©2002 National Endowment for Financial Education. All rights reserved.

This Web Site is meant to provide general financial information; it is not meant to substitute for, or to supersede, professional or legal advice.

Note: The content areas in this material are believed to be current as of this printing, but, over time, legislative and regulatory changes, as well as new developments, may date this material.
Introduction
A stroke can happen to anyone. It can happen anywhere and at any time. After a stroke, life suddenly changes.

The most important thing to do after a stroke is to take care of your health. Listen to your body, follow your doctor's advice, and give yourself time to get better.

Taking care of your money also is important. When you take care of your money, you will feel more secure. You will be better able to make plans. These plans will give you peace of mind.

This Web site will help you learn how to take care of your money. This Web site may not answer all of your questions, but it will answer some of them. In addition, this Web site has several worksheets you can use to keep track of important information. If you have a caregiver who helps you, you may want him or her to read through this Web site with you.

The American Stroke Association and the National Endowment for Financial Education wrote this Web site for you. We hope it will help you move forward after a stroke.

Note: Another book is written for caregivers. It is called Moving Forward After Stroke: A Financial Education for Caregivers.

How to use this Web site
Here are some ways to get the most out of this site.

  • Ask for help. Many people can help you right now. Use the worksheet to list people who can help. For example, if it is difficult to write, ask a friend or family member to fill out the worksheets for you. If it is difficult to speak, point to places on the Web site to show your caregiver what you want to do.
  • Have a routine. It is easier to remember to do things if you do them at the same time every day. For example, read this Web site at the same time every day. Read for half an hour. Don’t try to read the whole Web site at once.
  • Spend your energy on important things. You may get tired more quickly because of your stroke. Give yourself plenty of time to rest. Only do the most important things. For example, you don’t have to read every part of this Web site. Choose the parts that you think will help you the most. Read those parts first.
  • Reward yourself. This Web site has short chapters. Each chapter has places where you can write down information. Give yourself a reward every time you complete a chapter. If you feel discouraged about the sections that aren’t completed, go back through the Web site. Look at the chapters you have finished. You are making progress.

Moving Forward After Stroke: A Financial Education for Survivors is a joint effort of the American Stroke Association—a division of the American Heart Association—and the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®). The American Stroke Association exists to reduce disability and death from stroke through research, education, fund raising, and advocacy. The American Heart Association offers numerous resources to stroke survivors and their caregivers. NEFE is an independent nonprofit foundation committed to educating Americans about personal finance and empowering them to make positive and sound decisions to reach financial goals.

Introduction