The decision to seek treatment is one that will lead to a lifetime of better health and renewed relationships. While entering a rehabilitation program may be the first step toward freedom from your addiction, it is important to make sure that you enroll without concerns about how your household will be managed during your time away. For this reason, you may need to make a few preparations that will ensure basic tasks, such as the payment of your bills.

Here are the best options for paying your bills while getting the treatment you need and deserve.

Common Bills to Consider

Everyone’s finances vary depending upon their lifestyle and living arrangements. Often, those who enter rehab are concerned about how they will manage both monthly and sporadic bills that may arise during their treatment.

First, sit down and make a list of all of your expected bills. Begin by accounting for your basic monthly bills such as your mortgage or rent, utilities, and insurance costs. Next, make a list of bills that occur sporadically, such as home services, subscriptions or other costs. Be sure to note any dates that these bills are due. With this list in hand, you will be ready to begin planning for how each one will be paid during your time away from home.

Automatic Payment Options

Today, automatic bill payment makes it possible to pay your bills on time without having to write a check or transfer funds. Identify all of your recurring bills and determine which ones allow you to set up automatic payments. Most utility, mortgage, and credit lenders offer an option for automatic payments that can be used solely for your time in rehab or as a permanent method for paying your bills. This also provides an easy way to track your payments while knowing that your bills are always paid promptly before the due date.

Prepayment Plans

In addition to automatic payments, you can choose to prepay certain bills that tend to always be the same amount. Talk to your cellular phone and Internet providers to find out if it is possible to pay your bills several months in advance. Generally, insurance providers and credit lenders are willing to take prepayments when a person would prefer to avoid worrying about a late payment. In some instances, this can even lower the interest charged for certain debts. Prepaying your bills also allows you to relax in the first few weeks after you return from rehab.

Appointing a Financial Guardian

Even with the best of planning, there may still be some bills that arise while you’re away from home. For this reason, it’s helpful to appoint a close friend or family member as your financial guardian. Ideally, the person you choose should be someone you trust. If you expect to be in rehab for a short time, you can simply ask them to watch your accounts and pay any that become due.

However, longer stays may call for appointing a legal financial guardian who will have the authority to manage your accounts. Whichever strategy you choose, you can rest assured that you have chosen a trustworthy friend or family member who will make sure you return home to a stress-free financial situation.

Conclusion

While in rehab, it is important to focus on your recovery without worrying about having your utilities shut off or accruing late fees on your bills. By being proactive and setting up automatic payments, prepaying your accounts and establishing a close loved one who will manage your finances, you can take advantage of your time in rehab with no distraction.