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.
1My bill list: fill in the blanks
Month or dates: ____________________
Confirmed payday / amount: __________ / $________
Next payday / amount: ______________ / $________
Benefit date / usable cash amount: __________ / $________
For each bill, enter name / amount / due date / date to send / paid?
- __________________ / $______ / ______ / ______ / ______
- __________________ / $______ / ______ / ______ / ______
- __________________ / $______ / ______ / ______ / ______
- __________________ / $______ / ______ / ______ / ______
- __________________ / $______ / ______ / ______ / ______
- __________________ / $______ / ______ / ______ / ______
- __________________ / $______ / ______ / ______ / ______
Money reserved for food, medicine and rides: $________
A bill due before money arrives: ____________________
Who I will contact / when: ____________________
Reminder date: ____________________
Weekly review date: ____________________
Mark estimates and pending payments. Allow delivery time for payments. Do not count money reserved for a bill as free to spend.
Print these steps using the link below. Keep your completed copy private.
2Before filling it in
Write actual due dates and actual paydays, not monthly averages. In "date to send," allow the processing time stated by the provider. Use the paid column only after payment is made; keep the confirmation separately.
Mark autopay, estimates and installment end dates beside each bill. Do not put account or card numbers on this sheet.
3Find a timing gap
Look down the dates in order. Does a bill need money before the next income arrives? Write who you will call, the amount you can pay and the date you can pay it. A reminder is not a payment arrangement.
For each payday, check the full interval until the next one, including food, medicine and rides. Put any changed due date in writing only after the company confirms it.
4Sources and more help
Reviewed November 1, 2026. General money education; individual circumstances differ.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tool/your-money-your-goals/toolkit/
More help like this
Was scammed or had their identity stolenUse when someone lost money to a scam, someone used their name or card, or they are getting threatening calls about money.Needs help filing taxes or getting a tax refundUse when someone needs free help filing taxes, or may get money back from tax credits even with little or no income.Behind on debts, payday loans, or getting calls from debt collectorsUse when someone is overwhelmed by debt, has payday or title loans, or debt collectors are calling or suing.Federal checks went electronic: set up Direct Express or direct depositUse when someone gets Social Security, SSI, VA or another federal payment and still got paper checks, lost a check, or has no bank account. Since Sept 30, 2025 most federal payments must go to a bank account or a Direct Express card.Money basics: choose a starting pointStart here for budgets, bills, banking, saving and debt. No paid app or bank account is needed.Not enough money to get through the monthUse when food, medicine, housing or transportation money will run out before the next payment.
See all guides in Money and benefits →
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
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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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.