How to make a budget when you are behind on bills
When you are behind on bills, a bare-bones budget shows the least you need to get by for a month. Start with income and essential costs.
Start with income
Write down what you expect to receive this month after taxes, including benefits and side work.
List must-haves only
Include rent, utilities, groceries, transportation to work, medicine, child care and minimum payments that protect essentials.
Find the gap
Subtract must-haves from income. If the number is negative, that is the amount you need to close through help, cuts or new arrangements.
Plan by paycheck
Assign each bill to a specific paycheck so you know which money covers which bill.