Taking Control of My Money: How HCBS Supports My Independence

By Daniel Schwartz

One of the biggest things that makes me feel proud and confident in my life is having control over my finances.

I’ve learned that managing money isn’t just about paying bills—it’s about making choices, planning for the future, and doing things I enjoy. Budgeting has actually become something I love. It helps me see where my money is going and reminds me that I’m in charge.

Why Budgeting Matters to Me

Budgeting helps me know:

• What I can spend

• What I should save

• What I already used this month

• What needs to stay in my account for important things

My number one priority is always making sure I have enough money for rent, groceries, and bills. Once those are covered, then I can think about fun things—like going out to eat, movies, or saving up for something big I really want.

Writing It All Down Makes a Difference

One thing that really helps me is using printed worksheets or simple budgeting pages where I can write:

• How much money I start the month with

• What I spend each week

• What I have left

• What I want to save

I try to track my spending all month long, not just once in a while. Seeing it on paper makes it real. I also check my online bank statements to look at when and where I spent money. That helps me notice patterns—like if I’m eating out more than I thought or pulling out cash too often.

Getting Support Is Part of Being Independent

HCBS is all about having the right supports, and I don’t do this alone.

When I have questions about money, I talk with my Service Coordinator at SARC and my Independent Living Skills (ILS) instructor. They help me understand my budget, think through choices, and plan ahead. They don’t decide for me—they advise me. That’s a big difference.

Having a good support team matters. They help me learn, practice, and stay on track while still being the one making the decisions.

Saving Comes First

Before I spend, I try to stop and ask myself:

• Do I really need this right now?

• Will I still have enough for rent and food?

• Is this something I planned for?

Being wise about where I spend my money gives me more freedom in the long run.

What HCBS Means to Me

For me, HCBS isn’t just about services—it’s about learning skills that help me live the life I want. Managing my money, building confidence, and making my own choices are all part of that.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come with budgeting. I’m still learning every day. What matters is that I’m paying attention, asking for help when I need it, and staying focused on my goals.

My advice is this: take ownership of your finances, use the tools available, and build a team you trust. Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone—it means having the right supports while you stay in charge.