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This is a subject I've thought of recently because of some stability issues at my own work. But I'm in a good position already; 3+ months income emergency fund, in-demand skill set for work, lots of networking/contacts in my field. So I'm not too worried. But I did start doing a "What if,.." about having to deal without money.

First of All, Don't Panic

The world hasn't run out of money, and they aren't singling you out to make an example of for not having any of it. Ten deep breaths and relax. Times of no money are only temporary, the trick is to ride out the times without doing too much damage to your finances, family, and sanity.

Get a sanity check. In the United States, there is no such thing as debtors prison. They won't throw you in jail for being broke. You might have some possessions taken back (Electronics/Televisions, and Cars mostly) but much of the debt will be written off and sold to debt collectors. (Brr!, different issue altogether). Most of society isn't particularly kind to those in need, but a large enough percentage is, that you'll be able to get by.

Let's talk about the 'four walls' for staying afloat.

Housing - Foreclosures are bad, but as a rule of thumb take upwards of 6 months of non-payments before the company files papers. Rentals are more difficult, but there are circumstances where you can work with the landlord (maybe a work/trade agreement, or a temporarily reduced rent). The key is to keep them in the loop and appraised that you are trying to pay.

Utilities - There are MANY public organizations that will help you out if you can show need. Talking to the utility companies can also help. If it's winter, in most places, it's AGAINST THE LAW to shut off heating. Use these options, but don't abuse them.

Food - Food is readily available from a multitude of sources; Cheap family restaurants (for ~$20 you could feed a family of 4 at a variety of buffets, in an emergency one BIG meal can last all day), food pantries, discount grocery stores, church organizations, etc. etc. So your IMMEDIATE needs can be met from a variety of places if you ask for help.

Transportation - If/when you get a job, you'll need to get to it, so this becomes important for getting back into the workplace. You might have to carpool, take public transportation, or ask a family member for rides/loan of a car until you can save enough for a 'beater' vehicle. Just take this into account when applying for a job. A good job across town does you no good if you're going to get fired in a week for being consistently late.

Medical - With somewhere in the range of 50-60 million Americans without medical coverage, there are still options to get medical care, especially for women and children.

• Emergency Rooms - Not a first choice, but if it's a life threatening event, they'll save your life, and stabilize you before transferring you ANYWHERE.
• Regular Medical Issues - Looking in the phone book, there should be a list of city/county sponsored free clinics listed. The one near us puts out a HUGE billboard that says "Come in if you have a problem, EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO INSURANCE OR MONEY. We will take care of you". The stigma nowadays that Americans have about not having health insurance still baffles me.
• Prescription Drugs - If you're out of money, but have a primary care physician that you've been seeing, talk to their office to see if you can get some samples they might have. Big drug companies hand out CARLOADS of drug samples trying to get doctors to start using their drugs. Doctors pass on these samples (which are the same EXACT drug you'd be paying for) to their needy patients. My mother got a lot of her medicines this way, I KNOW it works. Otherwise, ask your doctor if there's a generic equivalent for your medicine, they also save money.
• Immunizations - Back to the county free clinics. They offer free immunizations for all the 'required' shots for school-age children. They also usually offer yearly flu shots and such.

Don't Give Up

If you were the primary breadwinner in the family, I know it'll tear you up to have to admit that you aren't bringing in the bread (for now). Believe me, I've been there. But the best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to keep a good attitude. Like I always tell my children,..

Being 'Poor' is an attitude, not a condition. I've been without money for long periods of time, but I've never been 'poor'.

If you're the spouse of a breadwinner down on his/her luck, realize they need your support and understanding more than ever. They are already going through their own Hell trying to figure a way out of the situation, so adding fuel to the fire by fighting about money isn't going to help matters.

See what you can do to improve the situation; get a part-time job, tighten the budget on any remaining money, cut unnecessary expenses (if you haven't already), and realize that things WILL get better in the future. Pulling together instead of pulling apart is what's called for.

Future Steps

Once things start getting better, DON'T FORGET THE BAD TIMES!! If it happened once, it could happen again. After you recover, decide to plan a little more carefully; build the emergency fund, think of contingency plans for what to do should it happen again.  You've lived through the worst, and you're stronger for it, use that knowledge and strength to make sure if there IS a next time that it won't be nearly as bad as the last time.

Readers!! Let us know any tricks/tips you've used to get through your hard times! These tips may make the difference in someone else's lives.

Photo by frumbert

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