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 seven-day log: fill in the blanks
Dates: ____________________
Each row: date / item / amount / cash, card or SNAP
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ____________________ / $______ / ______
- ______ / ___________________ / $______ / ______
Food total: cash $____; SNAP $____
Rides $____; medicine $____; housing/bills $____
Fees $____; other purchases $____
Total purchases (do not add category totals twice): $________
Transfers to my own savings (separate): $________
One thing I learned: ____________________
One change to try: ____________________
Next review: ____________________
Add rows for every purchase, not just one purchase per day. Mark estimates. Keep payment-account numbers off the log.
Print these steps using the link below. Keep your completed copy private.
2Before filling it in
Use as many rows or extra sheets as you need. Label card purchases as debit or credit. Mark cash withdrawals and transfers separately; the transfer itself is not a purchase.
If you count a credit-card purchase here, do not count the later card repayment again in the purchases total. Put repayments on your bill calendar. Keep refunds separate and match them with the original item.
3Finish the seven-day review
Add purchase categories once, keeping SNAP and cash/debit/credit subtotals distinct. If you also check money leaving a bank account, keep that cash-flow total separate from purchases so transfers and old debt payments do not distort the picture.
Write one thing to investigate and one change to test. If an amount is unknown, mark it as an estimate. For the next cash plan, use the cash/debit spending you expect and scheduled card payments; separately list new unpaid credit charges as future obligations.
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.