Financial Planning from the Outside: Budgeting While Waiting

Supporting an incarcerated loved one can impose a heavy financial burden on families. Research shows that families spend an average of nearly $4,200 per year supporting an incarcerated family member – over a quarter of a typical low-income household’s annual income. These costs include everything from pricey phone calls and visits to commissary purchases (which are often marked up hundreds of percent above retail prices. Many families have to make painful trade-offs, sometimes incurring debt or skipping basic needs like food or utility bills, just to stay connected with their loved ones in prison. Clearly, careful budgeting and financial planning are critical for anyone “on the outside” waiting for a loved one’s release.

In this article, we provide a detailed guide to managing finances during your loved one’s incarceration and preparing for their eventual reentry. We’ll cover how to budget for ongoing expenses (like commissary funds and phone calls), plan ahead for post-release costs (housing, clothing, IDs, transportation, etc.), and save money over a multi-year timeline. The goal is to help you support your loved one without jeopardizing your own financial stability, even if you live on a single or low income. Along the way, we’ll suggest budgeting strategies, debt management tips, and savings techniques that are practical and a bit technical (where appropriate), yet still accessible. You’ll also find checklists and pointers to free budget templates and other resources to help you create a personalized plan. Let’s start by understanding the current expenses you might be facing.

Ongoing Expenses During Incarceration and How to Budget for Them

When a family member is in prison, certain expenses become a regular part of your life. Identifying and budgeting for these ongoing costs will help you avoid financial surprises. Common expenses include:

Commissary Funds: People in prison rely on commissary accounts to buy basics like hygiene items, extra food, writing supplies, or clothing. Prices at prison commissaries are often much higher than in regular stores (with markups up to 600% in some cases. Decide on a monthly commissary allowance you can afford – and stick to it. For example, if you can only send $50 a month without missing your own bills, plan for that amount and communicate it to your loved one. Avoid going into debt for commissary purchases; it’s easy to feel guilty and overspend, but remember that your loved one doesn’t want you to suffer financially either.
Phone Calls and Communications: Staying in touch by phone or video is vital, but it can be expensive. Historically, a 15-minute call from prison could cost $10–$15, and families often sacrificed other needs or racked up debt to pay phone bills. The good news is that recent reforms are capping these rates. The Federal Communications Commission has moved to drastically lower inmate calling costs – for example, reducing a 15-minute call from as high as $12 down to around $1 or less in many facilities. Even so, plan a phone budget: find out the per-minute rate in your loved one’s facility and decide how many minutes per week you can fund. You might also utilize alternative communication when possible (such as email services or old-fashioned letters which cost only postage) to supplement expensive calls. Many prisons have secure email messaging systems that charge a small fee per message – consider budgeting for a certain number of those each week if it’s cheaper than calling.
Visitation Costs: If you are able to visit in person, remember to budget for travel and lodging expenses. Gasoline or bus fare, possible hotel stays, meals on the road, and even childcare during visits can add up. Plan visits ahead of time to get the best travel deals and set aside a bit of money each month if you know you’ll be visiting periodically. For instance, if a visit every few months requires $200 in travel costs, start saving $50 per month toward it. Also, know the facility’s rules before you go– for example, some prisons require you to use a cashless vending card to buy food in the visitation room, which means you should bring a set amount of cash to load onto that card. Including these details in your budget (even something small like $20 for vending machine snacks or locker fees at the prison) will prevent day-of-visit stress.
Sending Money or Packages: Beyond commissary, you might occasionally need to send money for things like magazine subscriptions, book orders, or fees (e.g. for a GED test or trades certification your loved one is pursuing). When sending money, use the lowest-cost method available. Prison money transfer services often charge high fees. If mail-in money orders are allowed and cheaper (some systems still permit this), consider those. Similarly, care packages (if permitted through approved vendors) can be pricey; look for discounts or bundle deals and factor these into your monthly or quarterly spending plan. It may help to designate a “support fund” envelope in your budget for all prison-related outlays (calls, commissary, etc.), so you can clearly see your total spending on your loved one each month.
Emergencies or Unexpected Costs: Sometimes unexpected costs arise – for example, if your loved one gets transferred to a distant facility and you need to travel suddenly, or if their personal property is lost and must be replaced via commissary. It’s wise to maintain a small cushion in your budget for emergencies. Even $10 or $20 per month set aside can build a modest emergency fund over time. This can also cover any increases in fees (prison systems have been known to change vendors or rates with little notice). By anticipating a bit of the unexpected, you won’t be completely thrown off when surprises happen.

Budgeting for these ongoing expenses starts with knowing your own household finances. Take a realistic look at your income and essential living costs (rent, utilities, food, etc.) and determine how much discretionary income remains. From that, decide what portion can go toward supporting your incarcerated loved one without shorting your own necessities. Creating a simple monthly budget will clarify this. In fact, making a written budget is one of the most important steps you can take. List all your income sources and all expenses, and ensure the math works out. You may find you need to cut back on some extras (like dining out, subscriptions, or entertainment) to free up money for your loved one’s needs. It might even be necessary to find additional income, such as a part-time job or side gig, if expenses far exceed income. Every family’s situation is different, so build a budget you can live with. The key is that your plan should be sustainable – one you can maintain over the remaining months or years of the incarceration. A sustainable budget will give you greater peace of mind during this challenging period.

If you’re not sure where to start with budgeting, there are many free templates and tools available. For example, the U.S. government’s consumer website provides a printable budget worksheet you can fill out by hand. It walks you through listing your income and monthly expenses, making it easier to spot where your money is going. Alternatively, you might use a digital template: personal finance sites like NerdWallet offer downloadable spreadsheet budgets based on the 50/30/20 rule (which allocates 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, 20% to savings or debt). You can use these tools to plug in your numbers and track everything. The format matters less than the habit: pick a system that you find easiest – be it a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a budgeting app – and update it regularly (at least once a month). Over time, you’ll become more confident about covering the ongoing costs while keeping your own bills paid.

Budgeting Strategies for Low- or Single-Income Households

Many families supporting an incarcerated loved one are already on tight budgets. Losing the income of the incarcerated person (if they had been contributing financially before) or taking on extra expenses can stretch a low or single income to the limit. Here are some strategies to manage when money is very tight:

1. Prioritize Essential Expenses: Ensure you cover the basics for your household first – rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance, and any minimum debt payments. These “needs” should come before discretionary support costs. It may feel harsh, but skipping your rent or electricity to send money to prison helps no one in the long run (if your power is shut off, it’s hard to help anyone). Use the concept of “pay yourself first” for essentials: when each paycheck arrives, immediately set aside enough for critical bills. If you have automatic bill-pay for things like electricity or car insurance, align them right after payday so you don’t accidentally spend that money elsewhere.

2. Cut or Reduce Optional Spending: Scrutinize your non-essential spending and identify areas to save. Could you downgrade a cell phone plan, pause a streaming subscription, or find a cheaper internet package? Small changes add up. Try a 30-day freeze on non-necessities to see what you truly miss. For example, cook at home instead of takeout, use the library instead of buying books, or carpool to save gas. The money freed can be redirected to your loved one’s commissary or your savings fund. Some families even find that involving the incarcerated person in this effort (through letters or calls) can be motivational – you might both agree to be “budget buddies,” finding ways to economize so that by the time they come home, you’re both in better financial shape.

3. Take Advantage of Assistance Programs: As a low-income household, ensure you’re utilizing any public benefits or community resources available. This might include SNAP (food stamps) to help with groceries, LIHEAP to help with utility bills, Medicaid for healthcare, or local food banks and charities that can offset some costs. Freeing up even $100 of your budget by getting help with food or bills can make a big difference in your ability to support your loved one. If you have children, look into programs like free/reduced school lunches or childcare subsidies. The money you don’t have to spend in these areas can go toward your family’s overall stability (or toward that phone fund or reentry savings). Community organizations specifically supporting families of the incarcerated might also offer aid – for instance, some nonprofits run donation drives for holiday gifts for children of prisoners, or provide free counseling and support groups. Don’t hesitate to tap these resources; they exist to lighten your load.

4. Manage and Reduce Debt Carefully: If you’ve accumulated debt (credit cards, personal loans, etc.) while trying to stay afloat, make a plan to tackle it. High-interest debt can snowball if left unchecked, eating up more of your income over time. First, avoid taking on new debt for prison-related expenses whenever possible. It might be tempting to put a $100 prison commissary deposit on a credit card, but if you only make minimum payments, that $100 could grow with interest and fees. Instead, try to budget that expense in cash, or delay it until you have funds. For existing debts, consider contacting a nonprofit credit counselor for advice on consolidating or lowering payments. As a DIY approach, you can use either the “debt snowball” or “debt avalanche” method: snowball means paying off the smallest balances first to gain momentum, whereas avalanche means paying off the highest interest debts first to save money in the long run. Decide which motivates you more. In your budget, make room in the “expenses” for a bit more than the minimum payment on one debt at a time. Even while you’re saving for your loved one’s needs, try to allocate something toward debt repayment each month – it will relieve pressure on future you. (In the classic 50/30/20 budget breakdown, this falls into the 20% category for savings/debt repayment.) Also, be aware of “criminal justice debt” your loved one might have (court fines, restitution, etc.). While those debts belong to the incarcerated person, any unresolved legal financial obligations could affect your loved one’s reentry – for example, unpaid fees or fines can lead to penalties like driver’s license suspension or even re-arrest after release. If you anticipate these will be an issue, try to set aside a little extra to address them when the time comes (or reach out to legal aid for assistance managing those obligations). The same goes for child support owed by your incarcerated loved one: those payments might have piled up and will need attention. Planning for debt – both yours and theirs – is an important part of financial readiness.

5. Start a Modest Emergency Fund: It may sound unrealistic to save anything on a low income, but even a small emergency fund can protect you from new debt. Aim for an initial goal of $500 (or even $250 if that’s more feasible) set aside for true emergencies. This fund is only for critical surprises like a car repair, medical co-pay, or emergency travel to see your loved one. Having this cushion means that when life throws a curveball, you won’t have to choose between paying that expense and helping your loved one. Automate your savings if possible – for example, if you get paid via direct deposit, have $10 or $20 sent to a savings account each pay period. You likely won’t miss such a small amount in the short term, but over a year that becomes a few hundred dollars of safety net. If you get any windfalls (tax refunds, stimulus checks, etc.), consider putting a portion into this fund. Think of it as budget insurance – it keeps your overall plan from derailing when an unexpected cost pops up.

6. Use Budgeting Tools and Stay Organized: Embrace any tools that help you stay on track. We mentioned worksheets and spreadsheets earlier – use them to actively monitor your progress. Track your spending closely, at least for a trial month, to see where every dollar is going. You might discover leaks (e.g., unnoticed fees or forgotten subscriptions) that can be plugged. There are also smartphone apps that sync to your bank account and categorize spending, which can be helpful if you prefer a tech solution. If you like visual aids, try the envelope method with actual cash: withdraw the budgeted amount for each category (groceries, gas, prison support, etc.) and put cash in labeled envelopes. Only use what’s in the envelope for that category – once it’s empty, you stop spending until next month. This old-school method can prevent overspending and gives a tangible sense of how money is allocated. Whether digitally or on paper, keep a calendar of bills and due dates. Add notes for when you typically send prison support payments or when phone account refills are needed, so you’re never caught off guard. Consider maintaining a file (physical or digital) for receipts and documents related to your loved one’s incarceration (money transfer receipts, phone account statements, etc.). Not only is this helpful for your records, but it can be useful in case of any discrepancies (for instance, if funds don’t post properly to their commissary account, you have proof of sending).

By implementing these strategies, even households on tight budgets can carve out some stability. It’s about making intentional choices with your money and being proactive. Remember, you do not have to do this alone – involve trusted family members or friends if possible in brainstorming budget ideas, and lean on community support programs. Financial planning under these circumstances is challenging, but it is achievable with patience and support.

Saving for Reentry: Anticipating Future Costs

While managing day-to-day expenses, you also need to keep an eye on the future – specifically, the costs that will come when your loved one is released. Reentry is an exciting time, but it can be financially overwhelming if you haven’t prepared. People coming out of prison often have immediate needs for basic items and support. In fact, best-practice reentry plans suggest that every released person should have at least: a safe place to stay, some food and clothing, a valid ID, transportation, and a small amount of money for initial days out. As the family member or friend on the outside, you will likely be the first line of support to meet those needs. Here are key reentry expenses you should anticipate and start saving for well in advance:

Housing and Utilities: Determine where your loved one will live upon release. Will they stay with you temporarily, or will you assist them in getting their own housing? Even if they’ll move in with family, there may be costs – for example, you might need to furnish a spare room or absorb higher utility and grocery bills with another person in the home. If they will seek independent housing, they’ll likely need money for rent and a security deposit. Start researching housing options early. Some halfway houses or transitional housing programs have fees or require residents to pay rent after a short grace period. Even public housing isn’t free – and waiting lists can be long. It’s wise to save up at least a few months’ worth of what rent might be, to either help with their deposit or to cushion your own household if they stay with you rent-free initially. Don’t forget utilities (electric, water, heating) and possibly a phone or internet line – all part of setting up a stable home. Housing insecurity is a major risk factor for recidivism, so this is a top priority. If your budget is extremely tight, identify community organizations that help with housing for returning citizens. There may be grants or programs through local reentry services, faith-based groups, or government agencies that provide temporary housing assistance or subsidized rent.
Identification and Documents: One of the first hurdles after release is obtaining official ID. Many incarcerated individuals leave prison without a current state ID or driver’s license. Having identification is crucial for job applications, opening bank accounts, and accessing services. Some prison systems now provide a state-issued ID at release, but not all do. Plan for fees related to getting a driver’s license or state ID card, which can range from $10 to $40 depending on your state. Also, consider whether they’ll need their birth certificate or Social Security card – replacing those can cost in the $20–$30 range for a birth certificate (varies by state) and is free for a Social Security card (but the process may take time). It’s smart to start gathering any needed documents beforerelease if possible. Check with the prison case manager or reentry coordinator about programs for pre-release ID acquisition. If none, be prepared to help navigate the DMV or licensing office soon after release, and budget some money for document fees and transportation to get to those offices.
Clothing and Personal Items: After years in a prison uniform, your loved one will need civilian clothes suitable for daily life and job hunting. Basic wardrobe items are a must – undergarments, shoes, weather-appropriate outerwear, and a few everyday outfits. Additionally, consider needs like a warm coat if they’re releasing in winter or professional attire for interviews. You don’t need to buy an entire closet on day one; focus on a starter set of clothes and plan to acquire more as needed. Thrift stores, discount retailers, and clothing drives can help stretch your dollars. Still, plan a lump sum in your reentry budget for clothing. Even frugally, you might spend a few hundred dollars to get all essentials (think $200–$300 for basics like shoes, pants, shirts, coat). If you start setting aside $10-$20 a month now for clothing, you’ll have a fund by release time. Also include basic personal care items: toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, etc.), a towel, and so on, since they often leave with nothing but maybe a travel-size kit. One idea is to slowly purchase and set aside items in a “Welcome Home” box over time – one month buy a package of new socks, another month a set of toiletries, next month a nice interview shirt – so the costs are spread out.
Transportation: Mobility is key to successful reentry (for getting to work, parole meetings, etc.). If your loved one does not have a car (which most won’t upon immediate release), think about transportation options and costs. Will they be relying on your vehicle? If so, factor in some extra gas money for the additional driving you might do. If they’ll use public transit, plan to fund a bus pass or subway card for at least the first month or two. Many transit systems offer discounted monthly passes; find out the cost (e.g., $50–$100/month depending on the city) and include that in your budget. If the goal is for them to eventually drive, there could be costs like driver’s license reinstatement fees (especially if their license expired or was suspended) and car insurance. These might not be immediate (they likely won’t be buying a car right away unless you plan to provide one), but keep them on the radar. Sometimes nonprofits can provide bicycles to returning citizens as a free or cheap means of transport – look for those resources as well. Lastly, plan for release day transportation: you may need to pick them up from a distant facility or pay for a bus ticket if you cannot go in person. Most states give a bus ticket or small transport stipend as part of “gate money,” but not all do, and sometimes it’s not sufficient. For example, while states like California may give $200 “gate money,” states like Alabama or Louisiana might give as little as $10 or $20 – and some states give nothing at all. It often falls on families to cover the true cost of getting home.
Phone & Communication: In today’s world, having a phone is practically a necessity for someone rebuilding their life (to contact employers, support services, parole officers, and of course family). Plan to either provide a basic cell phone or have funds for them to acquire one quickly. You don’t need the latest smartphone – a simple prepaid phone or older model can do initially. Budget perhaps $50–$100 for a device (or see if you have an old phone to repurpose) and about $30 a month for a cheap prepaid plan. Also investigate the Lifeline program (sometimes known as “Obama phone”) which offers free or subsidized cell phones/service to low-income individuals. If your loved one will qualify (likely yes, since they’ll have little to no income upon release), you can apply so that they have a phone ready or soon after release. In addition, consider setting up an email account for them and note any internet access needs. If they’re living with you but you don’t have internet, you might visit the public library together for online tasks until more stable.
Food and Groceries: Even if your household regularly buys groceries, an extra adult mouth to feed will increase costs. Anticipate this by gradually expanding your food budget in the months leading up to release (maybe an extra $20 per week) and use that to start stocking a pantry for your loved one’s return. Having a pantry of staples and maybe some of their favorite (shelf-stable) foods ready can both welcome them home and buffer the initial grocery bill shock. If they’ll be living independently, consider putting together a basic “starter pantry” of canned goods, rice, pasta, etc., and a grocery store gift card to help them get on their feet. Also remember, immediately upon release they won’t have income to contribute to food – so your budget should cover them fully at first. Investigate whether they can be added to your SNAP benefits or apply for SNAP on their behalf as soon as they’re out (rules vary, especially if they had a drug-related conviction, but many states restore eligibility or have assistance for reentrants).
Healthcare Costs: Upon release, your loved one may have health needs (prescriptions, check-ups, possibly mental health counseling or substance use treatment). If they don’t have insurance immediately, they might need help paying for medication or doctor visits. Some states allow Medicaid applications to be started before release– which is ideal, since then they have coverage right away. Check if your state DOC has a reentry program to sign up eligible inmates for Medicaid or VA health benefits (for veterans) before they leave. If not, plan to help with this paperwork early on. Even with insurance, there might be co-pays. Consider setting aside a small health fund (even $100) to cover any appointments or meds in the first weeks out. Also, upon release, prisons sometimes give a limited supply of any critical medications – you’ll need to refill those, which may cost money. Knowing this ahead, try to find low-cost clinics or prescription assistance programs (some drug manufacturers offer free meds for low-income patients, and certain pharmacy chains have generics for $4).
Work and Education Expenses: As your loved one prepares to find a job or go to school, there will be costs associated. This could include tools or uniforms for a particular trade, fees for vocational training or classes, cost of exams or certifications, or simply the cost of printing resumes and traveling to interviews. While you might not be able to predict exactly what job they’ll get, you can earmark a general fund for “employment/education.” For instance, set aside money for a decent interview outfit (if not already covered under clothing), and perhaps $50 for miscellaneous job-hunt expenses (like transportation to interviews outside the bus line, or an application fee for a training program). If your loved one hopes to return to school or a training program, research financial aid and Pell Grants (many incarcerated individuals are now eligible for Pell Grants for college programs). The application process for school might need fees or test costs (e.g., paying for a GED exam if not earned yet). Keep an eye out for nonprofit organizations that provide small grants or toolkits for reentrants – for example, some give out backpacks with essentials, or vouchers for work boots.
Legal and Financial Obligations: As touched on earlier, determine if your loved one will have any court-related financial obligations upon release. This includes restitution payments, court fees, supervision fees (some probation/parole departments charge a monthly supervision fee), or child support. These can be significant: for example, some states charge parolees $50+ per month for supervision, and courts may expect monthly payments toward restitution or past fines. Failing to pay can put your loved one in violation of parole or court orders. If you anticipate this, incorporate it into the budget. Perhaps you’ll handle the first few payments until they have income, or at least you’ll remind them and help plan for it. It might also be worth contacting a legal aid organization; in some cases, fees can be reduced or payment plans arranged, especially if the person is indigent. But plan for the worst-case scenario that they must pay something starting immediately. It’s better to budget for it and then be relieved if it’s not needed than to be caught short.

This list may seem long, but the main idea is to not be caught off guard by the costs of reentry. Many families are surprised by how many things are needed right away. By thinking through these categories 1–2 years ahead of time, you can slowly prepare financially. Even if you cannot save the full amounts you’d like, every bit helps. Remember that your loved one’s “gate money” (if provided by the prison) will likely be very small – often $50 or less, which won’t go far. It typically might cover a meal and a bus ticket, and that’s it. The rest will fall to personal support and community resources.

Speaking of community resources, do your research while you have time before release. As Prison Fellowship notes, it’s wise to line up resources in advance – look for nonprofits, churches, or government agencies that help with things like clothing, transportation, employment training, or even small grants. Many areas have reentry programs that can assist with specific needs (for example, some provide a free cell phone, some have closets of donated professional attire, some have transitional housing or voucher programs). Make a directory of these contacts and verify eligibility criteria and the process to access them. Then, when release time comes, you and your loved one know exactly where to turn for help, reducing the financial strain on you.

In short, preparing for reentry should be approached like planning for a major life event – similar to planning for a new baby or a homecoming. You expect there will be significant expenses and adjustments, and you do as much prep as possible ahead of time so the transition is smooth.

Timeline for Reentry Financial Planning (Starting 2 Years Out)

It’s never too early to start preparing for your loved one’s eventual return. In fact, some reentry planning should ideally begin the day your loved one enters custody. But if release is still a few years away, it’s understandable that immediate needs take priority. However, once you’re within that two-year window of a known or expected release date, it’s time to kick planning into high gear. Below is a suggested timeline and checklist of financial planning tasks, starting about 24 months out and leading up to the release day. Everyone’s situation is different, so please adapt this to your needs and the specific reentry date and conditions (for instance, if your loved one may be released to parole at an uncertain date, you might adjust the timeline to milestones before an earliest possible release, etc.). Use this as a framework to stay organized:

18–24 Months Before Release: Begin by establishing a dedicated savings plan for reentry. If you haven’t already, open a separate savings account (or set aside an envelope of cash in a secure place) specifically for reentry expenses. Treat this as the “Reentry Fund.” Start contributing regularly, even if the amount is small – for example, depositing $25 a month consistently will yield $600 in two years, and $50/month will get you $1,200. Automating transfers to this account can ensure you don’t skip contributions. Involve your loved one in discussions about reentry goals: what do they envision needing most? This can guide your saving priorities. Also, now is a good time to address any of your own outstanding debts or financial issues that you want resolved before they come home. If you can pay down a credit card or eliminate a car loan in the next two years, do it – freeing up that monthly payment before reentry will give you more breathing room. Additionally, if your loved one will need to find new housing (and you plan to help), start researching housing options and costs now. Knowing, for instance, that a one-bedroom apartment in your area averages $700/month (just an example) means you can set a concrete savings goal (first month’s rent + $700 deposit = $1,400). Finally, check in with the prison’s programs: are there any pre-release financial education classes or planning resources your loved one can access at this stage? Some institutions start release preparation at 1–2 years out. Encourage your loved one to participate in any such programs (budgeting classes, job training, etc.), as it will reduce pressure on you later.
12 Months Before Release: With roughly a year to go, start turning your broad plan into a detailed checklist. Revisit your budget now, because circumstances may have changed since you started saving. Increase your savings contributions if possible, since this is the home stretch. This is a crucial time to lay the groundwork for documents and benefits. Assist your loved one in requesting their birth certificate or Social Security card if those can be obtained while they are still incarcerated (some DOCs allow inmates to request these through case managers). If not, make a plan for how you will get them immediately after release – research the locations and requirements (e.g., what IDs you need to bring to the vital records office). Also, verify whether the prison will provide any form of state ID upon release. If not, mark your calendar for a DMV visit as a high priority post-release task (and possibly schedule an appointment for right after release if your state DMV allows scheduling that far ahead). Around this time, also start looking into employment resources: gather information on local workforce offices, temp agencies, or reentry job programs that you can share with your loved one when they’re out. If they’ll need special certifications (say OSHA 10 for construction work, or a food handler’s card for restaurant work), find out how to get those and how much they cost – and perhaps budget for one or two such credentials. Continue building your reentry fund; aim to have at least 50% of your target saved by now. It’s also a good point to have a candid conversation about financial expectations with your loved one (if you’re comfortable). Set healthy boundaries: make sure they understand what level of support you can and cannot sustain, so they aren’t caught by surprise. For example, you might clarify, “I’ve been saving to help you the first few months, but after that I’ll need you to contribute to rent” – whatever matches your situation. This manages expectations and encourages them to mentally prepare for financial responsibility, too.
6 Months Before Release: At the half-year mark, it’s time to start making concrete purchases and arrangements. If you haven’t already, create a detailed Reentry Shopping List covering clothing, basic toiletries, a phone, etc. You might begin picking up some of these items gradually now. For instance, buy a set of clothes (or dig out some stored clothes of theirs if available and still suitable) so that you have at least one or two outfits ready for day one. Ensure you have a release day outfit for them – something comfortable and weather-appropriate to wear leaving prison. Many families like to bring these clothes on the day of pickup, or if they’re being released by bus, mail a package to the facility ahead of time with clothes. Contact the prison to confirm the protocol for providing release clothing. Next, confirm housing plans: if they’re coming to live with you, make any necessary home preparations (space for their belongings, maybe a small privacy setup if needed). If they’ll go elsewhere, now is the time to secure that spot – whether it’s applying to a halfway house, signing a lease (if you’re co-signing an apartment), or coordinating with another family member who’s hosting them. Many transitional housing programs require applications/interviews a few months before release, so don’t leave this until the last minute. At 6 months out, also explore benefit applications. Some states let inmates start applications for Medicaid, Social Security benefits, or food stamps shortly before release. Look into whether your loved one can do this; if so, help gather any information they’ll need. The goal is to have health coverage and any eligible benefits activated as soon as possible after release. Continue to boost your savings – tax time might be around now (if it’s early in the year) and a tax refund could significantly pad your reentry fund. If you’re able, try to have the bulk of your shopping/purchases done before the 1-month mark, so those final weeks aren’t a financial scramble.
3 Months Before Release: The countdown is getting real! Three months out, focus on finalizing details and checklists. Confirm the exact release date (and time, if possible) with the prison, and how release will be handled. Sometimes releases happen early in the morning; knowing this helps you plan travel. If you’ll pick them up, make arrangements for time off work if needed and reliable transportation. If they’re being bussed to a certain location, ensure you (or someone) can meet them there.
- Prepare a “First Week” plan: map out what will happen in the days immediately after release and budget accordingly. This might include: a trip to the DMV (have cash or card ready for ID fees), a grocery shopping trip (set aside maybe $100 for stocking up food for them or a welcome-home meal), any scheduled medical appointments (have co-pay money if needed), and required check-ins (parole office visits might require travel costs). It’s also thoughtful to have a small amount of cash on hand for them – many returning citizens have not handled money in years. Even $20 in their wallet on day one can be empowering and useful (for instance, to buy a snack or something they personally want). By 3 months out, you should have gathered most physical items, but double-check: do they have a decent pair of shoes ready? A winter coat (if release is in winter)? A phone and charger? If not, now is the time to fill those gaps. Also, notify important parties of the upcoming release – for example, if you’ve been the payee on any of their bills or accounts, or if you handle something like their child support, inform those agencies that the individual will be released and update contact info. Financially, this is when you firm up your budget for after release. Create a tentative post-release monthly budget that includes the returning person’s expenses (even if you’ll cover them at first). This helps you visualize how your finances will change. Maybe your grocery line will go up by $200, your utilities by $50, etc. Knowing this in advance lets you adjust your spending in other areas now. For instance, you might decide to cancel cable or cut back on takeout to offset the expected increase in costs when they come home.
1 Month Before Release: The last few weeks are often busy and emotional. Money-wise, try not to let last-minute expenses catch you off guard. Review your reentry fund and checklist. If there are any remaining items to purchase, do it now. It might be something like a prepaid phone plan refill card, a bus pass, or a second set of work clothes. Don’t forget small welcome items: perhaps you want to prepare a favorite home-cooked meal – budget for those groceries. Or maybe you want to get a haircut or personal grooming for your loved one as a treat (many appreciate a professional haircut after years inside) – have a gift card or cash ready for that service. Make sure all important documents and paperwork are ready: you might have a folder containing their birth certificate, Social Security card (if you managed to get it), a list of contacts, addresses of the local Social Security office, parole office, etc. If they’re on any medication, ensure there’s a plan to get refills immediately – that might mean budgeting for a doctor visit or pharmacy co-pay right after release.
- Contact the prison to confirm release logistics this close to the date. Occasionally release dates change by a day or two; double-check so you can adjust any travel or time-off plans. Financially, avoid making any big new financial commitments in this final month. Keep your schedule light if you can, as you might need flexibility (for example, if release gets accelerated or delayed, or if your loved one needs something unanticipated in week one).
Release Day and Week: It’s finally here! Have a release day budget in mind. This could include travel expenses to pick them up (fuel, maybe a hotel if it’s a long trip), some cash for meals on the way home, and one or two celebratory expenditures within reason. It’s natural to want to celebrate freedom – maybe you plan a modest family gathering or a dinner out. That’s perfectly fine; just make sure you accounted for it (e.g., $100 for a small welcome home party supplies or dinner). When you pick them up, they might have a check or debit card given by the prison with their trust account balance or gate money. Often it’s not much, but help them use it wisely. For instance, if they have $50 on a debit card from the prison, maybe go together to a store and let them purchase something they truly want or need (new underwear, a personal item, or even just their favorite snacks to enjoy). It helps them feel in control of their money from day one. In the first week, you’ll likely be running around to offices and stores. Carry a little extra cash for unexpected fees (some offices might charge for parking or printing forms). Save all receipts of reentry-related purchases; you might want to review later how much was spent in the first month versus what you planned – this can inform you (and others you might advise in the future) for better planning. If your loved one is on parole/probation, make the first payment for any supervision fees or restitution if due – this shows good faith compliance. By the end of the first week, sit down together and review the remaining money and the plan going forward. Update your budget now that it’s reality, and continue to manage your finances jointly if that’s appropriate.

This timeline can be turned into a checklist you print out and tick off as you go. It’s a lot of steps, but spreading them over many months makes it manageable. For convenience, consider using a calendar or a project management app to set reminders for tasks (for example, a reminder 6 months out to “buy work clothes” or 1 month out to “call DOC to confirm release time”). Having a structured plan reduces last-minute panic and helps ensure no important need slips through the cracks.

Utilizing Budget Templates and Checklists

As you undertake this financial planning journey, remember that you don’t have to do everything from scratch. There are downloadable templates and checklists that can simplify the process. We’ve already mentioned budget worksheets like the one from Consumer.gov and NerdWallet’s spreadsheet (nerdwallet.com). You might also find it helpful to use a monthly budget planner specific to low-income situations – for instance, some non-profit credit counseling agencies offer free budgeting templates tailored to fixed or limited incomes. The advantage of templates is that they often list categories of expenses you might forget, ensuring a comprehensive plan.

For the reentry preparation, you can create your own “Reentry Checklist” by adapting the timeline above. Write it out or type it up in a document, and break it down by timeframes (or by categories like housing, documents, etc.). Checklists are powerful – they externalize what’s in your head and give you a concrete sense of progress as you check off items. If you prefer a pre-made checklist, see if any prison family support organizations have one. Some state Departments of Corrections or reentry coalitions publish guides for families. For example, Minnesota’s Department of Corrections has a Guide for Families Experiencing the Criminal Justice System that includes a section on reentry planning. While it may not be a simple one-page checklist, such guides can spark ideas for your personal list.

Customize any template to your needs. If a budget worksheet has categories that don’t apply to you (perhaps you don’t own a car, so no fuel expense), feel free to modify or ignore those. Conversely, add categories specific to your situation (e.g., “Son’s daycare” if you have childcare costs while visiting prison, or “Incarcerated spouse’s medical co-pay” if you pay for their prison healthcare visits). The goal is to capture your financial picture. Similarly, for reentry lists, consider the unique needs of your loved one. Not everyone will need, say, substance abuse treatment, but if yours will, include “Research rehab programs” in your plan. If your loved one is a veteran, add “Contact VA for reentry assistance” to the list, since the VA offers special help for incarcerated veterans.

Finally, consider printing out two copies of any budget or checklist – one for you and (if feasible) one to mail to your incarcerated loved one (assuming they have the means to receive and store papers). Including them in the planning can be empowering. They might want to see the budget you’re working with, or the timeline of tasks; it can make their pending freedom feel more concrete and show them the effort you’re investing. It may also prompt them to think about ways they can contribute – for example, by identifying job leads or expressing what kind of support they expect versus what they can handle on their own. Treat it as a team project where possible.

Conclusion

Financial planning in the context of supporting an incarcerated loved one is undoubtedly challenging. It requires balancing compassion and support with practicality and self-care. By budgeting smartly for ongoing expenses like commissary and calls, you ensure that staying connected doesn’t derail your own finances. By saving steadily and anticipating reentry needs, you set the stage for a smoother transition when freedom comes – providing your loved one with a solid foundation (a roof overhead, clothes on their back, an ID in hand, and maybe a little cash in pocket) on day one. And by utilizing strategies for low-income budgeting, from cutting unnecessary costs to leveraging community resources, you prove that even with limited means, you can make a plan that works.

Remember that every dollar you manage wisely is a step toward a more secure future for both your family and your returning citizen. As difficult as this period of “waiting” is, it can also be a time of financial growth and preparation. You may find that the habits you build now – tracking spending, saving diligently, prioritizing needs over wants – will continue to benefit your household long after your loved one has come home and settled back into society. In that sense, budgeting while waiting is an act of hope and empowerment. It’s a way of taking control of what you can, in a situation that often feels out of your control.

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate progress. Give yourself credit for the small victories: a month of staying within budget, a debt paid off, a milestone reached in your savings goal. These wins are meaningful. Financial planning is a long game, much like the wait for your loved one’s release. But with each careful decision and each saved dollar, you are building the future you both will share. And when the day comes that you welcome them home, you’ll be glad you laid this groundwork – it will allow you to focus on reunion and healing, rather than worrying about how to afford the next step.

References (for further reading and resources):

FWD.us Report on the cost of incarceration to families, providing data on average spending and the financial strains families face fwd.us oag.ca.gov.
Prison Fellowship’s guidance on reentry preparation, emphasizing early planning, saving money, and finding community resources prisonfellowship.org prisonfellowship.org.
Urban Institute’s “Release Planning for Successful Reentry” report, outlining essential post-release needs (ID, housing, money, etc.) that should be arranged to improve outcomes urban.org.
The Marshall Project on “gate money” and what different states provide to people leaving prison, illustrating why additional family support is often necessary themarshallproject.org themarshallproject.org.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Reentry guide for individuals, which also offers tips on finances, handling fees/fines, and accessing benefits as one reenters society nami.org nami.org.
Consumer.gov Budget Worksheet – a simple monthly budget template (available in print-friendly PDF) to plan your income and expenses consumer.gov.
NerdWallet’s 50/30/20 budgeting tool, a free spreadsheet that can help allocate your income toward needs, wants, and savings/debt repayment in a balanced way nerdwallet.com.
FCC News on lowering prison phone rates – relevant to understanding and planning for communication costs (press release by CA Attorney General) oag.ca.gov.
Bond James Bond Inc. article “Coping With an Incarcerated Loved One,” which includes helpful advice on budgeting and self-care during incarceration of a family member bondjamesbondinc.com bondjamesbondinc.com. (Though focused on emotional coping, it reminds families to create a sustainable budget and plan visits carefully.)

By combining knowledge from these resources with a clear plan tailored to your situation, you can navigate the financial challenges of supporting an incarcerated loved one. It’s not easy, but with preparation, you can reduce stress and build a more secure future for both you and your loved one – during the wait, at the moment of reentry, and beyond. Good luck, stay strong, and take it one step (and one dollar) at a time.