In recovery, you have to overcome a lot of things that are challenging. One of those is working on finances and budgeting. Spending money is easy but budgeting and tracking what is coming in and going out each month can help lower anxiety and build confidence in recovery. Learn some helpful tips for managing your budget better in recovery.
Accountability Partner
Just like in recovery, it is important to have people in life who are aware of what is going on and who may help you figure out a plan to get on track. This means putting pride aside and meeting with an advisor. It may mean leaving out no details on how you have handled finances in the past. If you reveal enough, you can start to strategize how you are going to move forward in a healthy way. It helps to have a progress report with someone who can hold you accountable. No matter how nervous you may be, it helps to fully confront all the debt and wreckage so you can get on a better financial footing.
Consider Where You Spend
After getting sober, you might miss the thrill and adrenaline rush from using substances. You may miss impulsivity and the adventure of it all. It may make you feel good in the moment to do what you’re doing but, as you know in recovery, it has long-term consequences. For your finances, you need to consider how much you spend and find ways to make smarter decisions with money you’re not using to fuel addictive behaviors.
Write it Down
In certain recovery programs, you will be encouraged to journal about emotions and progress. This helps put things on paper as a way of making them feel manageable. This also goes for finances. Make a spreadsheet of what you owe and when, then track payments as you make them. Force yourself to look at all your credit cards, debt, and loans. Look at bills and make sense of what you have. Start with making a spreadsheet of what you owe, dates, track payments, and figure out a debt elimination plan. This will help you feel more in control of the debt and get a handle on it.
Tackle Manageable Parts First
If you don’t see progress right away, it may be asy to feel like it is not working. Early sobriety is key to figuring things out. When it comes to finances, you’re in luck. This is the time to get things figured out and pay attention to the small and big things. When it comes to finances in recovery, the most important aspect is the willingness to be honest and open with yourself and others. You have to be able to overcome shame and guilt to move forward with a healthy financial outlook.
Offering a full continuum of care for both men and women, A Step In The Right Direction strives to provide quality, life-changing care. Teaching clients to walk the road of recovery in daily life sober living, our program utilizes evidence-based therapies and the real life experience of recovery in our staff to provide a transformational expeirence. For more information on our programs of care and sober livings for men and women, call (877) 377-3702
