Skill 5: Budgeting and Money Management
Financial responsibility and independence are essential for everyone, regardless of disability. It can be difficult to budget and manage money when you have cognitive, sensory or physical disabilities. However, it is possible to adapt to achieve success. Individuals with disabilities can achieve stability and freedom by developing good financial habits. These include creating a budget and tracking expenses. They can also seek guidance from professionals and caregivers.
Creating a budget is the foundation of financial security–understanding income sources and what bills must be paid each month. Tracking expenses helps people with disabilities stay organized and aware of their daily spending. Asking for professional advice, or seeking the help of family members or caregivers that understand their needs, can ensure they make wise decisions when managing finances.
Adults with disabilities gain more independence when they have control of their finances. This also helps to build confidence because it allows them to make wise decisions about their spending without having other expenses like saving for retirement or health care costs sacrificed. Budgeting and money management can be invaluable tools to those who are working towards financial independence, regardless of their disability status.
The conclusion of the article is:
Adults with disabilities are entitled to live independent lives just as any other adult. Adults with disabilities can achieve greater independence by practicing, adapting and acquiring important daily skills such as personal hygiene and meal planning, household management and management, time management and organization, budgeting and money management. Individuals with disabilities must develop and master adult independent living skills to be able to thrive in their community and live independently.
Those around them must guide these individuals through this process, without denying valuable growth opportunities or preventing progress. Family members can be an important source of support, both emotionally and practically. It can be in the form reinforcing positive habits or providing resources as needed. In the journey to autonomy, friends can also play a vital role. They listen, give advice when asked, and encourage each other even on days they feel like doing nothing.
Developing the adult independent living skills that are necessary for those with disabilities who strive to be independent takes consistency, but it is well worth all of the effort. It is better to focus on the small achievements that have been made in achieving daily living skills, rather than focusing on what can’t be done yet because of physical limitations or lack experience. Even something as simple and easy as brushing your teeth without assistance can be considered an achievement! We must always remember that each person has their own abilities and needs. Patience is essential when it comes to helping others achieve their goals.
Integrity, Inc. offers professional assistance to those who need it.
