Budgeting As a Recovery Tool
What is a budget?
A plan for how you earn, spend, and save money.
Is paying rent a need or a want?
Need
What is a checking account used for in recovery?
Managing daily expenses and paying bills.
What is a credit card?
A way to borrow money that must be paid back.
What is a bank account?
A place where you store money safely and can access it for spending or saving.
True or false: Financial stress can be a relapse trigger.
True.
Why can impulse spending be risky in early recovery?
It mirrors impulsive use patterns and reduced self-regulation.
How can missed bill payments affect mental health in recovery?
Increases anxiety, shame, and avoidance.
True or false: Credit cards can increase impulsive spending during relapse-vulnerable moments.
True
What is the main difference between a checking account and a savings account?
Checking is for spending; saving is for holding money and earning interest.
How can budgeting increase a sense of control in recovery?
Reduced uncertainty, improves predictability, supports independence.
Give one example of a want that could become a trigger if not planned for.
Shopping, substances, entertainment.
Name one bill that directly supports recovery stability.
Housing, phone, transportation, insurance.
Why might carrying high debt be stressful in recovery?
Ongoing pressure, avoidance, and shame.
What is interest?
Money you earn on savings or pay when you borrow money.
If someone spends more than they earn, how might this impact recovery?
Increases stress, shame, and relapse risk.
True or false: Completely avoiding wants leadings to a better recovery.
False
Planning and follow through.
What is one safer way to use credit while in recovery?
Low balance, planned purchases.
What is a loan?
Money you borrow that must be paid back over time, usually with interest.
Name one way budgeting supports long-term recovery goals.
Housing stability, transportation, treatment access, reduced stress, etc.
How can planning for wants actually protect recovery?
Reduces deprivation, improves balance, prevents impulsive behavior.
Why is financial consistency important in early recovery?
Builds trust, routine, and predictability.
How does managing credit responsibly support self-trust in recovery?
Builds confidence and accountability.
What is the difference between gross and net income?
Gross income is the total amount earned before any taxes are taken out. Net income is the amount remaining after all taxes and deductions are taken out.