I've had to cut back on work significantly over the past few years, causing a large decline in income. I realize that we are now in a situation where our bills outweigh our income. Anyone been there? How did you cope? Love, JThis is a huge problem, we are down to one income as well but since I left work I now recieve disability and hubby has had 2 promotions.It was a lot harder before the promotions and wage increase. A lot of people experience this and I think it is about prioritising your money and cutting back as financial headaches on top of illness is something you dont need. Its not easy but your health is more important than anything
YES!
Juliah, I'm so sorry you're in that position. Unfortunately it is very common...studies show that many bankruptcies and people going uninsured are as a result of a long-term or catastrophic illness. It is one of my big fears.
I have been fortunate to continue to working full-time as I was, but I am not able to do things I would have been able to do, like get a degree (never went to college after high school because of other illnesses) and a higher-level job. My concentration is shot and my stamina is low, and by the end of the work day, I'm not able to do anything more. I can't take advantage of better opportunities that I would otherwise be qualified for. Instead of a steadily growing income, I am lucky to keep up with inflation.
My hubby is semi-retired and works two part-time jobs, which definitely contribute to the household, but we could not get by on that alone.
Then there are the medical bills. I spend close to k out of pocket each year, and that's with good insurance. I feel very fortunate that I am able to that, at least so far.
If the time comes that I need to cut back on working, I think we'll be in trouble. There are definitely areas where we could cut back if we needed to, but it is very hard to do.
OMG YES From always having spending money to having my credit plummet and just having to have faith that God will provide. It is hard to because when I do get money, I want to spend it - old habit - to cheer me up.Yes it is a constant struggle. I have always handled our finances, but hubby took it over in hopes of reducing my stress. Now he won't tell me where we stand, but I know it is bad. We have one child who just graduated from HS, and another graduating next year. I am unable to work, but I need to.
On the positive side, I feel very blessed to have the health insurance that we do and knowing it will never change is such a relief.
Yes. I am just about to the point that I will have to stop working and try for disability. I am only 36. We can not get by on hubbys income alone. Like others, I am stuck in my jib, just barley able to do my duties and certainly not climbing any ladder, unless its into my bed! LOL! YES!!!!!! Beetween the non paid FMLA days hubby has had to take either to take care of me or run to doc appts and the outrageous money we spend at the pharmacy DESPITE insurance...we are treading water to keep our heads above it.I was wondering what other's here do when incomes decline. My rd as told me not to work! He says I can't work, and I believe him. I have started a case for ssdi, I have disability group working with me on my case. My husband is working two jobs and I can't even begin to tell you what we have pawned and prayed and hope that we get the money to get our stuff out of pawn. I have made deals with most of our creditors, there is only one that seems to thing that i can pull money out of my a&*
Love all of you Sandra
We started listening to his radio show several years ago and began working the steps outlined. It has really helped us, since I stepped down (financially) from a previous job to one that was more family friendly (teaching). Even with having to cut down on teaching now due to RA and my husband being laid off this year, the panic didn't set in. I am very grateful for that.
I have heard many phone calls on his radio show from people who lives are turned upside down by ill health and death. It is very sad to hear some of the stories. I remember that kind of desperation when I was left alone with 2 small kids, no money and no job. Very scary.
I don't know the correct name for it, but with 6 kids (all in glasses, but fairly healthy) and my surgeries and ill health we pay several thousand each year for "out of pocket" expenses. We have pre tax dollars taken out of our pay and when we have medical expenses that are not covered by insurance (co-pays, deductible and non covered health items) we submit receipts and are reimbursed from these dollars that have not been taxed. I know it is a federal program and they have it for child care too.
My finances took a dramatic dive, a lot to do with my ex husband who after 2 year of me being sick decided he couldnt deal with it, said it was my decision to leave but I had no option. He would sing while my daughter & I were in tears because of the pain I was in and because of our divorce laws, which changed a year after I left him, he ripped me off big time in our settlement which has meant I have nothing to do with him & neither does his daughter but he has a new girlfriend and is really comfortably off - women often according to statistics come off worse. My mortgage goes until I am 88yrs old
but at least I have a roof over my head.
I would just say with RA always look after your finances and make sure you are taken care of - I was married a long time & thought my husband was a decent human being, he isnt.
I think that is what makes me angrier than anything, that knowing that because of my circumstances my husband turned out to be a rat. I am venting here but just make sure you are protected financially so you can survive independently if needs be as it is very hard otherewise - Friends have been wonderful, a lot have baled out but those that have hung in there have been lifesavers, but I find it hard to keep my dignity on receiving charity - I lived a comfortable life before RA.
Just take care to look after yourself financially - my ex was seemingly kind, sensitive, blah, blah but I learnt the hard way.
Stash some money away just in case.
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com