Nobody really talks about what it feels like to be broke but still holding it together. Truth is, a lot of Americans are living on more than they can actually afford. I’m not here to tell you to live fake or beyond your budget. I’m here to share what I did as a single mom when my money had to last longer than the month.
Here are the survival moves that kept me going until I finished school or landed a better job:
Tip #1: Prioritize
When every bill shows up at once, you’ve got to make some calls. You can’t pay them all, so ask: what keeps me functioning?
Start with the basics: lights, water, gas. If you can’t cover everything, cover what keeps you safe and moving. Groceries beat Wi-Fi. Heat beats Hulu. Period.
Tip #2: Communicate
I know, nobody likes calling the utility company. But here’s the thing: they usually have options. Payment plans, extensions, and hardship programs that you won’t know unless you ask. The rule? Don’t promise what you can’t do. If you say you’ll send $30 Friday, send $30 Friday. Don’t ghost them. The more upfront you are, the more they’ll work with you.
Honestly, I didn’t even know about half the help available until I finally laid it out: “Here’s what I make. Here’s what I can pay. Is there a program that can keep me going until I can pay in full?” Sometimes the truth opens doors to empathy. Another tip; if you get a rude representative, don’t try to convince them of anything. Many times, I would tell them I will call back and when I did I got a new rep with a new attitude.
Tip #3: Pressure Valve
Here’s what nobody tells you: money stress will eat your joy if you let it. And you need some joy to survive. Find a release, even a small one. Blast your favorite song. Laugh at something stupid online. Walk around the block. Let yourself enjoy something. It doesn’t change the bills, of course, but it can keep you from breaking and have a brighter day. And sometimes that little reset is what keeps you pushing forward instead of shutting down or checking out in life.
Before You Go, Remember This
Being broke isn’t an identity; it’s a season if you get strategic and lean in to what the season is teaching and building in you. Handle what you can, ask for help when you need it, and don’t be ashamed of surviving. Just don’t get stuck there. Keep looking ahead. The better job, the degree, the open door. It comes, but only if you keep moving.
Stay tuned for the next post. I’ve got more survival strategies to share that helped me move from “barely getting by” to actually building forward.
