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.
1Pick one problem to work on today
You do not have to fix everything at once. A budget can show a shortage; it cannot make too little income cover every need.
For an immediate shortage, open the guide "Not enough money to get through the month".
2Learn the basics in seven short visits
Visit 1: Open the guide "Wants help making a budget".
Visit 2: Open the guide "Budget when your income changes every week".
Visit 3: Open the guide "Find out where your money goes".
Visit 4: Open the guide "Make a bill calendar and avoid missed payments".
Visit 5: Open the guide "Plan for your next paycheck".
Visit 6: Open the guide "Build a small emergency cushion".
- Review your plan after a week and change what did not work.
3Print a page to work on
Open the guide "Budget worksheet: a plan for this month".
Open the guide "Bill calendar worksheet: paydays and due dates".
Open the guide "Spending tracker worksheet: seven days".
Use Print these steps at the bottom. Write on your own copy. Nothing you write on paper is sent to this site. Keep account numbers, PINs and passwords off worksheets.
4Get help without handing over control
Ask someone you trust to read a bill or work through an example with you. You choose what to share. Never give a helper your bank password or one-time security code.
If essentials still do not fit, open the guide "My bills cost more than my income".
5Choose by what is happening, not by a score
Bills cannot wait: open the guide "I am behind on several bills".
Costs stay above income: open the guide "My bills cost more than my income".
Trouble seeing account fees: open the guide "Understand your bank account and avoid fees".
Need a place for money: open the guide "Needs a bank account or a safe way to cash checks".
No bank account and want named options: open the guide "Manage money without a bank account: modern options".
Need food money to last: open the guide "Make a grocery budget that lasts".
An annual bill is coming: open the guide "Save for expenses that do not happen every month".
6Borrowing, records and safety
Before using a credit card: open the guide "Understand a credit card before using it".
Ready to repay balances: open the guide "Make a plan to pay down debt".
Something is wrong on a credit report: open the guide "Check your credit report and question a mistake".
Someone wants an urgent payment: open the guide "Spot a money scam before you pay".
7Choose the plan that fits your household
Starting work: open the guide "Your first paycheck after starting a job".
Paid once a month: open the guide "Budget when money arrives once a month".
Housing is unsettled: open the guide "Manage money when you do not have stable housing".
Sharing bills: open the guide "Talk about money with your household".
A surprise cost broke the plan: open the guide "Recover after an unexpected expense".
Use these pages on your own or ask a trusted helper to work beside you. A helper can read numbers without keeping your documents or taking control of your money.
8Sources 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.Not enough money to get through the monthUse when food, medicine, housing or transportation money will run out before the next payment.Wants help making a budgetMake a first budget on paper, even with very little money. Include a plan for what to do if essentials do not fit.
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.