Living with chronic pain is an enduring challenge for many people. It is a common condition that could affect any member of your family. Not only is it physically uncomfortable, it can also lead to financial problems.
It may be difficult for you to work, or you may be on benefits because of your condition. In this post, we look at how you can navigate your finances when you have a chronic pain condition. Here’s everything you need to know.
Audit your budget regularly
As always, it’s a good idea to audit your budget regularly. You’ll want to figure out what your expenses are so you can focus your funds on the things you need to live better despite your condition. If you have a low-energy day, you might want to put more money towards housecleaning services and meal kits. For you, these aren’t luxuries but actually necessary accommodations based on your condition. Furthermore, if you have flare-ups, you want a buffer in your monthly expenses to absorb these costs.
Automate to conserve energy
Another strategy you might want to use when managing a chronic pain condition is to automate as much as you can to conserve energy. The last thing you want is to burn the candle at both ends, as this can become a chronic pain trigger. Therefore, set up autopay for all your essential expenses and automate your savings so they happen quietly on payday. Don’t leave it as cognitive overhead.
Build an emergency fund
At the same time, it’s a good idea to build an emergency fund. You want to have money in place just in case your health deteriorates or you’re no longer able to generate income. Emergency funds act as a stopgap between your health getting in the way of your earning potential and your ability to receive funds from elsewhere.
It may also be worth looking into whether it’s worth making a chronic pain claim. Sometimes you can receive legal benefits or compensation depending on your circumstances, so it’s always something that’s worth exploring, and it could tremendously improve your quality of life.
Negotiate where possible
Related to this last point is whether it is a good idea to negotiate where possible. Medical bills might seem like they’re set in stone, but sometimes they’re not. Even if you’re being charged a specific amount on paper, you can often strike deals with clinics, especially if you’re a regular customer.
Sometimes they’ll agree to lower the cost if you pay monthly or use specific types of treatments that they offer. If you find negotiation exhausting personally, find an advocate who can negotiate on your behalf. Sometimes it’s a relative, other times it’s a friend, just somebody.
Also, check for errors on itemised medical bills. Administrative issues can creep in over time, so always make sure you’re paying the right amount.
Practise self-compassion financially
Finally, it’s a good idea to practise self-compassion financially. Your finances won’t look perfect when you’re experiencing a chronic pain condition, so be kind to yourself. Even if your bank balance doesn’t look the way you want it to, don’t see that as a personal failin
