Endorsed by the European Oncology Nursing Society

Managing your bills and bank accounts

Managing your bills and bank accounts image

Having cancer can lead to financial difficulties because of:1

  • Extra costs such as heating, or medical costs
  • Reduced income if you have to work less or stop working altogether

Here are some tips on how to lessen the financial stress:

  • Try to budget your spending, by managing how much is coming in and how much is going out; online banking or a bank app can be very useful for keeping up to date2,3
  • Look carefully at all bills and bank accounts to prevent unnecessary charges2
  • You may want to set up direct debits so that certain bills are paid automatically; make sure you have enough money in your bank account when direct debits are paid3
  • You may also be able to ask for assistance from a cancer-related charity1 or from someone you trust1

Ask for professional help and advice from one of the following:

  • A hospital or community social worker4
  • The welfare-rights adviser at your hospital4

It is very important not to ignore financial worries, so ask for advice and help as soon as possible.5

Glossary

References

  1. Cancer Research UK. Financial support. Accessed March 2016.
  2. Macmillan. Managing your money day to day. Accessed March 2016.
  3. Macmillan. Managing your money day to day. Accessed March 2016.
  4. Cancer Research UK. Government benefits. Accessed March 2016.
  5. Cancer.net. Financial resources. Accessed April 2016.