Financial Planning Support for People and Families Impacted by Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can bring big changes—emotionally, physically, and financially. Between paying for treatment, managing a reduced income, and understanding insurance, the financial side of cancer can feel overwhelming.

Triage Cancer o?ers a unique program that connects people with volunteer Certified Financial Planners® (CFPs). These planners provide free, one-on-one financial guidance to individuals and families coping with cancer or other serious medical conditions.

This e?ort is supported by the Foundation for Financial Planning, which works to make pro bono financial advice more accessible to people in need.

How the Program Works

Through Triage Cancer’s Volunteer Financial Planner Program, individuals and caregivers are matched with trained CFP® professionals. Many volunteers have personal experience with cancer or chronic illness, and they’re passionate about helping others find financial stability during a di?icult time.

Volunteer planners can help with:

• Creating or adjusting a budget on a limited income
• Understanding how job changes may a?ect finances
• Planning for retirement after a cancer diagnosis
• Managing debt or building emergency savings

Each meeting is personalized to fit the individual’s needs, helping participants feel more confident and in control of their financial future.

A Partnership That Strengthens Support

Triage Cancer’s Volunteer Financial Planner Program works together with its Legal & Financial Navigation Program, which helps people understand their legal rights, options, and benefits that may be available to them.

When someone’s questions go deeper into the details of their financial situation, such as how to manage their debt or prepare for retirement based on their individual situation, they could be referred to a volunteer financial planner for additional help.

What Participants Can Expect

Most people meet with their volunteer financial planner at least twice:

1. FirstMeeting–Theplannerreviewsgoals,gathersbackgroundinformation,and helps identify challenges.

2. Follow-Up–Theparticipantreceivesashortfinancialplanoranswerstospecific questions.

The sessions are flexible and can be tailored to fit each person’s needs.

How to Get Involved

Both individuals and financial planners can take part in this program:

• Financial planners interested in volunteering can complete a short interest form through Triage Cancer.
• Individuals a?ected by cancer who want free financial help can connect with the program by filling out an online intake form.

Why It Matters

Managing money during cancer treatment can be stressful and confusing. This program provides people with trusted experts who can help them make clear, informed choices about their finances at no cost, helping them find stability, and peace of mind.