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.
1Plan for the next seven days
Write where you can safely stay, eat, charge a phone and receive important messages. Use the help directory to check services and contact them before travel. Do not assume a service has space or money available.
2Include costs that are easy to miss
List transport between services, laundry, storage, phone and ready-to-eat food when you cannot cook. Compare the real cost of an option, including travel.
3Protect documents and money
Keep identification and benefit notices as secure and dry as possible. Save copies only where you control access. Do not leave banking passwords on a shared device. Ask an institution what address documents it accepts rather than using an address without permission.
4Choose a way to keep records
A small notebook can work without internet. List purchases and confirmed income. Avoid keeping full account numbers with the notebook.
Open the guide "Manage money without a bank account: modern options" if needed.
5Choose one practical step
Today: Reserve the next necessary ride or phone cost, or ask staff to help find one service. If there is no money after immediate needs, getting help takes priority over a savings target.
6Make an access plan before choosing an account
Ask what documents and address alternatives an institution accepts. A mailing address and a residential-address requirement may be different. Get permission before using anyone's address, and confirm how mail will reach you.
Think through a lost phone: where can you recover access, replace a card and receive a security message? Save the provider's official phone number on paper without storing your PIN beside it.
7Count the cost of each trip
Example: a $4 round trip to collect a $10 benefit leaves $6 of value before any other costs. If several services are on one route, ask whether appointments or pickup times can be coordinated. Do not skip urgent medicine or a required appointment just to combine trips.
Write the next three essential journeys and their dates. Ask about confirmed ride assistance before spending money on a service you may not be able to access.
8Keep a safe minimum set of information
Carry only what you need for today's task when you can store the rest safely. Ask a trusted service provider about secure document storage without assuming it is offered. Do not leave logged-in banking sessions on a public computer.
If cash is your only option, keep a private spending note and payment receipts. Do not pay someone to lend you a bank identity or open an account in their name. Open the guide "Manage money without a bank account: modern options" for named services to compare.
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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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.