Recovering Your Finances (RYF) is a financial education curriculum for adults in recovery. RYF addresses the fundamentals of financial literacy and the financial issues unique to this vulnerable population. Research demonstrates that financial stress may be a barrier to long-term recovery from substance use.[1] RYF curriculum consists of eight (8) units, covering topics such as spending behaviors, budgeting, credit history, establishing financial priorities, banking, earnings, and savings. Each unit includes a facilitator guide, a publication, and activities to reinforce learning, as well as program evaluation and marketing tools.

UK Extension specialists have trained more than 77 Extension agents and 35 substance use professionals to deliver RYF to recovery audiences. In 2022, Extension educators in 12 counties delivered RYF to approximately 280 recovery clients. After delivery, clients reported enhanced understanding of personal finance concepts, such as budgeting and strategies for improving credit scores over time.

Contact Person: Nichole Huff, Assistant Extension Professor, Family & Consumer Sciences

[1] Kedia, Schmidt, Dillon, Arshad, & Yu, 2021; Elswick, Fallin-Bennett, & Werner-Wilson (2018).