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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

My Survivorship A to Z Guide

Finances Essential

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Note: This is a sample Survivorship A to Z Guide for a fictitious person we call Ellen. She is just diagnosed with Breast Cancer. To view a summary of her answers which led to this Guide, click here.

To get your own free, computer-generated A to Z Guide, click here.

Until your health condition is under control, cash is king. Cash may be needed quickly for uninsured health care and/or unexpected drops in income. Postpone non-essential creditors.

You indicated that you are recently diagnosed, that you have health insurance and that you are experiencing a financial crunch.

Although paying creditors is important, your immediate goal should be to balance holding onto cash in case you need it in your battle against Breast Cancer and keeping the essentials of your life going -- for instance,keeping the electricity on.

"Cash" is US dollars or other foreign currency, and investments that can easily be turned into cash such as savings bank accounts and credit.

Consider the following guidelines:

  • When you must make purchases, buying on credit or installments saves cash. 
  • Think about starting to convert assets which are difficult to sell into assets which can easily be converted into cash. A financial planner or investment advisor can help.
  • Do whatever you can to keep your credit in tact -- or to improve it.