Being broke is stressful, frustrating, & truly exhausting. But even if you don’t have any money, you can still find ways to survive and even start to turn things around. You need to remain calm, think creatively, and focus on what you can control. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, these practical strategies will help stretch your income to cover essential needs, find resources and start rebuilding.
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Prioritize Your Essentials
When money is tight, you should prioritize essential needs such as food, shelter, utilities, and transportation. Everything else? Put it on pause for now. If you cannot afford your rent or utility bills, contact your landlord or utility providers to discuss available payment plans or extension options. Several companies offer hardship programs designed to provide help.
Find Free Food Resources
When grocery shopping becomes difficult, find support at local food banks, community kitchens, or church programs. Organizations across the country provide free food boxes or meals without any questions. Apps like Too Good to Go also provide access to affordable surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores.
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Cut Every Non-Essential Expense
Streaming services? Gone. Eating out? Nope. Gym membership? Cancel it. When you have no money left you need to evaluate everything you spend money – every dollar matters. Make use of free entertainment options like library books as well as free YouTube workouts and nature walks to save money and spend only on essential survival needs.
Find Quick Ways to Make Cash
You may not find full-time employment immediately, but you can discover fast ways to generate income. Some options:
- Sell your unused clothing, electronics, and furniture through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or eBay.
- Use apps like TaskRabbit, Rover, or Nextdoor to find jobs such as babysitting, dog walking, or yard work.
- Donate plasma—it’s safe, legal, and pays around $30-$50 per session.
- Use Fiverr and Upwork to find freelance gigs or post your services in local Facebook groups.
A little bit of extra money enables you to pay for essential goods while lowering your stress levels.
Look for Local Assistance Programs
There are many organizations to help people with housing costs, utility bills, transportation needs, and job searching. Check:
- 211.org – A national resource to find local aid programs.
- SNAP (food stamps) – If you qualify, this can help cover groceries.
- Housing assistance programs – Some cities offer temporary housing help or rental aid.
- Community action agencies – They often provide job training, food, and bill assistance.
Your pride shouldn’t prevent you from accessing available support services.
Cook Cheap, Stretchable Meals
Home cooking is a money-saving alternative to ordering takeout. Stick to cheap staples like rice, beans, pasta, eggs, oats, frozen vegetables, and canned goods. Use meal planning – buy ingredients in bulk to prepare dishes that store well (soups, stews, and casseroles). Minimize waste by finding new ways to use leftovers instead of disposing of them. Simple ingredients are all you need to create meals that satisfy your hunger.
Use Public Transportation or Walk
The costs of gas and vehicle maintenance quickly add up, so try to use public transportation or walk whenever possible. If you need to drive, explore carpooling to share expenses or consider driving for rideshare services (provided you own a car) to boost your income.
Find Free or Cheap Health Care Options
If you don’t have insurance, look for:
- Free medical clinics close to you (search “free health clinic near me” online)
- Planned Parenthood for affordable checkups and prescriptions
- GoodRx for discounts on meds
- Community dental programs (free or low-cost dental care services)
Your health deserves attention even when your budget is limited.
Avoid High-Interest Loans & Scams
Taking payday loans or cash advances when you’re broke might seem like a quick fix but they will ultimately drag you deeper into debt. Instead, try to get a small loan from family or friends that does not require interest payments. Medical bills, credit card companies, and landlords might show flexibility when you negotiate payment terms with them. Search for genuine grants and legitimate hardship assistance programs.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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