When you're facing a medical crisis, the last thing you want to worry about is money. We'd like to help.
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Unexpected medical expenses can be tough on any budget.
Unlike college expenses or a new car, medical hardship - and the abrupt, sudden stress that ensues - are hard to predict and plan for. The last thing you want to think about during this time is money, but getting a handle on your finances and medical expenses is a vital part of the entire process. We want to help ease the burden and stress it can cause by providing financial advice and solutions to help make your life easier. That way, you can focus on what's most important: taking care of yourself or a loved one.
Here are some things to talk about with your banker:
- Budgeting with variable income.
- Understanding credit, and managing debt by staying current on your bills so you don't lose essential services and coverages.
- Signing up for direct deposit and paying your bills online when possible. Many banks offer recurring payment options.
- Discussing your mortgage, checking and savings accounts, loans and credit cards, and reviewing who is authorized to sign on your accounts.
- Securely storing a complete list of accounts, contact information and passwords.
- Updating your current estate plan, including your beneficiaries, will and trusts. And letting your trusted family members know where it is located.
- Protecting important documents in a secure way, such as a safe deposit box with a secondary signer.
- Establishing automatic transfers to build savings that will help fill the gaps when income is low.
- And though it is difficult, consider how you can start establishing a medical emergency fund today to plan ahead for the next unexpected expense.
Take a listen now to learn for yourself how to prepare for the unexpected.
Planning and organizational needs will change during a serious illness. In her podcast, Stephanie references three documents that she finds helpful at different stages.
Building Your Financial Know-How- These worksheets contain money management tips and best practices, as well as spots for your personal action plan. Your new plan may look very different than it did prior to your diagnosis, but it can help you organize your thoughts prior to meeting with a banker.
Legacy Planning Checklist- When the time comes, this checklist should make matters of paperwork less complicated for your loved ones. Included are instructions for funeral and burial plans, locations of important documents and assets, contact information of attorneys and other relevant advisors and financial and insurance information they will need.
Surviving Spouse Checklist- Losing your spouse is an emotionally devastating experience. This checklist provides considerations and items that should be reviewed after such a loss, including initial tasks, tasks to be completed within six months, and tasks to be completed within a year.
Ready to take your next step?
Remember, even though medical problems and medical expenses can seem overwhelming, you don't have to be alone in dealing with the impact they can make on your finances. Regions bankers are available to help every step of the way.
Make an Appointment Locate a Regions Branch Call 1-800-REGIONS
This information is general in nature and is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Although Regions believes this information to be accurate, it cannot ensure that it will remain up to date. Statements or opinions of individuals referenced herein are their own - not Regions. Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and irs.gov for current tax rules.