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Financial Security


Mon, January 27, 2014 11:17 PM

Hi,

My gf has crohn's disease. I was wondering about those that are married or in long-term  relationships. How do you plan for the financial uncertainty of the disease like unexpected medical bills, missing weeks of work? Do you have a special savings plan? Or a huge emergency savings? How do you save for retirement, a house and reduce financial stress and not go broke?



Thanks

FPO chevy
Joined Jan 27, 2014

Sun, February 09, 2014 2:51 PM

 Reply posted for chevy.

also feel free to email me if you'd like more in-depth info. you can find my email info on http://journeyintoayurveda.wordpress.com/

FPO geekyra
Joined Jan 17, 2013

Sun, February 09, 2014 2:50 PM

I'm 23 and have had Crohn's since I was 16. My BF (also 23) and I are trying to figure out how to develop our finances with one person already having a chronic illness and the medical needs of the elderly.

We are both 23 and our living costs average 1680.00/ month with an income ranging from 1800-2000 per month. I currently work full-time with no benefits, but I can take as much time needed for flares/ illness, he currently works 3 part-time jobs. A lot depends on where you're located and the opportunities available. That said, prioritizing financials with future goals is essential when planning and creating a life with anyone, let alone someone with a chronic disease. I'm learning safety is important but you can't let fear of the unknown try to create an ideal situation where risk is obsolete. Plus, I find comfort in the knowledge that if there is ever an explosive increase in medical costs/ expenses I can always file bankruptcy when things settle. Also, there are laws collectors must abide by if you ever find yourself in such a position. Gofundme and other crowd sourcing programs can prove essential to getting your head above water, let alone getting on your feet.

In the past 2 years weve gone from near starvation, me squatting in his apartment, and having no vehicle (since all income was going toward his rent, or my medical costs and university tuition) while living on one (his) income and a bit of student loan money to living comfortably in a small downtown apartment, sharing one vehicle, and paying off nearly 7k in debt on top of monthly bills/ expenses. Weve got our eyes set on moving 1600 miles in the next 6 months. Our financial goals are small (our moving + survival fund won't exceed 2-3k by the time we leave, after selling 90% of our things) but a minimalist approach has been essential to getting where we want to be. 

FPO geekyra
Joined Jan 17, 2013

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