Where To Turn When Budgets Are Tight
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I get hundreds of questions every week asking how to make ends meet and why it’s so hard to make enough money to survive. Since the pandemic, basic needs like groceries and rent have gotten more expensive, while wages for working people have not been able to keep up. Some news outlets have called this the “cost of living crisis.” Earlier this year, I asked readers about their budgets. I asked this community “Have you and your family made changes in your finances?” and over 90% of readers said yes, they have had to make changes.
Although we may feel the impacts differently, we are all feeling the pinch of a tighter budget. Plenty of women in this community have had to make tough decisions in order to stretch their paychecks to cover everything. Folks are picking up extra shifts, taking second jobs, cutting back on extra costs, coming out of retirement to work part-time, and getting creative with their budgeting. Nearly one-third of respondents said that they were cutting back on basic needs like food, healthcare, transportation, utilities, housing, or education. That got me worried. . .in the richest country in the world, no one should be sleeping in the streets or going hungry.
A few readers shared that they will be applying for government resources for the first time. To those folks, I want to say—good for you! We all want to do well for our families and give back to our communities. The right opportunities and tools can be a great first step in building a better life. Good for you for investing in yourself and your community!
I asked readers if they receive any kind of government resources like SNAP (food stamps), Disability, Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. I’m not ashamed to tell you that I’ve relied on government assistance before in my life, and 87% of readers are in the same boat (they either currently receive government assistance or have at some point in their lives). I asked them what advice they would give to someone who is nervous about applying for government assistance for the first time.
Here is some of what they said:
- “Do it. It’s not charity…it’s your tax dollars helping meet your needs and in some cases, it’s that step up that provides a better future. Don’t be embarrassed, these are indeed hard times for many of us.”
- “My advice to people who are nervous about applying for government assistance would be that it’s okay to need help and it’s okay to ask for it. In fact, it’s actually a good idea to ask for it. There’s no shame in it at all. We all need help sometimes.”
- “APPLY! We all have the right to benefits that our tax dollars support. Everyone needs help at some point in their lifetime. We are lucky we live in a country that supports the people. It’s a right and we should be ready to claim that right and to fight for it.”
- “All you can do is try. If you’re nervous, apply anyway. They usually have case managers to assist you. Look up the qualifications and what’s needed, be sure to do your homework first.”
- “Ask someone for help. Your local library is there for you and can point you toward resources. You aren’t alone! Everyone needs help.”
- “Apply for government assistance! You eating dinner is more important than however embarrassed you may feel.”
- “At first I was ashamed to ask for help because my family raised me to think that it was for people who just want to live off of the government or people who really needed help. After so long of struggling to get by…I finally realized that I was one of those people who really needed help. I applied and the process was very easy. The people working with me helped me through the process with ease. My advice is to not be afraid to ask questions.”
- “Be honest, follow their guidelines. I found they almost always deny you the first time so don’t be afraid to appeal and try a second time.”
- “Contact your local county human services department ASAP! It’s pretty easy to sign up and they can help you the same day to get the ball rolling. Life happens and sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we need help, so take advantage of what your county can offer. If they can’t cover certain things, they will refer you to where you can get help for your needs. I’m glad I did.”
Everyone deserves the tools and opportunities to build a better life for themselves and their families. . .I know I did! If you are cutting back on basic needs like food and shelter, consider applying for government resources here.
If you don’t qualify but you’re still feeling the pinch of a tighter budget, know that you are not alone. Times are tough, but so are we! We will get through this together 🧡
Comment below any advice you have for folks who are struggling financially right now!
I’ve applied: for food stamps, even tried to find any type of financial aid or’ even any type of help… property taxes, food, light bill when a person doesn’t have any type of income at all… I’ve found it hard ‘ even harder to get turned down with out any reason why… everywhere ‘ & yes: for any & everything that I have applied too….all days every single effort made….I will just be turned down….
I’ve applied: for food stamps, even tried to find any type of financial aid or’ even any type of help… property taxes, food, light bill when a person doesn’t have any type of income at all… I’ve found it hard ‘ even harder to get turned down with out any reason why… everywhere ‘ & yes: for any & everything that I have applied to just I was answering the question
If help is available I say take it ! God blesses us in different ways we just have to learn how to embrace the love and support God gives !!! And don’t forget to pray for others always remember the same prayers that goes out comes back in ! So pray for someone that is going through the same thing you are and when God bless them he will bless you too !
Definitely ask for assistance you may or may not get it. And even if you get it it may not do you any good whatsoever. And with everything I’ve seen so far about Trump I do believe he’s going to probably cut us all off going forward. As it is the last time I moved my rent went up $ about $300 I’m paying utilities now when I didn’t before and my food stamps were cut $100 so I’m down to $23 in food stamps I pay something like $1,200 in rent and utilities and I’m hurting. I have to take shifts on doordash to make ends meet I’m 67 years old and don’t work so that’s my input but doordash has saved my life
After reading so many comments about people’s financial woes, having to apply for snap benefits, Medicaid, food pantries I can truly attest to having fell on hard times after first being diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage one C going through six months of chemotherapy the job turned their back on me saying that I had not Returned to work when the doctor said that my cancer infusion treatments were over the job didn’t care that I was left with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a sense of feeling lost and not knowing how to dig myself out of the bed most days. My husband was receiving Social Security Retirement, and went back to work because I’ve been out of work for two years. If that wasn’t enough, my illness was being treated or my for my mental health disorders and then I had to have extensive surgery on my thumb left thumb which after four weeks of occupational therapy, I was told that I would never have full use of my left hand again And my right hand has assist in the bone and several other cyst around the hand unable to get blood work to see if it’s rheumatoid arthritis because the lines are so full and the blood laboratories won’t give me a call back to get blood work done then my insurance changed from United healthcare $56 a month to $147.a month mind you, still unemployed Not able to get food stamps because my husband gets a Social Security check and he works part time and I have part-time assignments as a minister. Not to mention how it has affected my mental health going to the local health department seeking medical attention getting the best that they could give Based on my income with a dollar co-pay change the insurance to M better of Alabama because of my pass medical history where now I have no co-pays on my medicine, no deductibles no premium. The only time I would have to pay is if I see a specialty doctor and zero charge on mental health However, there are several physicians that will not except that insurance so now I’m in the midst of changing physicians for mental health for internal medicine, my orthopedist for my right hand that will continue to need either Cortizone injections, or I stand the risk of that bone, breaking in my arm and being leaving me deformed in my right hand. Like most of you, ladies, I was never raised on any type of government subsidies, and I found myself really struggling saying this is for other people, but I today stand and say that I was one of those other people still currently trying to get disability and it just seems like we’re getting deeper and deeper, but God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can hope, ask or imagine. He said in his word that if we would make one step, then he would make two steps, someone said earlier closed mouths don’t get fed and I agree with that wholeheartedly. God has put these government assistant programs in place and we are going to have to stop doing the same thing that we’ve always done getting the same results and not being able to eat some of the things that we need for our medical Also, some of the things that we want because we are used to having some of the things that we really like to eat, and it’s beneficial for our health. It’s time to stand up ladies and say I matter quotation marks it’s time out because the word of God tells us in the book of James that Jesus hates a prideful heart. It’s not to say that you can’t have pride in when it comes to begging for something, but you’re not begging you are do this Assistance. Don’t second-guess yourself, don’t allow what others say deter you from getting what you and your family deserves. It’s time out to walk around with our head up high and not utilize the food, pantries the food stamps, neighbors who have chickens that lay eggs and they offer them to us is now time for us to ban together and pull our resources together and say I choose to live today. I felt the need to share. I pray that something of what I said can serve as a testimony to others and know that women have always been the one to figure out what’s next Don’t stop believing in yourself. Don’t stop utilizing the resources out there because that’s why resources are available for us.
On another note, there are also grant programs set aside for people that have such high medical bills for cancer treatments that will pay for some of your medical expenses if you turn in receipts so I would encourage us all to reach out to different support groups within the cancer center or ask our oncologist if there are any grant programs available Who will accept medical bills and reimburse you. It could take up to a year, but there’s no harm in trying. I hope I’ve been able to say something again to help someone make it one step closer feeling positive and optimistic!.
I have had to get government assistance.. It’s actually a stepping stone, use it to your advantage. I applied for many jobs, and worked multiple jobs to try to remain afloat. I can remember a time when I worked 3, and 4 jobs. I knew what I had to do to remain on top of things; finances, and my familys’ well-being, If you need it, apply for it…
You are not alone in the struggle to make ends meet. It as everything happens in the best of families. I too had to apply for food stamps with 3 kids and a husband who lost his job. Know that there are other places to ask for help. Catholic charities have St. Vincent DePaul that will help with rent and utility bills. Just call the rectory and ask your parish priest for contact info. There are also food pantries out there to help. Do your research. You will find there are many, many resources available if you know where to look. Good luck and God Bless!