These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Start with a kind talk
You can say"A budget is just a plan for your money. It helps you choose where it goes before it's gone."
You can ask"What money comes in each month, and on what day?"
You can ask"What bills do you have to pay, and when are they due?"
2Write down money in and money out
List all income: pay, SSI or Social Security, SNAP, child support, cash help, side work.
List bills in this order: housing, utilities, food, phone, transportation, medicine, debts, everything else.
Subtract bills from income. Look at what is left.
3Make a plan that works
Pay housing and utilities first. They keep a roof and the lights on.
At the Gospel MissionFood from the pantry, soup kitchen meals, clothing bank and hygiene kits can free up money for bills.
4Free classes and coaching
Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico (CAASNM)
Family Financial Empowerment: IDA matched savings, financial classes and free ta
575-527-8799
3880 Foothills Rd, Suite A, Las Cruces
United Way of Southwest New Mexico / City of Las Cruces
Passport to Financial Success (free class with $300 savings match)
575-524-7561
700 N Main St (City Hall), Las Cruces · Evening classes every other Tuesday during spring session
GreenPath Financial Wellness
Free debt and credit counseling by phone
800-550-1961
· Mon-Thu 8am-10pm ET, Fri 8am-8pm ET, Sat 9am-6pm ET
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
Nonprofit credit and debt counseling by phone or video
877-360-6322
5Keep money safe and avoid fees
A bank account costs less than check cashing and keeps money safe.
WaFd Bank - Silver City branch
Fresh Start second-chance checking account (Bank On certified)
575-388-1903
1301 N Hudson St, Silver City · Mon-Thu 8:30am-4:30pm; Fri 8:30am-5:00pm; closed Sat-Sun
First Financial Credit Union - Silver City branch
Small-dollar loans (payday-loan alternative)
505-766-5600
2290 Superior St, Silver City
Tax Help New Mexico - WNMU VITA site
Free tax preparation (claim Earned Income and Working Families credits)
575-538-6329
Watts Hall, 501 E. 18th St., Silver City · Feb-early April only (2026: Mon/Wed 10am-5pm, Tue/Thu 8am-noon)
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.