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!
Twice in my life when I was underemployed I received government assistance. The first was while waiting for a new job to begin, in a new town. I got food stamps (at that time) for three months. The second was a couple decades later during my last pregnancy. I was eligible for EBT assistance and WIC.
An important thing to remember is that our food producers are subsidized by the federal government both directly (to their farms and loans) and indirectly through these food vouchers for a means tested population. No shame, we ALL pay in through consumer and payroll taxes. Take it when you need it!
Hi nice to meet y’all! I’m new.
I’d love to know about government assistance. How do I apply?
I’m going to church and my church is helping me threw these tough times God is so good.
I changed jobs, then they cut my hours and took me off overnights (overnight pay) thankfully the food banks are free, I just have to learn how to cook with what they give. And I’ve taken another part time job. Every little bit helps. Sometimes you just got to swallow your pride and ask for help.
I don’t have anyone to help me apply for help I am a 81 yr old widow still working part time to make ends meet. My income barely pays my bills. My house is in need of serious repairs I barely have enough money left to eat and buy medicine.
Hi, I am Valarie retired. And yes, things are tight right now. but the best thing I know that you can do especially with food is you also can go to the food banks and they give food to anybody it doesn’t matter who you are they’ll help. And some churches also will help. Please set your pride and everything else aside and go get help. Do not be at home and not have food because there are places that you can get food from.
Thank you so much. Just wanted to put that out there.
Valarie
Absolutely apply for any government assistance you are eligible for. There was a time in my life, after working all of my life since I was 16 years old, where I found myself homeless. Fortunately, my parents took me in for a year; however, at the same time, I reached out to my county/state offices and they assigned a social worker to me. She was wonderful and she ended up changing my life completely. It was she who put me in touch with senior housing. Long story short, 14 years ago I moved into a brand new, beautiful apartment in a great town that I’ve always loved. If I choose, I can live here for the rest of my life. By all means, seek out all resources available.
Services are there when a person needs it. It’s money citizens provided though taxes, not welfare.
I’ve been on assistance since 2018 due to not being able to find a job. I’m on food stamps and state medical. I have Administration experience and I keep getting denied for jobs. I just don’t understand it. I’m at my wit’s end on what to do. I’m collecting Social Security Retirement and that’s not very much. It’s barely enough to pay my bills. It’s a big struggle.
Dear Grace, I was home less for 3 1/2 months last summer as a female veteran. Soldier On helped me find housing and paid my security deposit.
2 church families took me into their homes to give me shelter. I am very grateful and blessed. AMVETS 332 paid 2 car payments for me . I now belong to AMVETS 332.
When looking for a job you enjoy, start by identifying your skills and talents. Make a list of the gifts God has given you. Take time to pray, be still, and listen—clarity will come in His timing.
Informative. I just would like to know how I can find cheaper housing ? I’m 50 this year and I’m a bit im situation with limited saving. Next to none. Help.
Go in every room in your house and remove good items that you don’t use but are still usable and plan a side walk sake , even ask others on your street to join in as well. You can easily raise enough money to buy all the really needed house hold necciesties items that you are running low on , toilet paper, cooking seasoning, laundry detergents, cleaning supplies. Deodorant, lotions, dry goods, cases of water.
Good article! We are all struggling from time to time. Carlisle offers a food bank and has a vegan wagon store . They have fresh fruits 🍌 and vegetables, Milk, eggs bread . 🥖 it’s called project S.H.A.R.E. Check it out.
I just live on my ss check I put money away to pay my bills I don’t have a car I’m not on food stamps any where I go I have to use Uber I would say I’m poor
Yes there is Medicad food stamps cash if you need no shame in it Times are tough There is also a App Eventbrite this app shows you where there is food closets I thought I never needed to go to one but I found myself there it does help Which if I got extra or something I did not like pass on to someone you know could There also help by calling info 211 is Delaware it is for other states to they can help you with food closets how to get help with electric , heat anything you might need help they know how to get it Good Luck
Thank you so much for the encouragement as I go through the battle of breast cancer. I am one of those who Hate to ask for help, but with cancer, I have had to put my pride aside and do just that.
Life is very difficult I’m right with all these people my bills went up sky high and I already cut back insurance’s, etc. my hours are giving me 4/5 hour days a week trying to find another job, if you follow the Bible we knew it was coming and it’s worse now then before, and will be much worse in shortages coming up We need God more then ever beforec
Yes, Gov assistance is there if needed. But, Grace, to say be happy about it doesn’t make sense!! If you need Gov help just make sure you’re looking EVERYDAY for a job. That’s what you need to do. Don’t stop until you find something and build from there!!! It’s a hand up not a hand out!!
Yes I’m on SNAP. I don’t make enough to pay a month for rent, for electricity, for trash and food. Only get enough to buy 3 days worth of food with SNAP. Everything here has gone up 100%
.But not SNAP or Social Security retirement.
We seniors are forced to live in cars or vans. Trying to find a room for less than $600 a month. We need for affordable housing.
G’morning everyone yes do it,because it’s help out there just got to know where and how to do it… But definitely apply for anything to see if you qualify just try…
I need help getting my teeth fixed my insurance won’t cover what I need and I can’t afford to get a line and was told I’m to poor I don’t make enough money to even get a line for poor people how unfair is that I don’t have bad credit I have no credit and I don’t owe back taxes or any kind of debt so there’s no help for me ??
Hi. hard. times. are. here. and is. very. real. I just. stay. prayerful. and. keep. encouraging. myself. in. the. lord. most. important. Trust. to. have. the. right. guidance. for. our. righ. choosing. in. life.
Ask for food stamps to help with groceries especially if they r out of work they get emergency food stamps the same day and for bills go to your church of faith especially the Catholic ones they help with water bills and the Salvation Army for light bill need to take the red one hope the information helps good luck
You can call American health marketplace. I work there and we are still enrolling people in the medical benefits. The customers also get free resources in the mobile app of American health marketplace like food assurance, housing support and family care services 888 835 8730
Don’t be too proud. Getting what you need is better than starving or getting sick. Have all of your documents: income verification, proof of address, how many people in your household, medical records if applicable, and keep doing your best. You’re doing great!
Check with your church, or churches in your community.
I owned my business for 30 years I became sick where I had to close up my business, After exhausting my savings I was very embarrassed to have to go and apply for government assistance but I have no choice and then when I receiving my social security disability they only gave me Medicare they said I was getting too much to receive Medicaid, I believe $5 over now I have high expense with food, utilities, medicines high prices,, doctor co-pay, tests/x-rays, stays & visit to hospital cost, dental expenses, etcl food costs. So the government income guide line is not lining up with Costa living that’s my opinion due till you have to pay all these high cost utilities in the highest cost food it doesn’t equal up so I’m left without full cover insurance. Lot of stress This was before the pandemic wants the pandemic hit it got worse that’s why this world is in this condition.😭😡🙏🏽.❤️👑🐆
I’m grateful for any rental assistance. I phoned HUD housing counseling 800-569-4287.
I don’t know if they will offer any help, but it’s a start.
Assistance helps but also look into you local food banks and food distribution centers like community action in your area.
Please apply. I do. I worked a long time and I already paid for that assistance. I find it easier to do everything online. You take pictures of the proofs they ask you for and upload them right to your case. So much easier than having to mail a bunch of paperwork to them, and pray it doesn’t get lost in transit.
If anyone is need of government assistance & you are eligible to receive it, then go for it ! Put your pride aside and take care of you and your family!!
I have nothing to say other than the fact I am 73yrs old, and I have two grown adult children, 3 grown adult grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. If I have any advice at all it would be to get an education, please. #2-Do NoT give up on your goal or goals in life. Or your dreams. Giving up is the same as giving in to something you shouldn’t. #3-learn to Fight. Not so much physically, but with your mind. What can you do or say to make things right again? Not better or best, just plain and simple…Make things Right! #4.-always think of others first, as in Helping others helps YOU be in control of YOUR life,
Also. And above all of these requests, always, Always….Be the Best in what you are. What you Are and what you Do. Be Your Best!
I have relied on Government help before,and am not ashamed of it. I had total knee replacement last year,and while I was out,my job terminated my employment.
There are food banks and pantries that people can go to. I’m not ashamed to ask for help. I pay into these resources incase I need it one day. I have been on sick leave since Oct 15th and had to go to one at our community Church. They help feed and care for everyone, even pets.
Do a lot of coupons for discounts to help with your purchases
I’m retired, But I still work a full time job and in good health. I’m do my best and leave it in the Lord’s hands. The Lord know what we are going through. Pray about and that it one day at a time. Because we as black people this is not Our first rodeo we been down before we know how to survive. But anyway you need gov. ask and see where go from there. We are going get through this.
I like to pray on things I have no control over. It helps when things are tough.
Many years ago when our children were little I had some severe health issues and I couldn’t work so I had to apply for and get snap benefits to help feed my family. I got help for 6 months and I got better health and returned to work. I never had to get assistance again but I was able to feed my family for 6 months
I worked very hard for so many years and one day my life drastically changed. Sometimes it’s a big change and other times it’s a gradual thing, but please ask for any help when you need it. When we are all having to be careful just buying food these days, this is one of our greatest necessities in life. You are all worth a good meal and good nutrition in this country. Sometimes we think, “well there are others that are more in need than me”, but the reality is that most of us are struggling to survive. Use any resources that are available and ask for help to reach out to your county for help. Please please please don’t feel embarrassed to ask. It could mean the difference between being able to survive or not. I am grateful for the resources I have gotten and I don’t take any of that for granted. Especially if you have children or an elderly parent you are taking care of, do not hesitate to get help. We all need to support each other in this world!
Don’t be ashamed when asking for help. You will find the right places to go for help and the people who are working with you through the process is nice, professional and considerate.
Everyone needs help at some point in their life.
I was scared at first when applying for what I needed but was made comfortable by the people who helped me.
Don’t give up when help is needed.
My advice is if you have food insecurity you can go to your local public assistance office and apply for snap benefits, if you are not working at all with absolutely no monies coming in and nothing in bank you could apply for the full public assistance now they Will have you do employment searches. If you have a mental illness and receiving SSA then have your therapist send social service and employability form which will exempt you from looking for employment. If you have problems making your rent, social service have this one time help to help with rent if you don’t qualify ask them fur a denial letter then you can take that denial letter to places like Catholic Charities or community action and also when your local section 8 office have open enrollments apply for that it will at least get you on the list. For medical you can get Medicaid or go to Atena and apply for their Medicaid insurance for your better health.
I was laid off 3 months ago applied for unemployment was denied have been looking for work putting in 20 applications at a time online and Indeed I have a toothache from hell with no insurance can’t afford to pay so I’m just suffering! I decided to apply for Medicaid I’m unemployed seeking work. Hopefully I get approved so I can see a dentist. I’m not proud or ashamed I need help!
Everyone needs some kind of help
I was let go because of company cutbacks. I’m collecting $245 from unemployment in FL! Big whoop after making $41k/year. I have to pay land rent for the land my modular home sits on, car payments, homeowners insurance and car insurance, electricity, Care Credit for a bridge my mouth needed and so on. I’ve been applying for jobs since November 2024. I’ve had 4 interviews. I just turned 70, I don’t look it, but I know it’s why I’ve not been hired. I do collect Social Security but it’s only $1740. Life does suck sometimes. J
Well in this society now we need all the help we can get a lovely jobs are not paying anybody enough sometimes you can have family sometime it could just be yourself it all depends on the skill that you have been on public assistance is all right but sometimes we rely on the system so much that we will not go out and try for other jobs so how do we know if we would like that job if we never been on that job then sometimes we don’t like to get up early in the morning sometime we don’t want to put up with the co-workers in the boss in the supervisors sometime we don’t like to do what other tell us to do on the job to just to get it through but if I could really get a public system right now yes because it will help me with other things
I never thought I would need any type of government assistance but times turned in my life with the 911 terror attack in New York City and then COVID. I applied for assistance and went to The Township Department of Human Services in my area. The township will help you know all that you can be eligible to apply for.
Apply any way, all they can say is no
If you need it, ask for assistance. The way I have been making money while being safely hidden from my ex is online gigs, reviews, freelance writing. Check jobs or gigs on Craigslist etc.