What should survivors keep in mind when using credit?
Living off of credit cards is never ideal. However, if you are unable to work for a period of time or have no other resources, you may not have many options available. Credit is a tool that, if used responsibly, can help you get through a difficult financial period. If not managed carefully, however, credit can create more problems than it solves. Think about your entire situation before using credit. Ask yourself: • Are you using credit temporarily to buy things that you need, or are you buying things that you want, but don’t really need? • Are you thinking about the long-term effects of your credit use, or are you avoiding thinking about the future? • Is your credit situation likely to improve in the near future, or is it likely to become an unwelcome source of stress? • What is your anticipated earnings/income potential? How should a survivor use credit? While you are in treatment for cancer, or at a high risk for a recurrence, your biggest financial concern is likely to be how much
