Being completely broke is scary. It can feel like you’re stuck with no way out.

But you’re not powerless.

There are steps you can take right now to ease the pressure and regain control.

This post will walk you through 10 simple, actionable things you can do today, even if you have no money at all.

1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation

The first step when you’re completely broke is to face your financial reality head-on.

Start by writing down everything, like your income (even if it’s just a side hustle or government support), your monthly expenses, outstanding debts, and any assets you have, like a car, electronics, or even items you could sell.

Don’t skip small details; they matter. That $5 subscription or forgotten app charge can add up.

Being honest about the numbers gives you clarity and helps you spot where your money is going and what needs to change.

It might feel uncomfortable at first, but avoiding the truth only makes things worse.

You can use free tools like Mint, EveryDollar, or Goodbudget to help you organize this information quickly and visually.

Even a simple spreadsheet or pen and paper will do if that’s what you have.

The key is getting a full picture of where you stand because once you see it clearly, you can start making smart, focused decisions.

2. Prioritize Immediate Needs

When money is extremely tight, your first priority must be survival, just like the base of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Focus only on what keeps you alive and safe: food, shelter, and essential bills like utilities or medications. Everything else can wait.

If you’re struggling to put food on the table, look for local food banks, church pantries, or community kitchens, as many offer free groceries or hot meals with no questions asked.

For shelter, reach out to local housing authorities or nonprofit programs that offer emergency rent help, motel vouchers, or shelter placement.

If you’re at risk of losing your home, contact 2-1-1 (in many regions) for local support services.

When it comes to bills, prioritize the ones that directly affect your survival, and skip optional ones like subscriptions or credit card minimums for now.

Contact utility companies to ask about hardship extensions or payment plans.

Getting help may feel difficult, but these services exist for exactly these moments.

Meeting your basic needs first gives you the foundation to rebuild everything else.

3. Stop All Non-Essential Spending

When you’re completely broke, stopping all non-essential spending is crucial.

This means canceling anything that isn’t tied directly to your survival—subscriptions, streaming services, gym memberships, or delivery apps.

Go through your bank and credit card statements to find auto-payments or recurring charges and shut them off immediately.

Even small amounts add up quickly when every dollar counts.

Adopt a “financial freeze” mindset: no spending unless it’s absolutely necessary for food, shelter, or health.

This isn’t about deprivation, it’s about survival and control. Look for free alternatives to stay connected and entertained.

Use your local library for books, internet access, or even job search help. Many community centers offer free events, support groups, and programs.

If you need a break or something fun to do, check local parks or free online resources instead of spending money.

The goal is to protect your remaining funds and give yourself space to stabilize without slipping further into financial trouble.

4. Look for Immediate Income Opportunities

When you’re broke, the fastest way to get back on your feet is to bring in some kind of income, no matter how small.

Start with immediate options like gig apps (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit), freelance platforms (Fiverr, Upwork), or offering services in your community, such as babysitting, yard work, dog walking, or house cleaning.

If you have things at home you no longer use, like clothes, electronics, or tools, sell them through local marketplaces or apps like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.

These small cash boosts can help cover basic needs quickly. Don’t overlook offline opportunities either.

Day labor jobs, construction cleanup, or restaurant shifts might be available right away, and local temp agencies often place people in short-term roles fast.

Even if it’s not your ideal job or rate, short-term cash flow is what matters most right now.

It buys you time, stability, and the ability to make better decisions without constant panic.

Every dollar earned, no matter how it comes in, is a step forward.

5. Sell or Pawn Items You Don’t Need

When money is tight and options feel limited, selling or pawning items you don’t need can give you quick access to cash.

Start by going through your home and identifying things you rarely use, like electronics, name-brand clothes, gently used furniture, tools, jewelry, or collectibles.

Take clear photos and list them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local selling apps.

If you need money immediately, consider taking valuable items to a pawn shop.

You’ll usually get less than retail value, but it’s fast and doesn’t require a credit check.

Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and what you’re holding onto out of habit or sentiment.

Letting go of personal belongings can feel hard, especially if they have emotional meaning, but this isn’t permanent.

Remind yourself that your health, safety, and basic needs come first. Once you’re back on your feet, you can replace items if needed.

Right now, your focus is survival and stability, and liquidating unused items is a practical, powerful step forward.

6. Reach Out for Help (Without Shame)

Reaching out for help when you’re broke isn’t something to be ashamed of—it’s a smart and necessary move.

Start by talking to someone you trust, like a friend or family member, and let them know what you’re going through.

You’re not asking for a handout—you’re opening up so you don’t have to face this alone.

People often want to help but don’t know you’re struggling unless you tell them.

Also, take advantage of community resources designed for exactly this kind of situation.

Local food pantries, churches, and nonprofit groups can offer meals, clothing, or financial assistance.

Crisis lines and community centers can connect you to support programs you might not even know exist.

Whether it’s help with groceries, rent, or just someone to listen, these services are there for a reason.

Asking for help shows courage. It means you’re willing to take steps toward change, and that’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

Everyone needs support sometimes, and accepting it can be the first real turning point toward getting your life back on track.

7. Negotiate or Delay Payments

When you’re broke, negotiating or delaying payments can free up much-needed breathing room.

Start by calling your creditors, landlord, or utility providers as soon as possible before you miss a payment. Be honest and direct.

Explain that you’re going through financial hardship and ask if they offer any temporary relief options, such as deferments, payment plans, or reduced payments.

Many companies have hardship programs specifically for situations like this, but you have to ask.

Don’t wait for them to come to you. Use simple language when reaching out.

You can say something like, “Hi, I’m currently dealing with unexpected financial trouble and can’t make my full payment this month.

Do you offer any hardship options or payment plans I can apply for?” Be calm, polite, and persistent if needed.

These calls may feel uncomfortable, but they often lead to real help. The key is communication, as ignoring bills will only make things worse.

8. Apply for Government or Emergency Assistance

When you’re completely broke, government and emergency assistance programs can be a critical lifeline.

These resources exist to help people through hard times—not just long-term poverty, but short-term financial crises like job loss or medical emergencies.

Depending on your situation, you may qualify for programs like SNAP (food stamps), unemployment benefits, Medicaid for health coverage, housing vouchers, or utility bill assistance.

Many states also offer emergency cash programs or rental aid.

Start by visiting your state or local government’s website or calling 2-1-1 to get connected with nearby services.

Most applications can be completed online, though some may require in-person visits or phone interviews.

You’ll typically need documents like ID, proof of income (or lack of it), and recent bills or lease agreements.

While the process may feel slow or overwhelming, these programs are designed to provide temporary support so you can meet your basic needs while getting back on your feet.

Using these resources is a smart and responsible move during a financial emergency.

They exist to help people like you through tough times and offer a foundation to rebuild from.

9. Create a Bare-Bones Budget

Creating a bare-bones budget is all about survival and stability.

When you’re broke, every dollar needs a job, and that job should only support your most essential needs.

A bare-bones budget strips away all extras and focuses strictly on the basics: food, rent or housing, utilities, transportation, and any critical medications or health costs.

Everything else, like subscriptions, dining out, entertainment, and new clothes, gets paused.

The goal is to spend as little as possible while covering the things that keep you safe and functioning.

To build this kind of budget, list your total income (even if it’s irregular or from multiple sources) and subtract only the most necessary expenses.

For example: $800 income – $400 rent – $100 food – $80 utilities – $50 gas = $170 left for unexpected needs.

If the numbers don’t balance, you’ll need to either cut more or increase income, even temporarily.

You can write this out with pen and paper or use a free budgeting app like EveryDollar or Goodbudget.

A bare-bones budget isn’t forever—it’s a tool to help you stay afloat and gain control when things are tight.

Once your situation improves, you can slowly add other expenses back in.

10. Build a Plan to Move Forward

Once your basic needs are covered and you’re no longer in crisis mode, it’s time to build a plan to move forward.

Start by setting small, realistic financial goals you can reach quickly, like saving your first $100, paying off a small bill, or going one full week without any non-essential spending.

These small wins matter. They create momentum and help rebuild confidence, which is just as important as cash right now.

As you start to get more stable, look ahead to longer-term steps.

Begin applying for steady jobs, explore side hustles that fit your skills, or research online courses or local workshops to grow your financial knowledge.

You don’t need to figure everything out at once. But you do need a direction and a clear path that leads out of survival mode and into stability.

Write your goals down, track your progress, and celebrate each step, no matter how small.

Progress builds over time, and even one smart choice each day can lead to a completely different future!

Final Words

Being broke is a situation and not who you are.

It doesn’t define your future.

Stay consistent. Be patient with yourself. Take small steps each day.

Progress may feel slow, but every action counts.

You’re not stuck. You’re rebuilding, and that’s powerful!

FAQs

What if I have no job and no support system?

Start with local community resources. Call 2-1-1 or visit a local social services office to find food, shelter, and job placement programs.

You’re not alone, and even without friends or family, there are organizations designed to help in times like this.

Should I take out a payday loan?

Avoid payday loans if at all possible. They come with extremely high interest rates and can trap you in a cycle of debt.

Look for alternatives like local credit unions, nonprofit lending programs, or financial hardship assistance instead.

Can I still fix my credit while broke?

Yes, but focus on survival first. Once your basic needs are met, pay at least the minimums on any active accounts to prevent further damage.

Over time, even small, consistent payments can help you rebuild your credit.

What if I’m homeless or about to be evicted?

Reach out immediately to local housing assistance programs, shelters, or legal aid services.

Many cities offer emergency rental assistance or legal protections against eviction.

Call 2-1-1 to get connected with urgent housing resources in your area.