I Need Help With…
Tell us what’s going on and we’ll point you to the right help — no judgment, no sign-up, no catch.
Money trouble rarely arrives one problem at a time. A job ends, a bill doubles, the car needs work — and suddenly everything feels urgent. Take a breath. You don’t have to fix it all today.
Answer a few quick questions below, or jump straight to the situation that sounds most like yours. Everything on this site is free to use, and we will never ask for your bank details or charge you for help.
Quick Help Finder: 60 seconds to your next step
I Need Help With…
Pick what you are dealing with and get a short, step-by-step action plan with real places to turn.
Choose one or more. There is no wrong answer, and nothing you pick is saved or sent anywhere.
Your action plan will appear here.
Pick the situation that sounds like yours
I just lost my job
File for unemployment, protect your health coverage and slow down your bills — a clear 72-hour plan.
Learn more →UrgentI can’t afford food this week
Food banks, SNAP, WIC and school meals — how to get groceries on the table fast.
Learn more →I’m behind on rent or utilities
Emergency assistance, payment plans, LIHEAP and the exact words to use when you call.
Learn more →Help in my state
Find your state’s unemployment office, SNAP, Medicaid and energy assistance in one place.
Learn more →My bills are too high
Phone, internet, insurance, subscriptions — the easiest bills to shrink first.
Learn more →Medical bills or prescriptions
Charity care, discount cards, community health centers and how to challenge a big bill.
Learn more →Gas is eating my budget
Price apps, cashback, driving habits and a trip cost calculator.
Learn more →Check firstI think I’m being scammed
Check a suspicious call, text or offer — and what to do if you already paid.
Learn more →I might have money waiting
Search free for unclaimed property, old paychecks, refunds and settlements.
Learn more →I need extra income
Legit side hustles, remote work and ways to earn without paying anyone upfront.
Learn more →I’m a senior or retiree
Benefits many retirees miss, plus discounts that start earlier than you think.
Learn more →I’m military or a veteran
Relief societies, VA benefits, SCRA protections and military discounts.
Learn more →The Hard Times Ladder: climb one rung at a time
Get Help Now
Cover the basics first — food, housing, utilities, health coverage and income support. Start here.
Cut Your Bills
Free up money every month by lowering the bills you already pay. See how.
Save & Deals
Spend less on groceries and everyday stuff without feeling deprived. Save smarter.
Discounts for Everyone
Senior, military, student and low-income discounts you may already qualify for. Find yours.
Make Money
Add income with legit side work — no upfront fees, no guru courses. Explore options.
Prosper
Build a cushion, repair credit and protect yourself from the next hard time. Look ahead.
If you only do three things today
- Write down every bill, its due date and the minimum payment. Seeing it all on one page makes it less scary — and shows you what to tackle first.
- Protect the “Four Walls” first: food, housing, utilities and transportation to work. Credit cards and collections come after those.
- Call before you miss a payment, not after. Most companies have hardship programs, but you usually have to ask.
Common questions
Is this site really free?
Yes. We may earn a small commission from some links (see our affiliate disclosure), but you never pay us anything, and government and nonprofit help is always free.
Will anyone ask for my personal information?
Not here. Our tools run in your browser. Real government programs will ask for details when you apply on their official sites — but never through a text, social media message or someone asking for a fee to “unlock” benefits.
I’m embarrassed to ask for help. Should I?
Yes. These programs exist for exactly this moment, and millions of hardworking people use them. Asking early usually means you need less help, for less time.