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.
1Choose a cautious starting amount
Look at several recent weeks. Start with a low but realistic take-home week rather than your best week. If no work is confirmed, do not count it as certain.
2Make a bare-essentials plan
List the costs needed to stay safe and keep earning. Put due dates beside bills.
Open the guide "Make a bill calendar and avoid missed payments".
3Plan every payment when it arrives
Example: $240 received minus $120 reserved for rent, $45 food, $30 rides and $25 phone leaves $20. If the next week brings $180, change the plan before spending as if it brought $240. Keep business expenses and any needed tax reserve separate from spending money.
4Use a better week to prepare
First cover shortfalls and upcoming essentials. Then set aside a little for a lower-income week or irregular bill. Do not commit to a new monthly bill based on one strong paycheck.
5Review weekly
Write the next confirmed work and pay dates. Ask benefit-program staff how to report changing income; do not assume a good week has no effect.
Today: Make a plan for the next seven days.
6Separate certain, possible and business money
Make three lines: money already received; work completed with a confirmed payment date; work you hope to get. Build commitments from money you can reasonably rely on, and have a backup if a payment is late.
If you work for yourself, track customer receipts and business costs separately. Money needed for supplies or taxes is not all available for groceries. Ask a qualified tax helper about your situation instead of using a guessed tax percentage.
7Plan a lower week before using a better one
Example: your essential weekly plan is $200. One week brings $260 and you can reserve $60. A later $150 week has a $50 gap; using $50 of that reserve leaves $10. The reserve helps smooth the weeks, but only if no other essential bill already needs it.
If several weeks stay below the essentials plan, stop treating the shortage as a one-time event. Open the guide "My bills cost more than my income". Ask benefit staff how to report your actual earnings and keep their instructions.
8Keep a simple income log
Write date worked, payer, gross amount if known, costs/deductions, take-home amount and payment date. Keep proof of cash earnings too. Use separate dates for when work happened and when money arrived.
Today: list the next two expected payments and the essential costs due before them. Review after every payment, not only at the end of the month.
9Sources 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
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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.