10 Drastic Steps to Take If You’re Out Of Money

Being completely out of money is a terrifying feeling. It’s that gut-wrenching moment when you check your bank account and see a number so low it makes your heart race. Maybe an emergency wiped out your savings, your paycheck isn’t stretching far enough, or unexpected bills have left you drowning. Whatever the reason, you’re here because you need to figure out how to survive—and fast.

First of all, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and this is not the end of the road. Yes, things might feel overwhelming right now, but there are real, practical steps you can take to get through this. It won’t be easy, and some of these steps might feel drastic, but the goal is to stabilize your situation and create a plan to rebuild. You are stronger than your circumstances, and with the right approach, you can regain control of your finances.

In this guide, we’re going to walk through ten drastic but necessary steps to take when you’re out of money. These aren’t just small budgeting tips—they’re survival strategies designed to help you get through this tough time and prevent it from happening again. You’ll learn how to prioritize the essentials, cut expenses immediately, find fast ways to make cash, and get help when you need it.

You don’t have to have all the answers right now. Just focus on taking one step at a time. Even the smallest actions can start turning things around. Let’s get started.

1. Face the Reality of Your Situation

The first step—though it may be the hardest—is to take an honest look at where you stand financially. Avoiding your bank account or pretending things aren’t as bad as they seem will only make it worse. Open up your accounts, check your balances, and make a list of any upcoming bills. It’s painful, but once you have the full picture, you can start making real decisions.

Now, write down your absolute must-pay expenses: rent or mortgage, utilities, food, and transportation. If you’re completely out of money, you need to focus on these first. Everything else—subscriptions, debt payments, dining out—needs to be put on pause immediately. This is survival mode, and that means cutting out anything that isn’t essential.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Give yourself a moment to process, cry if you need to, and then take a deep breath. Facing financial hardship doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means you need to make adjustments. And the good news? There’s a way out, and you’re about to start taking the first steps.

Now, grab a notebook or open a notes app on your phone. Start listing out what money you have left, what’s coming in (if anything), and what’s due soon. If there’s absolutely nothing left, don’t panic—just keep reading. There are ways to get through this.

2. Cut Every Non-Essential Expense Immediately

This part may sting, but it’s necessary. If you’re completely out of money, your spending needs to come to a screeching halt. That means canceling streaming services, pausing subscriptions, and saying no to any unnecessary shopping. If it’s not keeping a roof over your head or food on the table, it needs to go—for now.

Call your phone and internet provider to see if there’s a cheaper plan or a hardship program. Check your bank statements for sneaky auto-renewals you forgot about (those little $10 charges add up fast). If you’re subscribed to anything you don’t need right now, cancel it. Even small changes like skipping takeout, meal-prepping from pantry staples, and using less electricity can help.

This isn’t forever, but right now, your priority is keeping every single dollar in your pocket. Think of this as temporary survival mode. Once you get back on your feet, you can slowly add back things that truly bring you value. But right now? Your only focus is stretching every dollar as far as possible.

Need motivation? Set a challenge for yourself—how long can you go without spending anything unnecessary? A week? Two weeks? Turning it into a personal challenge can make it feel less like deprivation and more like a game.

3. Pause All Automatic Payments

If you’re out of money, the last thing you need is for automatic payments to drain your account and trigger overdraft fees. Log into your bank and stop all auto-payments for non-essential bills. This gives you time to make strategic decisions instead of letting your account hit negative numbers.

If you have subscriptions or memberships that automatically renew, cancel them before the next charge. Even things like Amazon Prime, gym memberships, or cloud storage can be put on hold for now. Every little bit of money you can keep in your account matters.

If you’re worried about missing a bill, don’t stress. Many companies allow you to delay or negotiate payments, which we’ll cover in the next section. The key here is to stay in control of your finances instead of letting payments go through when you can’t afford them.

This is about buying yourself time. You can’t afford surprises right now, and stopping automatic payments is a simple way to give yourself breathing room while you figure out your next steps.

4. Prioritize the Essentials: Food, Shelter, and Utilities

When you’re completely broke, the only things that matter are keeping a roof over your head, food on the table, and your utilities running. Everything else is secondary. That means if you can’t pay all your bills, focus on rent/mortgage first, then utilities, then groceries.

If rent is an issue, reach out to your landlord or mortgage lender immediately. Many landlords will work with you if you communicate early, and some mortgage lenders offer forbearance programs. The key is to ask—waiting until you’re already late limits your options.

For utilities, check if your electric, gas, or water company has hardship programs. Many offer payment plans, extensions, or even temporary bill reductions. If you’re at risk of shut-off, call and explain your situation—they may give you more time.

As for food, now is the time to be resourceful. Use any pantry items you already have before buying more. If things are really tight, look into food banks or community resources. There is no shame in getting help when you need it—this is about survival.

5. Negotiate Your Bills and Payment Plans

If you can’t afford to pay all your bills, don’t just ignore them—call your providers and ask about options. Many companies have hardship programs, payment extensions, or reduced payment plans that can help you stay afloat. The key is to be proactive. The sooner you reach out, the more flexibility you might have.

Start with your biggest expenses—rent, utilities, and insurance. If you rent, ask your landlord if they’re open to a temporary partial payment or if they’d be willing to extend the due date. Utility companies often have assistance programs, especially if you explain that you’re struggling financially. And if you have car insurance, you might be able to switch to a cheaper policy or delay your payment.

Even credit card companies and lenders are sometimes willing to work with you. Call and ask if they offer hardship plans that lower your monthly payment or allow you to defer a payment without penalties. The worst they can say is no, but many will say yes—especially if you ask before you miss a payment.

The most important thing? Don’t be embarrassed. Life happens, and financial struggles are more common than people admit. Speaking up and asking for help can make a huge difference in getting through this rough patch.

6. Find Immediate Ways to Make Quick Cash

When you’re out of money, your best bet is to find ways to bring in cash fast. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make extra money quickly—even if you don’t have a traditional job lined up. You just have to get creative and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

The fastest way to make money? Sell things you don’t need. Look around your home—clothes, electronics, furniture, or even kitchen gadgets you never use can be turned into quick cash. Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and eBay are great places to sell. If you need cash today, pawn shops or local buy/sell groups are your best bet.

If you don’t have anything to sell, consider odd jobs. Babysitting, pet sitting, cleaning houses, or offering to run errands for busy people can bring in fast cash. Apps like TaskRabbit, Rover, and Instacart can also help you earn money quickly without a long hiring process.

Another option? Plasma donation. Many centers will pay $50–$75 per donation, and you can go twice a week. It’s not glamorous, but it’s an immediate way to put money in your pocket. The goal here is to do whatever you can to bring in extra cash—even if it’s temporary.

7. Seek Assistance and Community Resources

If you’re completely out of money, don’t hesitate to seek help from community programs and government resources. There’s no shame in using these services—millions of people rely on them to get through tough times. You deserve support, just like anyone else.

Food banks and community pantries are a great place to start. Many churches and nonprofits offer free groceries, no questions asked. There are also meal programs that provide free hot meals if you’re struggling to afford food.

If you need financial assistance, check if you qualify for government aid programs like SNAP (food stamps), rental assistance, or emergency cash grants. Many local organizations also offer one-time financial help to cover rent, utilities, or medical expenses.

The key is to ask. So many people struggle in silence, not realizing there are resources available. A quick Google search for “financial assistance programs near me” can help you find local options. It’s okay to need help—you won’t be in this situation forever.

8. Delay or Reduce Debt Payments Strategically

When you’re broke, paying off debt should not be your top priority. Right now, your focus is on keeping a roof over your head and food on the table. That means you may need to pause or reduce your debt payments temporarily.

Start by checking if you qualify for deferment or forbearance. Student loans, car loans, and even some credit cards offer hardship options that allow you to skip a payment without late fees. If you can’t defer, make only the minimum payment to avoid penalties.

If you have multiple debts, prioritize the ones with the biggest consequences—like your car loan or mortgage—over unsecured debt like credit cards. Missing a credit card payment isn’t ideal, but losing your home or vehicle is much worse.

This is about survival. You can always catch up on debt payments once you’re back on your feet. Right now, do what you have to do to keep yourself financially stable.

9. Consider Temporary Drastic Lifestyle Changes

If your situation is dire, you may need to make some big lifestyle changes—at least temporarily. That might mean moving in with family or friends, downsizing to a cheaper living arrangement, or taking extreme measures to cut costs.

If rent is your biggest struggle, see if you can find a roommate or even rent out a spare room on Airbnb. If you own a car but barely use it, selling it and using public transportation could free up a significant amount of cash. Think about what major expenses you can adjust to give yourself breathing room.

For some, moving back home—even just for a few months—can be a game-changer. It’s not ideal, but it can help you save money and get back on your feet faster. If that’s not an option, consider house-sitting or subletting your place while staying with a friend.

The goal here is to do whatever it takes to survive without going deeper into financial distress. Yes, these choices may feel drastic, but remember—they’re temporary. Once you’re financially stable, you can rebuild the lifestyle you truly want.

10. Create a Long-Term Plan to Prevent This Again

Once you’ve navigated this financial crisis, the next step is making sure it doesn’t happen again. That means creating a solid plan to rebuild your finances, starting with a budget that actually works for you.

Start by tracking every dollar you earn and spend. Knowing exactly where your money is going will help you make smarter financial decisions. If you don’t already have one, start building an emergency fund—even if you can only save $5 at a time.

Consider finding a more stable income source or adding a side hustle to create financial security. Even an extra few hundred dollars a month can make a huge difference in keeping you out of crisis mode.

Finally, forgive yourself. Financial struggles happen to everyone at some point. The important thing is that you took action, made tough choices, and came out stronger on the other side. You’ve got this—and your future is brighter than you think.

Getting through a financial crisis is never easy, but remember this: you are capable, resourceful, and stronger than you think. Right now, it might feel like everything is crumbling, but this is just a chapter in your story—it’s not the ending. Every single step you take, no matter how small, is moving you closer to stability and security.

The key is to stay focused on what truly matters. Keep a roof over your head, food on the table, and do whatever you can to bring in extra income. Ask for help when you need it, cut unnecessary spending, and don’t be afraid to make temporary sacrifices to get back on your feet. This tough season will pass, and when it does, you’ll be more financially prepared than ever.

Most importantly, give yourself grace. Money struggles happen to the best of us, and there is no shame in facing hard times. What matters is how you respond—and by taking these steps, you’re proving to yourself that you’re not giving up.

You will get through this. Stay strong, keep pushing forward, and remember: better days are ahead. 💕

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