Step-by-step: money stress triage

1. Take a breath

   Give yourself a moment before acting.

2. List your income

   Write down all money coming in.

3. List your bills

   Write down every bill and due date.

4. Mark essentials

   Mark housing, utilities, food, transportation and medicine.

5. Pay essentials first

   Put money toward essentials.

6. Call creditors

   Ask about hardship options.

7. Apply for help

   Call 211 and apply for programs.

8. Cut extras

   Pause subscriptions and nonessential spending.

9. Make a weekly plan

   Plan payments week by week.

10. Check in weekly

    Review and adjust.