Nearly 75% of people who’ve dealt with addiction are now on the road to recovery or have already completed treatment. If you’re one of them, congratulations! However, the struggle is not yet done as you may still face financial hurdles. The truth is that managing finances in addiction recovery is challenging.
Honing your financial management skills is essential in protecting your sobriety. This article will give you practical advice on better handling your finances while recovering.
Source: Oregon Trail Recovery
Assessing Your Financial Situation
Addiction is costly. As you heal from substance use disorder, you may find yourself having a hard time taking control of your financial resources.
But how do you get started with financial recovery after addiction?
Begin by listing all your debts, assets, and recurring expenses. This snapshot of your financial status will serve as your baseline. Knowing where you are is crucial for crafting a realistic budget and setting recovery goals. It will give you areas that require urgent action and those that need long-term planning.
As much as you need to learn how to prepare for rehab, you must also know how to financially prepare for long-term recovery.
Creating a Budget
After gaining a good grasp of your financial position, it’s time to craft a realistic budget. Creating a budget is a fundamental step toward enhancing your financial literacy, and here’s how you can start.
- Identify your income sources. List where you get your monthly income (including benefits) and any other sources.
- Determine your fixed expenses. These are your non-negotiables, such as rent, utilities, and debt payments.
- Account for variable expenses. These include groceries, transportation, and personal spending.
- Save for rainy days. Taking into account the information above, set aside a specific portion of your income for savings. Prioritize building your emergency fund (six months’ worth of living expenses).
- Adjust as needed. Know that your budget is a living document, so review and adjust it regularly.
To help you track your spending and stick to your budget, you can consider utilizing budgeting apps. Tools like You Need a Budget (YNAB) and PocketGuard can automate expense tracking, help you stay on target, and avoid overspending. If you want a more hands-on approach, a simple spreadsheet or a physical budget notebook can be very effective.
Source: Pexels.com
Dealing with Debt
One of the biggest challenges of regaining control of your finances in addiction recovery is dealing with debt.
You can start by taking an inventory of all your debts, noting how much you owe plus interest rates. High-interest debts should top your priority list, as they accumulate costs more rapidly.
Then, reach out to your creditors. You’ll be surprised that many actually offer hardship plans, which can lower your interest rates or monthly payments. Also, consider debt consolidation to merge multiple debts into one with a lower interest rate. You may also set up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
Whenever possible, exceed the minimum payments to chip away at the principal faster.
Building an Emergency Fund
As mentioned earlier, you must build an emergency fund. It essentially acts as a buffer against financial stress (e.g., incurring unexpected expenses or suddenly losing your sources of income).
We understand that six months’ worth of living expenses can be overwhelming. So, start small is key and stay consistent. Even a modest savings goal can grow over time into a substantial emergency fund. This approach makes the task less worrisome. In the process, you also boost your financial discipline.
Investing in Your Future
Protecting your sobriety is a lifelong goal. Understanding how to engage in long-term financial planning is vital to maintaining it over time.
The question is: how do you approach it? First off — retirement planning. You can do this by contributing to retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs. Keep in mind that it’s never too late to begin, but the sooner, the better.
Once you’ve improved your finances and have your emergency fund in place, consider investing. The golden rule here is that you don’t put your eggs in one basket. You must diversify your portfolio to include stocks, bonds, and other assets. Also, don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose. Doing these can help you manage risk while aiming for growth over time.
Navigating your financial future can be challenging, but you can ask help from trusted friends. Doing so will allow you to be accountable.
Managing Expenses
Efficient expense management is key to a stable financial foundation, especially if you’re on the path to recovery.
Begin by reviewing your expenditures — both fixed and variable. Then, look at items that you can remove or minimize. For example, consider cutting out any subscriptions that aren’t essential. When shopping for essentials, make lists, compare prices, and watch out for discounts.
When managing expenses, the little things matter. You can save money by exploring public transportation or even by implementing energy-saving tips. You might want to look into more affordable living arrangements for a bigger cost-saving move.
Source: Oregon Trail Recovery
Increasing Your Income
Boosting your income is a proactive step toward financial stability. You may explore part-time jobs that offer flexible options and fit your recovery schedule. Freelance work is another avenue. Both options allow you to earn extra without overwhelming yourself.
To expand your economic horizons, it’s also crucial to invest in yourself first. Upskill and pursue affordable education — from community colleges and vocational programs to online courses—to enhance your job prospects.
Avoiding Financial Triggers
Knowing how to manage your finances in addiction recovery is one of the most important skills to learn. And one big reason is that financial worries can often act as triggers, leading to stress that can eventually jeopardize recovery.
To navigate this, first, recognize what aspects of your financial situation provoke anxiety. It could be debt, the pressure to meet monthly bills, or not having a savings safety net. Then, develop strategies that will help you maintain a healthy relationship with your finances.
- Set clear financial boundaries. Avoid taking on new debts or financial obligations that can add stress.
- Create and rely on a support system. Share your financial goals with trusted friends, family, or a support group who understand what you’re going through.
- Practice mindfulness. Stay present when managing your finances. Recognize your stressors and don’t let them lead to impulsive decisions.
Seeking Professional Help
Financial advisors or counselors familiar with addiction recovery can provide advice. They can help you develop a realistic plan to manage debts, build savings, and set achievable financial goals.
Seeking professional help can also come in the form of attending group counseling sessions or joining support groups focused on financial management in recovery.
Now, when should you seek help?
The answer is as soon as financial concerns begin to feel overwhelming or when you’re unsure how to proceed in managing your finances effectively.
Source: Pexels.com
Regain Control of Your Finances and Your Life
Regaining control of your finances in addiction recovery is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Following a realistic budget, dealing with debt, managing expenses, and seeking professional help can lay a solid foundation for long-term financial stability and sobriety.
Ready to transform your future? Oregon Trail Recovery is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today.