Contents
Introduction
The First Days
Chapter 1: Ask for help
• Who can help me?
• What if I'm uncomfortable asking people for help?
Chapter 2: Talk to your employer
• I have a job, but I can't go back to work right now. What should I do?
Chapter 3: Locate important papers
• Where is my important information?
Chapter 4: Pay your bills
• I have so many bills to pay. What should I do?
Chapter 5: Apply for disability benefits
• Should I apply for disability benefits?
• What kinds of disability benefits can I get?
• How do I apply for private disability benefits?
• How do I apply for government disability benefits?
• What else should I know about Social Security disability programs?
The First Months
Chapter 6: Know what you own—and what you owe
• What do I own? How much do I owe?
Chapter 7: Making a spending plan
• How much money do I have to live on every month?
Chapter 8: Paying for your stroke treatment
• How can I continue to pay for the medical care I need?
Chapter 9: Think about going back to work
• I think I'm ready to go back to work. What can I expect?
• I won't be returning to my old job. How can I find a new job?
Chapter 10: Look for other sources of money
• Where else can I get money to pay my bills?
Chapter 11: Cut expenses
• How can I cut my expenses?
• How can I cut costs on prescription drugs, medical costs, and other necessities?
• How can I avoid having people take advantage of me?
• I am in debt. What can I do?
• How can I build good credit?
The Future
Chapter 12: Have goals
• I have goals and dreams. How do I reach them?
Chapter 13: Save money
• How can I save money?
• What should I save for first?
• If I save money, will I lose my government benefits?
Chapter 14: Plan your estate
• How can I plan my estate?
• Who can help me with my estate plan?
Chapter 15: Help others
• People have helped me. How can I help others?
Resources


Acknowledgments