MS-Induced Frugality - Multiple Sclerosis Blog

None of us will likely argue the fact that MS is a damned expensive disease. We are all affected financially by MS in one way or another. I thought we?d have a chat about reasons and ways that we can all be a bit more frugal.

One big one is how MS may have switched our career paths - as my friend Mike put it - from ?thrive? to ?survive?. We may not be able to work any longer, may not be able to work as/hard/as much/as long, we may not go for the promotion (or may simply be looked over for it) as we deal with the progression of multiple sclerosis in the workplace.

Even if we?re still gainfully employed in our chosen field and advancing well, the thought of everything changing on a dime may cause us to save and invest and insure differently than others in our socioeconomic age group.

The increased cost of insurance, associated medical expenses and co-pays can put a dent into income, savings and beyond. Duel income families may become single bread-winner households overnight and in some cases, marriages (and a level of financial status quo) fall victim to MS as can other relationships.

With all of incomes stunted (or dwindling or disappearing), saving for the MS rainy day and added outlay for medical expenses how are we to make ends meet?

One way that would seem easy to some would be to eat ?lower on the food chain?. Whole, unprocessed foods can be far cheaper (think bulk section vs boxed-prepared) to purchase but far more costly when it comes to time and energy to prepare. That bag of pre-washed greens is likely 3x more expensive than a regular old head of lettuce. Trimming washing, drying and mixing can be a ?price? our MS bodies may not be able to pay at the end of a long day.

Utility bills can be a factor as we may be at home more than we might otherwise. At home means lights on, A/C going to keep us cool in the summer and so on. Charging power assistive devices can also run-up the power bill.

Larger cars may be needed to get into and out of and/or transport those freshly-charged devices. Rising fuel prices can hit a family living with MS in the pocket book harder than a neighbor.

I guess that I?m not being very helpful here. It seems as all I?m doing is listing areas where it is or may be hard for us to save a few pennies. Maybe you can chime in to help.

I know finances can be a personal and touchy subject. But, let?s face it, we?ve talked about just about everything else here on the Life With MS Blog? why not money?

How do you get by, pinch pennies, stretch a dollar and tighten your family?s belt in this economy with multiple sclerosis?

Wishing you and your family the best of health.

Cheers

Trevis

You can also follow me via our Life With MS Facebook page, on Twitter, and in our group on MS Connection.org. Also, check out our bi-monthly MS blog for the United Kingdom, look for our very special new monthly blog for the National MS Society, and don?t forget to check out TrevisLGleason.com.

Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/blog/trevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms/ms-induced-frugality/

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