You know the saying: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” It’s plastered on mugs and magnets, and while it might make you roll your eyes, it’s undeniably true.
Take my experience last February: I was all set to scale back from my grueling schedule producing reality shows. But then, life threw a curveball—my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer, which meant he had to stop working indefinitely. Suddenly, I was reminded that serious illnesses come with a hefty price tag, and it was time for me to step up and provide for my family.
Let me tell you, the financial impact of such a diagnosis can be staggering. Over the past year, we’ve faced hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses just to give my husband a fighting chance to watch our kids grow up. Insurance has covered some of it, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I realized we were woefully unprepared, as most American families are.
I often think of my friends who opted to be stay-at-home parents. I’m grateful that if something like this had to happen, it happened to me, as I had a solid job to fall back on. This experience has highlighted the importance of having a plan in place, regardless of your work situation. Here are four tips that could help your family if you ever find yourselves in a similar bind.
1. Explore Your Options
There are financial assistance programs designed for families dealing with serious illnesses. Disability benefits may not cover all your needs, but they can provide some much-needed support. Check out your state’s offerings. Also, remember that medical bills are negotiable. It might take some persistence, but don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. If you can convince a toddler to wear shoes, you can negotiate with a bill collector!
2. Build Your Support Network
When life gets chaotic, having a reliable network can be a lifesaver. I had childcare arrangements in place, but they weren’t enough for the multitude of appointments and hospital visits that arose. If you don’t already have a safety net, start interviewing potential sitters or look into apps for booking vetted caregivers. Make a list of friends or family who can step in when you need help. The last thing you want during a crisis is to scramble for childcare.
3. Stay Connected
Even if you’ve left the corporate world behind, keeping in touch with your colleagues can be beneficial. Regularly check in with your professional contacts so that if you ever need to return to work, you have allies at your side. Stay updated on the trends in your field and keep your resume polished. These minor steps can make a major difference should you need to jump back into the job market.
4. Think Creatively About Income
In today’s world, there are numerous ways for mothers to earn without stepping back into the corporate grind. While some may scoff at certain opportunities, many women are successfully making a living selling products they genuinely believe in. If a friend invites you to learn about one of these ventures, take the leap and explore it. Sample products to ensure you’d feel comfortable promoting them. It’s always wise to understand what’s out there in case you ever need to supplement your income while still being at home.
I wish I could say the chances of needing this advice are slim, but that wouldn’t be truthful. If it can happen to us, it can happen to you. Life is always lurking, ready to disrupt your carefully laid plans, so be prepared, mamas!
If you’re looking for more insights, check out this blog post for additional tips on navigating tough times. Also, Make A Mom is a great resource for couples on their fertility journey. For more general information about infertility, visit CDC’s website, which is an excellent resource.
Summary:
Facing a serious illness can lead to significant financial strain. However, by knowing your options, building a support network, maintaining professional contacts, and exploring alternative income sources, you can better prepare your family for unforeseen challenges.