Living with MS can create several changes in life for people with MS and their families. Often, financial changes are common among people with MS and sound financial planning becomes an important part of looking toward the future.
We offer a financial planning program to provide guidance, tools, and tips for a variety of needs, with expert volunteers available to provide one-on-one counseling. The National MS Society has a partnership with the Society of Financial Service Professionals to provide experts with advanced knowledge of financial planning and management. These volunteers are available to provide one-on-one pro-bono (they are not trying to sell anything) counseling by appointment.
The program provides assistance with:
- Basic budgeting and bill paying
- Credit card management
- Creating savings
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning
Each financial planner is a professional who adheres to the SFSP Code of Professional Responsibility and will work with our local chapter to design a plan specific for the participant. This is NOT a source of emergency funding. Also, participants should not expect our volunteers to act as a long-term financial advisor.
We have a 71-page booklet and information guide available called "Adapting: Financial Planning for a Lifetime with MS." It is a good tool for any person or family, regardless of their current financial status. Contact the Information Referral Center at (504) 832-4013 or 1-800-344-4867, option 2, to receive a consultation through our Financial Planning program.