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Taking Charge of Money Matters is one of the classes available through the American Cancer Society’s I Can Cope program. This 2 ½-hour class covers money issues that arise during or after a person's cancer treatment and is designed to address the concerns of people with cancer and their loved ones, regardless of health insurance status.The session provides an opportunity to discuss key money matters with guest speakers who are knowledgeable about financial planning.
Before the class, participants fill out a special worksheet that helps the facilitator assess each participant’s particular needs. The worksheet also provides guest speakers with information on key topics of interest to participants.
Several core topics are discussed in addition to those identified by participants, including:
- The need for family openness in discussing and finding solutions to financial and investment matters.
- The importance of practicing basic financial planning; for example, all adults should have a will and other essential paperwork in place, make a budget, and monitor cash flow.
- Warning signs that finances are out of control.
- Advice on handling work-related issues, such as disclosing medical information to an employer and the legal rights of cancer patients and their survivors (Work-related topics are discussed only if a majority of participants are employed.).
I Can Cope facilitators are specially trained American Cancer Society volunteers. The guest speakers for the Taking Care of Money Matters class are knowledgeable in at least some of the core and key topic areas. Speakers may include:
- Licensed certified financial planners
- Hospital billing representatives
- Attorneys
- Insurance agents/specialists
- Bankers and bank trust/loan officers
- Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid representatives
- Certified public accountants
- Comprehensive health insurance plan representatives
- Tax consultants/specialists
To find out if Taking Charge of Money Matters is available in your community, call us toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.
Taking Charge of Money Matters was developed jointly by your American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). The ACS and NEFE have worked to combine the expertise of both cancer and financial planning specialists to design a program that meets the needs of cancer patients and their loved ones.
Revised: 12/2/2004
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