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!
Needing government assistance isn’t anything to be embarrassed about. That is a mindset that has its foundation in a world that no longer exists. The cost of living is no longer in synch with what most average Americans earn these days. Nutrition and balanced meals are becoming luxuries with the increasing cost of grocery items and food in general. Sometimes government benefits are necessary in order to fulfill basic requirements that not everyone can afford. The people employed by Health and Human Services are usually cheerful and very helpful. You can apply for benefits over the phone, online and/or in person at one of their offices. You can look on their website or call their local office to know what paperwork and supporting documents you will need to bring or have available for their review. The interview process when you apply is not designed to make anyone feel uncomfortable or singled out. They do their best to put you at ease and they are kind. This has always been my experience. I’ve been receiving SNAP benefits since I lost my job a few years ago.
Sounds like I need to try applying. I need any help I can apply for. I’m 71 yrs and my son is 47. He is disable. We get SSDI and I get SSI . Not much though. My husband died 8 yrs ago of leukemia and without him it’s a struggle. My family let us rent a house for 500 month. But now they have to sell it because their business is not good right now. I don’t know what if anything we can move to. I’m scared and sad every day. I had a knee and hip replacement recently and something. Is wrong with the hip. I don’t know what to do.
There is definitely no reason to be ashamed of asking for assistance if and when you need it. God bless all.
Hi their is no shame in it, that’s why we pay taxes for the government to help us when we need it… also just know if your someone like me that is chronically ill w/multiple chronic health conditions an chronic pain that will never go away an just because I’m almost 41 I’m having a heck of a time just trying to get minimal help. If I didn’t have a sister I would be homeless on the streets, I’m about to have a second major neck surgery an I can’t get the help or Medicaid an I’m about to be off work6 months. So all u can do is try. Much love from tx
A closed mouth doesn’t get fed. I don’t care WHO you are, everyone needs help at some point. Asking for help before things get too out of hand is the best way to go. I had to learn that the hard way. Everything else aside, children don’t deserve to be hungry, cold, or in the dark.
DES has different housing programs depending on your situation. HUD can be helpful but that can be a waiting game unless you are in the military, or have children, or you became a a drug addict, or an alcoholic. There are programs in place for all that. But what if your just a normal guy or girl working 40 hours a week and still cannot make the bills. Do your homework and stay up to date on the current programs so you know what you are applying for when you get there. For instance one friend has a$1900 allowance for housing. He has a son. Another prtsonI know who is SMI gets $1000 towards rent paid to a landlord each. Month. Some pay30percent of income on a program called TBRA Tennant based rental assistance. That is a 2 year program.and does help people get back on their feet. Just remember the housing crisis has left many people homeless. If you get hassistance but do not like where you live, now is a really bad time to try and move. They are going to house a person with no place at all and you move down the list as far as priority goes. Find a way toBe happy right where you are. There is one senario that will move you to the top of any list. That is a House Fire. But I would not recommend starting one because your going to have a lot of Californians ahead of you. So read up on DES programs currently available and try to find one thatmay neet your needs, then Pray. Believe miracles. And provide your documents as quickly as possible.
Had food stamps for a few months .It was a big help and helped the situation
I live in a camper on my ex’s property. Not ideal,but don’t get enough SSI and SSDI. Food stamps help but the last week, every month is so hard and hungry. What can I do to Save for my own place when there’s nothing left to save? His health is fading fast and I have no where to go when the time comes. Feeling hopeless and scared in Washington state.
I live in a camper on my ex’s property. Not ideal,but don’t get enough SSI and SSDI. Food stamps help but the last week, every month is so hard and hungry. What can I do to Save for my own place when there’s nothing left to save? Feeling hopeless in Washington State.
This is just a test as my comments never show up.
I’m a 71 year old widow working three jobs. I have a brain tumor, crushed leg, blood disease and asthma. I just had my gallbladder removed and didn’t miss work. I’m a 1099 employee with no benefits and my husband had no life insurance. His medical bills at a non profit hospital (less than 3 1/2 months) was 4.7 million. I had to sell my home and fill bankruptcy. The only help I get is $180.00 for groceries. My son gave up his career to help me. I have no idea what to do next and I live in fear. We volunteer to help others as it keeps us busy and frees our minds for a bit. I wish I had a magic wand and could change the world. Any ideas or words of encouragement are appreciated.
At one point when our children were very young I was very sick and I wasn’t able to work so for 6 months we got SNAP and we were able to get enough food to feed our family. I got better and was able to get back to work but without assistance at that time we couldn’t afford food
First: Make sure you have maximum basic supplies of: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, corn meal (self-rising), cooking oil, butter, lots of water, pepper, broth of all kinds, seasonings, bleach, detergent, soap, toilet paper, rags, quilts, aspirin, alcohol, first aid kit (large), towels, flashlights, caste iron skillet, Dutch oven skillet, hard plastic washable utensils. Over the counter meds. After all this, you should get the picture. Take good care of yourself and your family first. Depend on GOD only!
Look online and see if there are anything that you can do as a side gig. I retired and went back to work part time to keep up. Also, maybe you can downsize and sell things you no longer use for extra money.
I would say to pick between your needs and wants to be able to save money better. I go to food pantry sometimes to help save cost on food.
I get SSI and have a part-time job to survive. I cut down a lot and watch of what I spend. I go to food pantries twice a month.
I am afraid assistance like EBT and Medicaid could be ending soon.With Trump claiming to be trying to end government waste, we should be aware that “waste” is subjective. For someone wealthy who never has had to worry about having food, shelter, or medical treatment and seeing everyone who isn’t rich as a drain on society, money spent seeing to their basic needs could seen as wasteful. In fact, , anything that isn’t working to get them more money could be seen as wasteful. They already determined that aid to other countries is wasteful even though those are real human beings with real families and real feelings who are going to suffer and some even die without U.S. aid. And don’t be fooled.Cutting off foreign aid in no way is going to inspire the government to spend more for domestic aid. I was alarmed to see that my local state income support office is no longer identifiable by the words “income support” on the exterior of the office. It now says , Dept. Of Agriculture, the agency that administers EBT, along with many other functions. It makes me wonder if the EBT program is set to be eliminated soon. It could just be a coincidence,but in today’s climate, I doubt it.
Applying for any government assistance at this time will be a crap shoot. While Trump and Musk are trying to cut all the programs. I have heard that the want to cut SSI and SSD by 75%. Making anyone on the program getting pretty much the amount you get for AFDC. So there are no tips I can make but be prepared for a roller coaster ride. Since you’re supposed to get a percent of what you put into the SS I do not know if that will be the case anymore.
I’m about 40 miles from my aunt who has no children she is 93 I take her out to lunch grocery store other shopping clean for her take her to doctor is there some help out there for me I live on social security my in come is smaller with the cold winter an my aunt still lives on her own I can ask her for money she has very little
I think it’s great! Sometimes, we wanna consider our government as a curse, but it comes with blessings too. Getting help ain’t anywhere near embarrassing! It’s human! I myself have been working on this one, thing this year. Admitting you need help, medium level difficulty, but Asking for help, and Allowing people to help you, government, or not, is the Hard part. I commend anyone that gets there and receives help. A lot of people were raised to be tough, but don’t be the man standing on the roof in the flood. Accept the help.
So before you go make sure you have all your paperwork available like birth certificate, ID, social security number,and your address on a bill proving where you live because they do not deliver to P.O. Boxes also you need proof of income if you have any including any children you might be applying for and shot records,dental records,and eye doctor records, and there school transcript, then they will ask a lot of other questions of other things you might own or have
I am a single mother of 3. Any coupon ,bargain,and sale is getting looked at. There’s help and sales out there. Get er’ done!
I have 3 little ones at home and I really need food stamps to be able to feed my family. I work full time and pay high rent to the tune $1650 a month with bills most of my check is gone. I pay reduced lunches for my kids. Yet I struggle. New clothes is the kids first. I have not bought anything new except undergarments in 15 years. I rely on Medicaid to get their vaccines and checkups. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. You pay for it anyway in taxes. It’s there for you.
In 1971-2, I fell which necessitated having surgery on both my knees. The recovery time back then was much longer than it is today. I had a heavy plaster cast on my leg from my toes to my hip which necessitated using crutches to get around. I couldn’t work so my my medical insurance was cancelled. I had to register as a “county welfare” recipient to have the two surgeries done and paid for at the county hospital. I received $66.00 a month to live on. The way “county welfare patients” were treated by staff was a real eye-opener for me. It was so humiliating and degrading. I must say that every doctor I came in contact with treated me with respect, compassion, humanity and as an equal. They never made me feel “less then.” I will always remember what it felt like to be treated as a “poor person, a county patient of no significance.” When I was able to return to work teaching in an urban, Title One school where most of the students were economically disadvantaged, I did my very best to remember my time as a “county patient” and act accordingly. What you do for the least of mine you do for me.
The only thing I can say is I struggle everyday and I’m a single income and all I can do is pray and give it to God and just hope that he sends me the right people to help me through my struggles because there is a lot of churches and helping hands that will not help you. I can honestly tell you that cuz I’ve tried. I guess you have to have a certain income in order for them to help you. It doesn’t matter if you’re struggling or your single income or not and I couldn’t get food stamps or anything like that due to the fact that I don’t have any children. So that’s another struggle
The only thing I can say is I struggle everyday and I’m a single income and all I can do is pray and give it to God and just hope that he sends me the right people to help me through my struggles
I have government assistance like, snap benefits, medi-cal, SSI & Social Security. If I didn’t have anything like that, I would be homeless. I don’t care what others think of me for this assistance. Apply for it, you never know until you try.
You should apply because you have paid taxes and it’s an assistance for now in which you will get off once things get better for you. It wasn’t set up to stay on it forever, it’s support for when you are in need. Good luck!
I am going to a food pantry once a week now
Hi there….I recently had to apply for Medi-Cal and it was very difficult for me. Like one of your subscribers, I was raised that “we” don’t do this. So when I needed the help, there was a lot of shame involved.
I was recently diagnosed with a terminal, life long rare cancer called Neuroendocrine Tumor’s of the Lungs and I will be battling this for the rest of my life. When I got my first bill of $57,375.00 for 4 months, I gladly put my pride away. Thank God it’s there for when we really need it. Kari 💜🙏🏽☮️
I feel that all the advice was very relative to anyone’s situation with being in a tight spot. I agree we’re all in a little bit of trouble right now and I know my family has definitely changed up how we live. I wish there was an easy quick answer, I feel like we don’t live at all anymore. We definitely don’t travel or eat out much at all I’m on disability and I have been for quite some time and I’m 58 years old and it was really hard to accept reality. I still want to go back to work. But like you mentioned, there’s always bumps in the road and I tend to have a lot of them at all times. I never know if I’m making the right decision or not but it’s always best to go one way or the other and you’ll find out along the way, but there are a lot of resources and people out there that can help you come through all the necessary paperwork and information that you will need good luck and God bless.
The best advice that I can give is when you have children, put your pride to the side & ask for help. Whether it be from family, friendly neighbors, the government, etc. there is no shame in doing what it takes to feed your children. Other people’s judgement says something about them, not about you. We truly never know what someone is going through so instead of lending your opinion, lend a helping hand if you can. When you are on your feet again (because you will be), make sure to pay it forward and then you will have come full circle. THATS when you can look at yourself and feel pride. Jesus said, “He without sin, cast the first stone.” Words to live by.
Go to food Banks in your area.
I need disability ASAP. So applying for assistance isn’t a bad thing
Thats wat it’s there for. Anyway if anybody can help me with disability. I am over half blind, Also I have a fractured hip due to a rod and screws in my right femur, also I shake constantly. If anyone can help it will be very much appreciated.
Anyone nervous to ask for assistance needs to know that it is better to receive assistance than struggle and suffer in silence. You might be surprised to learn the amount of people in this country that only make enough to have a place to stay and for basic bills. So many people are struggling to literally feed themselves and their families. Please apply for assistance, please reach out to your local food banks and soup kitchens. I even suggest volunteering so you can see for yourself that you are not alone.
I am one of the ones struggling and filling out forms that are supposed to help you or steer you in the direction of help …but I never never get to the actual help ..I receive text telling me I’ve qualified and what to claim whatever..then it’s 10 + minutes worth of questions and never getting to what you’ve applied for and retrieve…SAD SAD SAD How they scam and play with people that really needs and expect help with the bogus adds…..
Well it’s even harder now,even if you get snap,because food prices have got out of hand in the last 2yrs,and they dont give you enough for a months worth of food $150 will get you maybe 2weeks of actual meals,its so sad.😥
I’m retiring March 6th I work at a high school I’m Nana to all the kids I go to work an hour early to greet each student one by one I tell them good morning and that I love them and I want them to have a good day I’m hurting inside cause I’m going to miss all my kidos
Do anything and everything to save money recycle and sell what you don’t want:)
When it came down to it and health issues prevented me from working, I had to apply for ssdi. It took one year for the process to go through so thank goodness I had my folks to lean on for shelter and food. The week my first check came in I got called to move in gov’t housing. I applied for Medicaid and then also got Medicare. We have a local senior center and dhs office that helps me when I have questions or needs. I eventually was eligible for snap benefits and electric assistance. I was well taken care of on snap during Covid. The government has taken most of that away now. Since I’m alone it’s helpful having a caregiver come in a few hours a week which I get through Medicaid. I’m grateful for these government agencies as I would be totally lost. I still struggle financially and have to really pray for guidance budgeting. I sometimes get afraid and discouraged as I’d never imagined being in this space.
Govt assistance is there for a reason; not to live on per say but to depend on when times are tough.
Nice read, thank you for publishing. it’s so good to know that other people to feel the same way I do. I was wondering how I was just me I thought about when I need where to go I feel bad, but after reading your article, I actually feel good about myself. There are other people in the same boat. thank you for this thank you once again, it was a great read. They should read that if they feel like giving up. Thanks again
Hi everyone,
Let me say that I have applied for cash aid, food stamps & so on & so on. I have been homeless 2 times in my life, 1 when I was younger & 2nd time was not to long ago. Anyways apply for all the government programs there is also a program call 211. Call it they give you info on everything like food bank, food pantry go to your churches. Use coupons & so on & so on. I’m disabled now & I get my SSI cause I worked from the age 14. Taught myself to have a BUDGET NOTEBOOK write my bills. I taught my kids how to do that. With that I end with May God bless guide but most of all watch over all of you & your families, ALWAYS
Thank you Grace. For the time being I don’t need assistance.
Based on what is going on in this current administration with firings and shutdown, I believe your comments are a little naive. We are in a situation where people have lost jobs, denied government assistance because these programs have been cut (with more to come). It’s an upside down world and people are hurting. What we should be discussing is how we as a group, a community, can survive this crisis.
This is not about blaming Democrats and Republicans past behaviors. This is about how we survive this attack against our democracy. How do we help our neighbor who has lost their job, their benefits, their relatives etc.
ideas on how to navigate and how to fight back. Let’s have some real conversation without judgement. We need each other.
When applying for assistance, be prepared,call ahead to see what documents you will need . Asking for assistance when you need it is nothing to be ashamed of .
I have been on government assistance at first I was ashamed, but when I need help, go get help hold your head up.
Anit nothing to be a shame of you gotta do what you gotta do for you and your family.
I was told by my doctor to apply for assistance but since I’m separated from my spouse I chose not to since divorce the judge looks at that one has government assistance.
I have had the need to ask for assistance more than once. It was stressful but worth it up u and your needs are important and like another person said you have contributed with your taxes