The financial aspect of caregiving does not often get the attention it deserves, and that’s understandable because money is not the first thing on people’s minds when they start caring for a loved one. However, as a caregiver, you need to understand that it’s a demanding role not just physically and emotionally, but also financially. If you keep putting off managing your finances for later, you may soon find yourself getting overwhelmed and financially strained.
Here are a few statistics from Forbes to help you put this in perspective:
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67% of people who’ve incurred expenses for caregiving have had to reduce living expenses to provide care,
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63% of them have withdrawn money from savings or cashed in or sold assets to provide care,
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32% of them have stopped or reduced contributions to savings to provide care, and
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21% of them have borrowed money to provide care.
Sounds sobering, right? Well, fortunately, it’s never too late to start managing your finances better, and here are a few ways you can get started.
1. Create a budget
You cannot manage what you cannot see, and that saying fits perfectly when it comes to your finances. So, take the first step by creating a budget because it will help you track your income and expenses, identify where you can save some money, and make sure that you always have enough money for essentials such as rent, utility bills, and groceries.
To create a budget, start by making a list of all your monthly income, including your salary, any benefits or grants you receive, and any other sources of income. Next, make a list of all your expenses, including your rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation costs, medical expenses, and any other bills or expenses you have.
Once you have a list of your income and expenses, subtract your expenses from your income to determine your monthly cash flow. If your expenses exceed your income, you may need to make some changes to your budget to reduce your expenses or increase your income.
2. If an expense can be avoided, avoid it
Though you will have to spend some money on relaxing and having fun every once in while to maintain your mental health, it will help your finances if you adopt an overarching tendency to save money.
Take a look at your budget to identify unnecessary expenses and try to cut down on them. For example, you may be able to reduce your grocery bill by buying generic brands or shopping at discount stores. Some retailers and service providers offer discounts to caregivers. Be sure to ask for any discounts that may be available to you. Also, don't be afraid to shop around for the best prices on goods and services. Compare prices from different retailers and service providers to get the best deals.
3. Set clear and realistic goals
It’s easier to manage finances when we know exactly what it is that we are trying to achieve. Setting short-term as well as long-term financial goals will help you stay focussed on your priorities as a caregiver and provide much-needed clarity about where you are heading.
Some financial goals you may want to consider are:
Paying off debt: If you have debt, such as credit card debt or student loans, paying it off should be a top priority.
Building an emergency fund: An emergency fund can help you cover unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs.
Saving for retirement: As a caregiver, you may be putting your own retirement savings on hold. However, it's essential to start saving for retirement as early as possible to ensure that you have enough money to support yourself in your golden years.
4. Don’t hesitate in asking for assistance
If you're struggling to manage your finances as a caregiver, don't hesitate to seek financial assistance. Such assistance can come from various sources such as government assistance programs, non-profit organizations, and crowdfunding platforms like Ketto, or AgingCare. Also, a number of NGOs provide financial counseling to caregivers and help them navigate through the situation at hand by developing comprehensive budgets and financial plans.
In conclusion, being a caregiver is a challenging and rewarding role that requires significant financial and personal sacrifices. However, by following the tips outlined in this article, you can take control of your finances and minimize the stress and uncertainty that often accompany caregiving. Above all, take care of yourself and your loved ones, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can successfully navigate the financial challenges of caregiving and find peace of mind and fulfillment in your role as a caregiver.