
Budget
Related Article: Budget: Creating/Living With
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.
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