket medical expenses can be difficult, especially since they often vary from month-to-month depending on changes in your physical condition. Revise these numbers as often as necessary to reflect your current condition and/or treatment.