7 ways to survive when you have no money
Struggling to Pay Bills? Here’s What You Can Do
We’ve all been there—staring at a pile of bills, wondering how in the world we’re going to pay them when the bank account balance is looking tragically low. Maybe an unexpected expense threw everything off, or you’re just stuck in a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle that feels impossible to escape. Whatever the case, you need help paying bills right now.
Take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and there are solutions. Here’s what to do if you literally have no money to pay your bills.
1. Prioritize Your Essential Bills
The Financial Benefit
If you can’t afford everything, knowing what to pay first prevents late fees, service shutoffs, and damage to your credit.
How to Do It
When you’re broke, not all bills are equal. Some can wait, while others need immediate attention. Here’s what to focus on first:
- Rent/Mortgage: Keeping a roof over your head is priority #1. If you’re struggling, reach out to your landlord or lender before missing a payment. Many offer hardship options.
- Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas): Some states have laws preventing shutoffs if you’re experiencing financial hardship—check with your provider.
- Food & Transportation: Groceries and gas for work should come before credit card payments. Look into local food banks if necessary.
- Insurance (Health, Auto, Renters): Some providers offer payment deferrals or hardship plans. Always ask before skipping a payment.
Smart Money Move
If you’re unsure what to pay first, use the Four Walls Method (Housing, Utilities, Food, Transportation) to prioritize survival essentials.
2. Contact Your Creditors and Service Providers
The Financial Benefit
Many companies would rather work with you than send you to collections—so negotiating can help you avoid extra fees or service disruptions.
How to Do It
- Call and explain your situation. Ask for payment extensions, lower interest rates, or reduced payment plans.
- Look for hardship programs. Many companies (including phone, internet, and utility providers) have assistance plans for low-income customers.
- Negotiate medical bills. Hospitals often have financial aid programs—you just have to ask.
Smart Money Move
If you have credit card debt, call and request a temporary interest rate reduction. A 5-minute phone call could save you hundreds.
3. Seek Emergency Financial Assistance
The Financial Benefit
Government and nonprofit programs exist specifically to help people who can’t afford bills, so take advantage of them.
How to Find Help
- Government Assistance: Programs like LIHEAP (for utility bills), SNAP (for food), and rental assistance programs can help.
- Local Charities & Churches: Many offer emergency bill assistance, free food pantries, and even rent help.
- Community Action Agencies: These organizations help low-income families with housing, utilities, and job placement.
Smart Money Move
Dial 211 or visit 211.org to find local financial aid resources near you.
4. Find Ways to Make Extra Money Fast
The Financial Benefit
Bringing in even a little extra income can bridge the gap while you get back on your feet.
Quick Money Ideas
- Gig Work: Deliver for DoorDash, UberEats, or Instacart.
- Freelancing: Sell skills like writing, graphic design, or tutoring on Fiverr or Upwork.
- Selling Unused Items: Declutter and sell clothes, electronics, or furniture on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
- Plasma Donation: Some centers pay $50+ per donation, and you can donate twice a week.
- Task-Based Work: Sign up for TaskRabbit or Handy to do odd jobs.
Smart Money Move
Start with what you have—whether it’s a skill, a spare room to rent, or stuff to sell—before taking on debt.
5. Cut Expenses to Free Up Cash
The Financial Benefit
Even small cuts to your budget can help stretch what money you do have, making it easier to cover bills.
How to Do It
- Cancel unnecessary subscriptions (streaming, gym, meal kits).
- Switch to generic brands for groceries and essentials.
- Meal plan & cook at home—takeout adds up fast.
- Call your providers (internet, insurance, phone) and ask for discounts.
- Use public transportation or carpool to save on gas.
Smart Money Move
Use a bill negotiation service like Trim or Rocket Money to lower bills automatically.
6. Consider Debt Relief Options
The Financial Benefit
If debt is crushing your budget, relief options can help reduce payments or eliminate debt altogether.
What to Look Into
- Debt Snowball Method: Pay off small debts first to build momentum.
- Debt Avalanche Method: Focus on the highest-interest debt first to save money.
- Debt Management Plans: Nonprofits like NFCC can help set up affordable payment plans.
- Bankruptcy (Last Resort): If you truly can’t recover, bankruptcy can wipe out certain debts—but it has long-term consequences.
Smart Money Move
Call a nonprofit credit counselor (like NFCC.org) for free guidance before making a decision.
7. Build a Budget That Works—Even When You’re Broke
The Financial Benefit
A budget helps you regain control, so you’re not constantly stressed about money.
How to Budget When You’re Struggling
- Use the Envelope Method—Set cash aside for essentials first.
- Track every dollar with a free app like Mint or YNAB.
- Set up automatic payments for priority bills (if possible).
- Start a small emergency fund—even $5 a week adds up.
Smart Money Move
Try the 50/30/20 Rule (even if you tweak the percentages). Aim to put 50% toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings/debt.
Parting Advice
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, don’t panic—but don’t ignore the problem either. Take action today by prioritizing essentials, asking for help, and finding ways to bring in extra money.
Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. You can get through this—one step at a time.