By Corrie C This post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure policy linked in my footer.
You may have recently lost your job or gone through some other unforeseeable circ*mstances that resulted in a loss of funds. Whatever the reason, almost everyone experiences a time in their lives where they can't meet their financial obligations. Instead of throwing your budget out the window, rework it. There are ways to budget when you don't have enough money to pay all your bills.
Pay the Important Bills First
First things first. There are some bills that are much more important than others. Your mortgage (or rent), electric, water, and car payment are important bills that must be paid. If you're in a really tough spot, your car payment may not be possible. If that's the case, make sure you have a way to get to your job. You also need to have money for groceries. Almost everything else can be paid only if you have money left over.
Eat From Your Stockpile
If you have a stockpile of food, now is the time to utilize it. Eating from your stockpile during a difficult situation will save you a lot of money. Yes, you may get down to where you're eating beans and rice, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
Cut Unneeded Expenses
We all have expenses that we do not need. If you're having trouble paying your bills, now's the time to cut back. You can easily get rid of satellite/cable service, cell phone service, video streaming service, weekly trips to the movies, eating out, etc. These are things you want, but do not need. Don't let money get eaten up with items that aren't necessary for survival.
Get Help
There are so many programs available. You can get help to pay for food through food stamps or food banks. You can get help with your electric and heating bills by contacting your providers. There are so many ways to get help during times of need. Many areas even have good Samaritan clinics where you can get free or very inexpensive health care. Even creditors are usually willing to work with you.
Send What You Can
If creditors refuse to work with you, send what you can each month. As long you're sending something, the creditor can not take you to court. But, don't let your creditors intimidate you so that you end up sending money you need for your mortgage/rent, food, electricity, etc. Those are much more important.
It can be easy to panic when you don't have enough money to pay all your bills. However, there are things you can do to make sure your most important expenses are taken care of.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Candy
I am trying to live on SSI $750. Per month. I wanted to work but government is blocking my efforts. I go to the food bank. I drive only twice a week I don't have cable I don't eat out. What else can I do. Everyone saying work under the table. I can't lie I try to live according to the Bible.
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Corrie C
I'm so sorry you're going through this! $750 a month is very difficult to live on, and I agree there's likely not much more you can cut. I did find this information on the SSI site about a Ticket to Work program where you can still continue to get some benefits even while working - https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf. Hope that helps!
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Kris
I recieve SSD but I have neighbors living on SSI of $750 and one even on $735! I like the code you live by, never lie to government (or really anyone) because you can lose what little you were getting. However, you are allowed to make some income without it affecting you SSI. It isn't a whole lot but it helps my friends make ends meet better. The Ticket to Work program is good if you are able to get back into the workforce, but if your disability prevents that or your up there in age like I am and not likely to get in a door on a new career then please look at how much you legally can earn before it affects your benefits. You should qualify for foodstamps without any problems. Also you can check into programs in your area that help out with utilities on a monthly basis (we have one that helps 9 months out of the year where I live). Check with your church as well, they probably have a benevolence fund to help when you hit a bad month. Use the food pantries, I know the food isn't great, but it is something you can eat that you don't have to buy. Good luck to you, I hope my suggestions help. God bless!
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Jenny
I once hade 4 kids and my husband wasn't making enough,try planting a garden in the summer if you don't have a yard plant in containers,what you don't eat freeze or can,make extra money pet sitting easier than babysitting
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Kandi
It is possible to grow some vegetables indoors, in containers. I grow green peppers, and tomatoes indoors. You do have to pollinate them by hand but you can find how to do that on youtube without a problem. I suggested to my husband getting a beehive for our indoor garden. He said I could live with the bees and he's moving outside! (I was joking of course)
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