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

MAKE MONEY - MONEY GOALS

Last updated March 7, 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.

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Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1

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Pay no interest on balance transfers until September 2025

Imagine getting 18 months with 0% intro APR on a balance transfer. Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with this industry-leading card - the Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees).

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 on balance transfers for 18 months. After the intro period for balance transfers, the APR is 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable). 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!

It doesn't stop with balance transfers though. Cardholders can also earn double cash back — 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24. The best part - you can redeem your cash back as direct deposit, a statement credit, or even a mailed check! You can turn your everyday purchases into cash back and make a dent in your debt, regular bills, or save for the future.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply here for the Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees)

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Ask this company to pay off your credit card debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief is designed specifically to help you get out of credit card debt faster, without having to make drastic life changes. With National Debt Relief, you could pay off your credit card debt (with potentially way less interest) in one simple monthly payment.

How to get National Debt Relief to pay off your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can immediately assist you in paying off your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Get $50 off and 1 month free with this home warranty

True: You do NOT have to buy a new home in order to get a powerful home warranty. Here’s why …

Choice Home Warranty allows nearly any eligible homeowner to purchase a warranty through them and start protecting their home systems and appliances right away. Home warranties can protect things like your AC, electrical system, dishwasher, fridge, and more when using insurance isn’t an option.

This could easily save you $1,000s of dollars every year … for not much money at all. If you’ve ever had some sort of issue pop up at home, getting this warranty is almost a no-brainer. (It’s crazy how many people aren’t taking advantage of this.)

Choice Home Warranty has serviced over 1 million homes, and operates 24/7/365 — if something covered breaks down, just go online or call to get the process started.3 Even better … for a limited time, get $50 off and 1 month free when you sign up through FinanceBuzz.

Get $50 off and 1 month free here

Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

The Active Cash Card puts cash rewards back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Stop Overpaying When You Shop Online

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

FAQs

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

Seek Out New Sources of Income

If your current budget doesn't balance or you're barely scraping by, you may need to look at working overtime, getting a second job, or possibly getting a new, higher-paying job.

How to stop scraping by financially? ›

Seek Out New Sources of Income

If your current budget doesn't balance or you're barely scraping by, you may need to look at working overtime, getting a second job, or possibly getting a new, higher-paying job.

What to do if you're struggling financially? ›

Facing financial hardship
  1. Food assistance. ...
  2. Unemployment benefits. ...
  3. Welfare benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ...
  4. Emergency housing assistance. ...
  5. Rental assistance. ...
  6. Help with utility bills. ...
  7. Government home repair assistance programs.

How to turn your life around financially? ›

Browse through each to determine if there's room for improvement or if you are good to go:
  1. Get your overspending under control. ...
  2. Create a new budget. ...
  3. Find a budgeting app you like. ...
  4. Make a will. ...
  5. Protect your savings from inflation. ...
  6. Prepare for rising interest rates. ...
  7. Prepare now for your next major life event.

What to do when you are financially broken? ›

Take a deep breath and do everything possible to get back on track financially. You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish when you focus your intention and energy on solutions. Prioritize your bills, increase your income, and make a new budget. Things will be better before you know it.

How do I stop being cash poor? ›

Here are some key ways to manage your money and improve your financial health:
  1. Audit your cash flow. Get a clear view of your income and your monthly spending. ...
  2. Cut back. ...
  3. Build an emergency fund. ...
  4. Increase your income. ...
  5. Consider selling assets. ...
  6. Talk to a financial advisor.
Jun 29, 2022

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.

What percent of America is struggling financially? ›

More than half of Americans (58%) report being able to live within their means and not worry about making ends meet, while fewer than half (40%) feel they are in good or great financial shape, and one in four (23%) say they are in poor shape.

How to prove financial hardship? ›

Lenders may ask you for evidence of your hardship, like a doctor's certificate or termination notice. Lenders may also ask for bank statements and evidence of income. They may also ask for a money plan or an income and expenses form. A free financial counsellor can help.

What are the 7 steps to financial freedom? ›

How to Achieve Financial Freedom
  • Clearly Define Your Financial Goals. Start this process by clearly defining your financial goals. ...
  • Track and Analyze Your Spending. ...
  • Create a Budget. ...
  • Pay Off Your Debt. ...
  • Start Investing. ...
  • Create Multiple Streams of Income. ...
  • Save for the Future.
Jan 24, 2024

What are 10 steps to financial freedom? ›

10 Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom
  • Understand Where You Are At. You can't gain financial freedom if you do not have a starting point. ...
  • View Money Positively. ...
  • Pay Yourself First. ...
  • Spend Less. ...
  • Buy Experiences Not Things. ...
  • Pay Off Debt. ...
  • Create Additional Sources of Income. ...
  • Invest in Your Future.

How much money do you need to be financially free? ›

Americans say they'd need to earn about $94,000 a year on average to feel financially independent. That's about $20,000 more than the median household income of $74,580.

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings.

How to get out of debt with no job? ›

Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to manage and possibly reduce your debt, and avoid missing payments.
  1. Assess your resources. ...
  2. Make a budget. ...
  3. Look into creditor hardship programs. ...
  4. Negotiate credit card debt. ...
  5. Work with a credit counselor. ...
  6. Consider bankruptcy as a last resort.

How do you stop enabling financial irresponsibility? ›

Tips to Take a Stand Against Financially Irresponsibility
  1. Mutually review how much money you've already lent or gifted. ...
  2. You can assist without enabling. ...
  3. Insist on seeing the borrower's budget for how they'll pay current bills and manage future emergencies. ...
  4. Avoid loans if you can.
Jan 31, 2024

How do I stop obsessing over finances? ›

How to stop worrying about money and start living
  1. Get grounded: Practice relaxing breathing exercises and meditation. ...
  2. Create financial goals: Set clear, achievable objectives. ...
  3. Make a budget: Track finances and control spending. ...
  4. Schedule money check-ins: Regularly review your financial situation.
Mar 12, 2024

How do I stop being financially anxious? ›

How to survive financial stress
  1. Stay active. Keep seeing your friends, keep your CV up to date, and try to keep paying the bills. ...
  2. Get advice. If you're going into debt, get advice on how to prioritise your debts. ...
  3. Do not drink too much alcohol. ...
  4. Do not give up your daily routine.

How do you get out of a financial trap? ›

How to escape the credit card debt trap: 6 ways to get out of...
  1. Get in touch with a debt relief service. ...
  2. Consider a debt consolidation loan. ...
  3. Make more than minimum payments. ...
  4. Prioritize your payments. ...
  5. Negotiate with your creditors. ...
  6. Cut frivolous spending.
Jan 24, 2024

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