7 Things To Do If You’re Barely Scraping By Financially (2024)

MAKE MONEY - MONEY GOALS

Last updated March 29, 2024 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

You’ve got just enough money in your bank account to last until Friday … but then Monday rolls around, and you’re in the same situation. Again.

Food. Bills. Rent. Gas. They dry up every bit of your take-home pay.

But it doesn’t have to be this hard. With a few smart moves, you could supplement your income — without doing much extra “work,” or even getting a side job!

Here’s what to do:

Stop overpaying when you shop online

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

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Pay no interest until 2025

Imagine getting an introductory 15 months with 0% interest on a big purchase or balance transfer (APR then 17.24% - 28.24% Variable). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with one of the industry-leading no-interest cards — the Discover it® Cash Back(Rates and fees).

Cardholders get a generous intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases — that means you can cover bills, large purchases, or whatever you need to charge and not pay interest until 2025!

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading get-out-of-debt cards available. Transfer your high interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers. Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest!

The best part? The Discover it® Cash Back card is accepted by 99% of merchants, boasts an exceptional cash back rewards rate, and there's no annual fee.

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Get rid of $25,000 in credit card debt

The amount of outstanding debt you have is an important factor in your credit score. If you have a lot of credit card debt or you've been missing payments, it could be negatively impacting your credit score.

Freedom Debt Relief can work with your creditors to reduce credit card debt and get your finances back on track without needing a loan.

You could resolve your credit card debt in as little as 24-48 months with one low monthly payment, even if you don’t have great credit. The sooner you get your debt under control, the sooner you could start to work on improving your credit.

Freedom Debt Relief is America's largest debt company and has settled over $17 billion in debt and served over 1,000,000 clients. Take action now and start working toward a debt free future.

Check eligibility from Freedom Debt Relief

Don't let home repairs drain your bank account

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more. Not being able to make repairs could leave you in a bad situation — but a home warranty could protect you against surprise expenses.2

Whether you’re a brand-new homeowner or you’ve owned your home for years, a plan from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where homeowner’s insurance falls short.

If a covered system in your home breaks down, you can call their hotline 24/7 for assistance to get it repaired. They have a network of over 15,000 technicians that can assist you, making sure any issue can be taken care of swiftly — without breaking the bank.

Not sure if it’s for you? Rest easy: they were named one of the "Best Home Warranty Companies" by US News 360 Reviews and were awarded Best Company's 2020 Consumer's Choice Award. For a limited time, you can get your first month free when you sign up for a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Unlock up to 10% cash back your first year with this incredible offer

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Discover it® Cash Back(Rates and fees)card has no annual fee, andDiscover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

You can earn cash back just by using this card for your everyday purchases — earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, including gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

The welcome offer combined with the up to 5% cash back reward rate could be worth up to 10% cash back!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR 17.24% - 28.24% Variable. This is great for someone who wants to pay down debt or finance a large purchase while still earning rewards.

Accepted by 99% of merchants, if you want cash back, the Discover it® Cash Back card can help put more back in your wallet.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now for the Discover it® Cash Back.

Stop Overpaying When You Shop Online

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7 Things To Do If You’re Barely Scraping By Financially (2024)

FAQs

7 Things To Do If You’re Barely Scraping By Financially? ›

Money dysmorphia goes beyond wanting to pay off some credit-card debt or to contribute more to a 401(k). Clayman described it as "pervasive worry, vigilance — like an internalized feeling of unsafety with money," even when there aren't pressing financial problems to solve.

How do I stop being struggling financially? ›

SHARE:
  1. Prioritize what you can control on discretionary spending.
  2. Find ways to earn more money.
  3. Pay essential bills.
  4. Save money during trying times.
  5. Track your money-saving progress.
  6. Talk to your lenders.
  7. Consult with an expert financial advisor.
May 21, 2024

How do you make money when you're struggling? ›

12 Moves To Make If You're Struggling With Money
  1. Create A Budget.
  2. Try A Side Gig.
  3. Look For Help.
  4. Build An Emergency Fund.
  5. Eliminate Vices.
  6. Live Like A Minimalist.
  7. Pickup A Second Job.
  8. Tackle Debt.
Jun 24, 2024

What to do if you're out of money? ›

John Hedtke
  1. Don't panic. This is not going to be fun, but getting completely wigged out won't help. ...
  2. Stop using your credit cards. ...
  3. Plan your finances. ...
  4. Cut down on the expenses! ...
  5. Identify how much money you need to be bringing in. ...
  6. Don't panic. ...
  7. Update your resume. ...
  8. Send your resume to everyone you know.
Nov 27, 2023

What to do if you have no money? ›

Whatever your situation, here are 13 fun things to do that don't cost money with friends and family:
  1. Go on a picnic. ...
  2. Go to no-cost museum and zoo days. ...
  3. Give geocaching a try. ...
  4. Leverage your chamber of commerce. ...
  5. Take a historical city tour. ...
  6. Visit a farmers market. ...
  7. Go camping. ...
  8. Do a photography challenge.
Feb 14, 2024

What is money dysmorphia? ›

Money dysmorphia goes beyond wanting to pay off some credit-card debt or to contribute more to a 401(k). Clayman described it as "pervasive worry, vigilance — like an internalized feeling of unsafety with money," even when there aren't pressing financial problems to solve.

How do you stop living paycheck to paycheck? ›

How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
  1. Get on a budget.
  2. Take care of your Four Walls first.
  3. Cut extra expenses.
  4. Start an emergency fund.
  5. Ditch debt.
  6. Increase your income.
  7. Live below your means.
  8. Save up for big purchases.
May 31, 2024

How to get $1000 fast? ›

How to make $1,000 fast
  1. Sell stuff you already own.
  2. Deliver food.
  3. Pick up a part-time job.
  4. Rent out unused space.
  5. Start freelance writing.
  6. Try affiliate marketing.
  7. Drive for a ridesharing service.
  8. Find odd jobs.
Jan 17, 2024

What can I do if I'm struggling with money? ›

Coping with financial worries
  • Stay active. Keep seeing your friends, keep your CV up to date, and try to keep paying the bills. ...
  • Get advice. If you're going into debt, get advice on how to prioritise your debts. ...
  • Do not drink too much alcohol. ...
  • Do not give up your daily routine.

How do I go from being broke to having money? ›

Here are some options to consider:
  1. Ask for a raise. Present your employer with a compelling case based on your research. ...
  2. Take on a side hustle. You can make extra money by freelancing, running an online business, or even pet-sitting if you have the time.
  3. Sell unused items. ...
  4. Upskill yourself.
Mar 15, 2024

How do I break the urge to spend money? ›

How to Stop Spending Money
  1. Know what you're spending money on. ...
  2. Make your budget work for you. ...
  3. Shop with a goal in mind. ...
  4. Stop spending money at restaurants. ...
  5. Resist sales. ...
  6. Swear off debt. ...
  7. Delay gratification. ...
  8. Challenge yourself to reach your new goals.
May 31, 2024

How do I leave with little money? ›

Here are seven tips on how to move out with no money:
  1. Create a Budget.
  2. Downsize and Declutter.
  3. Secure a Place to Stay.
  4. Look for Free or Low-Cost Moving Supplies.
  5. Seek Financial Assistance.
  6. Utilize Public Transportation or Ridesharing.
  7. Find Side Gigs.
Nov 14, 2023

How do I get rid of losing money? ›

Here are some steps you can consider taking if you find yourself in a situation where you've lost money: Stay Calm and Avoid Panic: It's natural to feel upset or anxious about financial losses, but panicking can lead to impulsive decisions. Take a deep breath and give yourself some time to process the situation.

How do I restart my life with no money? ›

  1. Shift Your Mindset: From Scarcity to Abundance. ...
  2. Assess Your Skills and Talents. ...
  3. Set Clear Goals and Prioritize. ...
  4. Create a Budget and Reduce Expenses. ...
  5. Explore Alternative Housing Options. ...
  6. Generate Income with Creative Solutions. ...
  7. Seek Support and Leverage Networks. ...
  8. Invest in Continuous Learning and Personal Growth.
Jul 11, 2023

How can I get money if I'm struggling? ›

Facing financial hardship
  • Food assistance. ...
  • Unemployment benefits. ...
  • Welfare benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ...
  • Emergency housing assistance. ...
  • Rental assistance. ...
  • Help with utility bills. ...
  • Government home repair assistance programs.

How to get money asap? ›

How to get cash fast
  1. Sell something. If you have anything sitting around your house collecting dust, then you could turn it into cash. ...
  2. Pawn something. ...
  3. Sell unused gift cards. ...
  4. Access your paycheck earlier. ...
  5. Take on a freelance gig. ...
  6. Pet sit. ...
  7. Babysit. ...
  8. Ask for a loan from a family member or friend.
Jun 27, 2024

Why do I struggle so much financially? ›

It may be that you have too much credit card debt, not enough income, or you overspend on unnecessary purchases when you feel stressed or anxious. Or perhaps, it's a combination of problems. Make a separate plan for each one.

How do I stop being financially broke? ›

Listed below are some ideas:
  1. Create a budget. Budget your income for essential expenses, debt repayment, and savings.
  2. Reduce expenses. Shopping around lets you find cheaper alternatives to groceries, subscriptions, and entertainment.
  3. Cook more at home. Eating out is expensive. ...
  4. Shop around. ...
  5. Boost your income.
Mar 15, 2024

Why am I so broke financially? ›

In many cases, becoming broke is caused by two factors. Firstly, you may not be earning enough money. Often, this occurs suddenly after losing a job, getting sick, or being injured. Or, in some cases, you're underpaid or unable to work as much as you would like.

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