Tayla: How I manage money and CF

By Tayla Purves

Managing money while I navigate the way of the future with cystic fibrosis has become a staple for not just planning for the future, but also for maintaining a high quality of life now.

Money is helpful for buying food, paying bills, maintaining health with purchases of medication, and so much more. But it doesn’t need to be so scary and stressful, not when my life is already a handful of what-ifs. 

Budgeting weekly or monthly has helped with my money management. I like to do a six-month list, kind of like a goal list. Wanting to save money for a car service or rego? Make a monthly saving goal and save in a separate account.

Splitting money into a few separate accounts has helped so much. Making monthly saving goals with a minimum amount in mind has helped make saving so much easier. Planning bills and appointments, such as a car service, financial consultation, hair appointments, or maybe a hospital appointment, helps put me ahead in the long run. 

Making a plan, sticking to it, and continuing onwards has also helped me build positive momentum. Making a decision or goal, and then reaching it, absolutely is the best feeling.   

Making a plan, sticking to it, and continuing onwards has also helped me build positive momentum. Making a decision or goal, and then reaching it, absolutely is the best feeling.   

I’ve learnt that making money and managing it while managing CF doesn’t have to be unimaginable or stressful. I try to take positive steps towards saving money and not let adulting freak me out all too much.  

Having my planned income sorting system has also been such a relief, making me feel incredibly independent and level-headed.   

Being this organised has taken a massive load off while managing CF. I don’t have to be worried about bills and the never-ending adulting financial stress; I can know I’m organised and have the time to focus on other things rather than stressing out over small things like dog food and fuel.  

Managing CF is a full-time job in itself. To be able to feel accomplished and on top of normal life things is a surreal feeling, which in return, minimises the toll my health can take because of stress. I cannot recommend enough being money-smart, disciplined, and organised; it will change the way you think about finances and how you feel about yourself.   

You’re probably thinking, “Pfft please. What does a twenty-one-year-old know about managing money and CF?” I can assure you that since I’ve been more mindful and disciplined with finances, my health has been my main focus now, the money management has taken a back seat. Stress isn’t taking up my energy anymore, which means I can spend my time doing more exercise or more time working on myself not just physically but mentally.   

I’m proud I started getting on top of my finances – good money management has had unexpected but immense health benefits for me.