Behind on bills? Start with one step.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Your Money, Your Goals
Who is the CFPB? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau works on your behalf. We want you to have the information you need to make good financial decisions for yourself and for your family.
We’re here for you. We are a government agency that was created by Congress in 2010 in response to the financial crisis. We’re taking action. We work to make sure banks, lenders, and others operate fairly. We’re committed to you. We are committed to helping people enjoy safer, better financial lives.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Behind on bills? When bills are piling up, it’s important to remember that you’re still in control. The small steps you choose to take can lead to big changes. We created this set of tools to fit your needs, whether that means short-term financial help, longer-term financial health, or something in between. The tools are designed to help you handle money emergencies, cut down on stress from mounting bills, and build your finances to where you want them to be. You can fix this; we can help. Start with one step. For more information, you can refer to the full “Your Money, Your Goals” toolkit: cfpb.gov/your-money-your-goals
YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has prepared this material as a resource for the public. This material is provided for educational and information purposes only. It is not a replacement for the guidance or advice of an accountant, certified financial advisor, or otherwise qualified professional. The CFPB is not responsible for the advice or actions of the individuals or entities from which you received the CFPB educational materials. The CFPB’s educational efforts are limited to the materials that CFPB has prepared. This tool may ask you to provide sensitive information. The CFPB does not collect this information and is not responsible for how your information may be used if you provide it to others. The CFPB recommends that you do not include names, account numbers, or other sensitive information and that users follow their organization’s policies regarding personal information.
Where does all my money come from?
Where does my money go?
INCOME TRACKER
SPENDING TRACKER
What is one thing I want to change? GOAL SETTING
8
Tools if you’re behind on bills.
What are all my bills and when are they due? BILL C A L E N DA R
How can I get extra money out of my situation? S H O R T-T E R M S T R AT E G I E S
How do I make tough choices in tight months?
How do I respond to a debt collector?
Who else can I turn to for help?
PRIORITIZING BILLS
DEALING WITH D E B T C O L L E C TO R S
RESOURCE CARDS
YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
INCOME TRACKER
Where does all my money come from?
A step further Is your income more or less than you thought it was?
Does this feel like a typical month for you?
Wondering about the difference between net and gross income? Gross income is what you earn before taxes or other deductions are taken from your pay. Net income is your gross income minus taxes and other deductions.
Additional resources You may qualify for additional benefits. Check here: benefits.gov
This tool will help you:
What you’ll need:
§§ Get a total picture of your income and financial resources
** All your pay stubs and benefits statements, and records of electronic payments from the month
§§ Remember when all your funds are coming in §§ Think about how to plan your expenses to avoid gaps in your ability to pay
Some examples of income: any jobs, self-employment, seasonal work (shoveling, harvesting) Some examples of government program benefits: Disability insurance (SSI, SSDI), Social Security, TANF, SNAP
Start with one question:
How many sources of income do you have? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
Other types of income: Child support, gifts, tax refunds, help from family or friends
Does seeing your income week by week change how you think about your spending?
ng and utilities…
I can avoid… on’t pay for ng and utilities…
for obligations…
Utilities I can reduce… If I don’t pay for obligations…
Use this income tracker to plan the best times to save and to spend.
I can avoid…
Utilities I can reduce…
I can ge…
Habits I can
change… Fees I can avoid…
aeravoid… b a ekaT Itcan
erus Utilities I can reduce…
I can ge…
Habits I can change…
I can htaerb a ekaT ge… bility insurance
Habits I can erus change… Financial support
Plans I can change…
pleh deeN of dna tbed
bility insurance
g out pleh
Entertainment htiw pleh
ations & gifts
g out
htiw pleh deeN payment
yap t’nod I fI
ations gifts na &gn isuoh payment
of yapEating t’nod I fout I
tu dna gnisuoh payment
Habits I can change…
gniyap pleh deeN sllib ytilitu
Week 1
gniyap pleh deeN sllib ytilitu
deeN
a gnitteg pleh deeN
stfieneb rotcelloc tbed ro knab Primary job: dnopser ot
Financial support
Financial support
Government program:
htiw pleh deeN
Financial supportstfieneb Housing & utilities
a gnitteg pleh deeN rotcelloc tbed ro knab dnopser ot
Disability benefits:
yap t’nod I fI rof
Financial …esupport cnarusni
rof yap t’nod I fI …sdeen detaler-boj
support: Financial Housing & utilities
yap t’nod I fI rof
Housing… & ecnarusni utilities
a nac I seeF
iova nac I seeF
Donations & gifts nac I snalP …egnahc
nac I snalP …egnahc
rof yap t’nod I fI Entertainment
Additional:
…evah I sllikS
Additional:
…evah I sllikS
Additional:
…sdeen detaler-boj
…lles nac I sgnihT
…lles nac I sgnihT
Financial support
nac I smargorP …redisnoc
nac I smargorP …redisnoc
Debt payment
ni ytilibasiD
noitseuq a ksA
gnidnfi pleh deeN boj a
Entertainment Disability insurance
llib e ac htlaeh ations &rgifts
noitseuq a ksA
Financial support
Entertainment Financial support
deeN erac htlaeh
Utilities I can reduce…
eB
gnidnfi pleh deeN Month bof oj a
g out bility insurance
aed pleh deeN lcerof dna tbed
eB
nac I sgnihT …rof egrahc
nac I sgnihT …rof egrahc
Housing & utilities Total
tnemnrevoG margorp
Weekly totals:
income for this month: boj yramirP
Week 2
Week 3
Write in the names of any income and benefits that apply to you.
Fill out the table with the amounts you receive each week.
Total up each week’s income. Circle the payments that come at a predictable time and amount. This will show you the income you can count on each month.
Week 4
Week 5
SPENDING TRACKER
Where does my money go?
A step further Are you spending money on items you don’t need? Needs are things you can’t live without, like shelter, utilities, food, clothing, and transportation. Needs may also include obligations: things you have to pay, like debt, child support, alimony, and student loans. Wants, however, are things you can choose to live without.
Needs
This tool will help you:
What you’ll need:
§§ Track your spending for a month
** All your receipts and bill statements from the month
§§ Analyze your spending by category §§ Identify areas you might cut back on §§ Set a goal to keep you on track
** Any online records of your spending ** An envelope to keep your receipts in There are free apps available to help you track your spending TIP:
Start with one question:
How much do you think you spent last month?
YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
Wants
One want I will cut back on next week:
Personal care
nt
Primary job
Disability insurance
NeedFinancial help getting a support bank or debt collector to respond Utilities I can reduce… Childcare Personal care & education
Plans I can change…
ThisEating month’s out
Childcare & education
Debt payment
Eating out
Education Entertain+ childcare ment
Financial support
Use the table to sort Housing & your spending Financial support Debt payment Housing & utilities below. Don’t into the categories forget utilities about bills you share with others.
At month’s end, total up each category.
Health expenses
Childcare &
Pets
Programs I can
Childcare consider… & education Housing & utilities
Debt payment
Helping others
Housing + utilities
Eating If I out don’t Transport Housing & pay
Eating outEnterta
for obligations… Donations & gifts utilities
Pets
Healthcare Pets
Skills I have… Feescare I can avoid… education Personal
Things I can charge for…
5 Eating out
Transport
Debt payment DonationsFinanci & gifts
Utilities I can reduce…
Donations & gifts
MISC.
Habits I can Healthcare
Plans& I can Childcare
change… education MISC. Healthcare
Debtchange… payment
Category totals:Entertainment MISC.
Total spending for this month:
Donations & gifts
Other
3 4
Groceries + other supplies
Personal care Financial support
Donations & gifts
2 Disability insurance
Financi
MISC. MISC. Things I can sell…
1
Debt payment Donations & gifts
Healthcare
Transport If I don’t pay for Groceries If&I don’t pay I don’t Groceries & pay for Healthcare Debt Ifpayment Habits I canChildcare & supplies job-related needs… for insurance… housing and utilities… spending: supplies Entertainment Personal care Pets education change… MISC. MISC. MISC. MISC.
Cell phone
supplies
Disability insurance
Government Disability insuran Need help with… program to collectEating health care bills Transport Get an envelope your receipts. out
Need help with benefits Groceries &
PetsHealthcare
Government program Primary jobhelp with Need
Use this spending tracker to consider what is important to you.
Fees I can avoid…
Financial support
Donations & gifts
Pets
Primary job
MISC.
Government program
MISC.
MISC.
Disability insurance
Financial support
Eating out
Entertainment
Financial support
Groceries &
Transport
Debt payment
Housin utilities
BILL CALENDAR
What are all my bills and when are they due?
A step further: §§ Balancing act. Enter your weekly income into the calendar to compare with your weekly bill totals. §§ Other expenses. Don’t forget things like birthday, holiday, and school expenses, or bills that are due every few months or once a year. §§ Top of mind. You can use this calendar as a daily reminder—just pin it up where you’ll see it!
One thing I’m going to try next month: This tool will help you:
What you’ll need:
§§ Get a total picture of your monthly bills
** All your bill statements from a single month
§§ Identify the weeks when you have the most money due
** Statements of any bills that are online
§§ Plan how to pay your bills on time and avoid late fees §§ Remember when your bills are coming up
Some examples of bills: utilities, rent or mortgage, phone, memberships, cable, credit cards, car payments, student loans, child support, insurance
Start with one question:
When you pay your bills on time, how do you feel? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
Use this bill calendar to see all your bills and when they’re due.
Label the calendar with the dates of the month you want to plan for.
Make a list of all your bills.
Enter when you receive income into the calendar.
For each bill, mark the payment date: 7 days before the due date for mail, 2 days before the due date for online.
Month of Bills:
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
GOAL SETTING
What is one thing I want to change?
A step further Create an action plan. Think about how long it will realistically take you to reach your goal. Then, make an action plan and stick to it. Don’t forget to list any resources that might help you. For example, you might seek out information, tools and equipment, professional assistance, a loan, or find transportation.
Step 1
Resources needed:
Date to complete:
Step 2
This tool will help you:
What to do:
Resources needed:
§§ Identify the things that really matter to you
1. Pick a statement that interests you
Step 3
§§ Work toward a future that includes those things
2. Write down your goal
§§ Track your progress
§§ Take pride in making life better for you and your family
3. Share your goal with someone who will hold you to it
Start with one question:
How have you helped someone else reach a goal?
YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
Resources needed:
Date to complete:
Date to complete:
One thing I’m proud of:
One promise One thing to myself: I’d like to change:
One dream I have for myself:
Who can help me?
Date to complete:
SHORT-TERM STRATEGIES
How can I get extra money out of my situation?
A step further §§ Borrow DVDs and CDs for free at your local public library. TIP: Don’t forget to return them on time to avoid late fees.
§§ Maintain your car: Keeping up on oil changes and tire pressure can save you money on fuel and repair costs. §§ See if you can increase the deductible on your car insurance to lower monthly payments. §§ Pay parking tickets and other fines on time to avoid additional charges. §§ When buying groceries, check the price label for cost per serving. TIP: S ometimes
larger quantities don’t actually save money.
§§ Consider restaurants with “Kids Eat Free” nights. TIP:
This tool will help you:
Think about this:
§§ Earn more by taking on work or charging for services
If you run out of money before the end of the month, think about ways you can increase income and decrease spending. This tool has prompts that can put you on the path toward more money in and less money out. Share options you’ve identified with others in your household and build your plan together.
§§ Get money quickly by selling stuff or expanding your benefits §§ Spend better by developing habits that save you money §§ Cut costs by avoiding fees or canceling memberships
Start with one question:
What’s something that people say you’re good at?
YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
Make sure you know what each offer includes.
§§ Look for sales and coupons for things you need. §§ Check to see if you qualify for weatherization incentives or programs for your house.
By bringing in more money or resources and spending less, I want to free up:
$
If I don’t pay for job-related needs…
If I don’t pay for insurance…
If I don’t pay for Things I can sell… If I don’t paySkills I have… to respond housing and utilities… for obligations… Ask a question
Be sure
Think about some ways to bring in more money.
Things I can sell…
Skills I have…
Skills I have
Things I can charge for…
Be sure
Things I can
Programs I can consider… Need help finding a job
Need help paying utility bills
What do people count on you for? Cooking, crafts, yard work, a second language, babysitting?
for insurance…
a job
Need help getting a bank or debt collector to respond
Primary job
Need help with benefits
Government program
Programs I can consider
If I don’t pay for job-related needs…
Groceries & supplies
If I don’t pay for insurance…
Transport
Do you qualify for public housing or benefits (TANF, Things I can sell… Medicaid, Skills LIHEAP)? I have… SNAP,
Personal care Things I can charge for…
to respond
Primary job
Disability insurance
Programs I can consider…
Need help finding a lawyer
Government
Need help with…
consider…
Financial support
Skills I have…
Childcare & Primaryeducation job Plans I can Groceries & change… supplies
Utilities I can reduce…
Disability insurance
change…
Plans Transport I can change
Financial support
Can you unplug appliances when not using them? Can you set your thermostat If I don’t pay for obligations… lower during winter and higher duringHabits summer? I can change…
Habits I can change
Eating out
Fees I can avoid…
consider…
for obligations…
Need help with…
Fees I can avoid…
§§ Can you sell stuff you If I don’t pay for pay no longer need (old IfforI don’t housing and utilities… obligations… equipment, extra clothes) Eating out at a yard sale Entertainment Things I can Programs I can or online?
Fees I can avoid…
Habits I can
Utilities I can reduce
program Do you pay fees to access your money—for example, from ATMsIfor check-cashing If I don’t pay I don’t pay for for insurance…services? Can housing andopen utilities… you a bank account? Programs Ino-fee can Plans I can
§§ Can you run errands for someone, give people Groceries & rides, or supplies sell produce sell… fromThings yourI can garden?
Primarycharge job for… Personal care
a lawyer
Need help with health care bills
Skills I have…
If I don’t pay for job-related needs…
Things I can Need help with charge for… health care bills
housing and utilities…
debt and foreclosure
Fees I can avoid
Need help with Habits I can benefits change…
Things I can sell…
Donations & gifts
Pets
Resolve
Need help getting a Plans I can change…bank or debt collector
Plans I can
If I don’tI can payconsider… I don’t paychange… for If I don’t pay change… Utilities reduce… Need helpIfdealing Need help finding with Need help finding
job-related needs…
Need help dealing with debt and foreclosure
Resolve
Programs I can
If I don’t paycharge for for… Fees I can avoid… Need help paying
Other options Take a breath I have
Take a breath
Utilities I can reduce
Think about some ways to spend less money.
utility bills
Ask a question
Fees I can avoid…
Plans I can
Entertainment
Utilities I can reduce…
Habits I can
change… Government Disability insurancechange… Financial support Financial support Donations & gifts Pets program Do you qualify for a What would you consider
“Lifeline” phone rate? Do have memberships you’re not using (magazine subscriptions, moviestreaming services, gym)?
Utilities I can reduce… you
Financial support Government Habits program I can Transport change…
Healthcare
Disability insurance
Eating out
changing to save money? Cooking at home vs. eating out, buying second-hand vs. buying new?
Debt payment
Financial support
Housing & utilities Entertainment
PRIORITIZING BILLS
How do I make tough choices in tight months?
A step further: If you have to miss a payment, try calling your creditors to tell them why. You may be able to make short-term arrangements. For example, if you are in good standing with your creditors, they may be willing to forgive the occasional fee. If you find you’re often late with a particular bill, negotiate a new due date to better line it up with the dates you receive income or benefits.
This tool will help you:
What you’ll need:
§§ Understand what might happen if you fall behind on your obligations
** Bill statements and overdue notices
§§ Assess the tradeoffs in your situation §§ Make a plan to pay this month’s most important bills
** Any letters from creditors that threaten possible eviction, repossession, default, or discontinuation of service
Start with one question:
How do you decide which bill to pay first?
YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
Timing matters. The consequences for paying bills late can vary depending on how late you are. For example, utility and credit card payments received within 30 days of their due dates typically don’t affect your credit report. After 60 days, however, your credit card company may choose to raise the interest rate on your balances, which can make it take longer to pay off what you owe.
One strategy is to rotate the bills you pay each month. While not ideal, this can prevent you from losing your car or house, having a utility shut off, or getting into serious default on a loan.
Additional resources: You may also wish to contact a certified housing or a credit counselor to help you build a plan to pay your debts.
HUD Office of Housing Counseling: 800.569.4287 National Foundation for Credit Counseling: 800.388.2227
Take a breath
Resolve
Weigh the risk of not paying certain bills right now.
Need help finding a job
If I don’t pay for Need help dealing with job-related needs…
debt and foreclosure
a lawyer
Ask a question Need help finding a lawyer
Need help dealing with debt and foreclosure
Things I need to keep or get a Things job I can sell…
Need help with benefits
If I don’t pay If I don’t pay for Need help finding for insurance… housing and utilities…
Be sure
If I don’t pay for obligations…
Take a breath
Resolve
Insurance I need to pay for Fees I can avoid…required Utilities I can reduce… ¨help ¨ Car Need with…insurance—is
Skills I have…
Need help with health care bills
¨¨ Transportation to get to in most states work—car payment, gas and ¨¨ Health insurance Need help with insurance, or Need helpfare with… bus Need help finding Need help paying help dealing with health care bills ¨¨ Home or renters’ insuranceNeed a job utility bills debt and foreclosure ¨¨ Tools or uniform for work Things I can
Programs I can consider…
charge for… ¨¨ Childcare
If I don’t pay for insurance…
¨¨
¨¨
If I don’t pay for housing and utilities…
Primary job
Skills I have…
Fees I can avoid…
Need help with benefits
Government Disability insurance programUtilities I can reduce…
Things I need to stay housed and keep utilities connected
supplies
¨¨ Utilities—gas, electric, water, sewer Habits I can change…
¨¨
Personal care
Things I can sell…
Skills I have… Donations & gifts
Entertainment MISC.
Financial support
If I don’t pay for obligations…
Entertainment
¨¨
Tip: Consider any legal Tip: The costs of losing a place consequences for delaying Government Disability insurance Financial support to live add up fast, and late payment, and remember that program payments on your mortgage credit card companies may Childcare & Healthcare paymentrates if you or an eviction can make itThings I can raise your Debt interest Programs I can education charge for… consider… harder to find a new place if pay more than 60 days late. Disability insurance Financial support you need one.
MISC.
¨¨ Other loans and credit cards
Pets
Eating out
Need help with…
Obligations I need to pay
¨¨ Rent or mortgage, property such as child support or Programs I can Plans I can Habits I can & my home Transport taxes Groceries ifchange… I own fines Eating out consider… change…
Transport
Need help with health care bills
Utilities I can reduce… ¨¨ Court-ordered If I don’t pay for If I don’t payobligations If I don’t pay for job-related needs… for insurance… housing and utilities…
Fees I can avoid…
Plans I can change…
Habits I can change…
If I don’t pay for obligations…
Need help getting a If I don’t pay for obligations… bank or debt collector to respond
If I don’t pay for housing and utilities…
Plans I can change…
Need help finding a lawyer
Now prioritize your bills.
Fees I can avoid… Financial support
Utilities I can reduce…
Ultimately, you’re responsible for all your bills. If you can’t pay them all at once, think about the order you Housing & pay them in. Plans I can Habits I can utilities change…
change…
DEALING WITH DEBT COLLECTORS
How do I respond to a debt collector?
Additional resources Have more questions about debt collection? Visit Ask CFPB: cfpb.gov/askcfpb Sample letters to debt collectors can be found on the CFPB’s website: cfpb.gov/askcfpb/1695/ Having an issue with debt collection? Submit a complaint with the CFPB: help.cfpb.gov/app/ debtcollection/ask#current Need debt counseling? To find a certified nonprofit credit counselor, call National Foundation for Credit Counseling: 800.388.2227
This tool will help you:
Know your rights:
§§ Take actions to verify whether the claim is valid
A debt collector cannot:
§§ Know how to dispute the claim if you do not owe the debt §§ Know what to do next if you do owe the debt
§§ Call repeatedly to harass or abuse you §§ Use obscene language §§ Threaten you to take actions they can’t or don’t really plan to take §§ Publish your name for not paying a debt
If a debt collector sues, be sure to keep records and respond to any court documents. If you can’t go to court on the scheduled date, you may want to find an attorney to help you ask for a different date. Need help finding a lawyer? lawhelp.org and lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid
§§ Lie to you If debt collectors harass you, they may be violating the law.
Start with one question:
Are debt collectors contacting you? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
Need to submit a complaint? cfpb.gov/complaint
This guide references third-party resources or content that consumers may find helpful. The inclusion of links or references to third-party sites does not necessarily reflect the Bureau's endorsement of the thirdparty, the views expressed on the outside site, or products or services offered on the outside site. The Bureau has not vetted these third-parties, their content, or any products or services they may offer. There may be other possible entities or resources that are not listed that may also serve your needs.
Things I can sell…
Skills I have…
I do not think that you are the right person to pay.
I already paid this debt in full or settled it.
Other:


plan that will give you more time to pay down your debt.
§§ OR, pay the debt in full and move on. If the claim is not legitimate, don’t delay! If I don’t pay for If I don’t pay Sendand theutilities… debt collector a for obligations… housing letter (or use the form to the right) disputing the claim immediately. You may lose your ability to dispute the claim if you wait until after a court issues judgment. Fees I can avoid…
Utilities I can reduce…
end me the dates the debt was incurred, and the S name and address of the original creditor.
Need help with Need help with… §§ OR, a payment health care negotiate bills
I want to ask:
Keep records. Save §§ the account number and help getting a Needowed help with everything debtNeed collectors amount bank or debt collector benefits send you and the original §§ documentation proving to respond copies of anything you send you’re required to pay them. Write down dates, §§ a copy of the last bill times, and notes for every call. These will help if you Find out if the statute of have a dispute or go to court. limitations on the debt expired Reply to court documents. (when the collector can no If you don’t respond, the longer Ifsue youpay for the debt). If I don’t pay for I don’t court will usuallyjob-related assume you needs… for insurance… Dates to ask for: agree with what the creditor says, and issue a money §§ when the account judgment against you. You became delinquent may want an attorney to §§ when the collector advise or represent you at obtained the debt and the hearing. what the amount was then

§§ the original creditor’s name and address
§§ Try to settle with the debt collector for a smaller amount that will fully resolve the account. (You can do this yourself by contacting the collector.)
account number
§§ the collector’s name and address
If the claim is legitimate, don’t despair! At least now you know what you’re Need help dealing with still have Need help finding dealing with. You debt and foreclosure a lawyer options:
Check all that apply:
Need help paying
utility billsthe Be cautious. Don’t give debt collector sensitive info like your full Social Security or bank account numbers. No matter what they say, you don’t have to give it to them.
The amount is wrong.
Ask for information. If you’re not sure about the debt or the amount, send a letter help to finding (or useNeed the form the right) a job asking for:

Make sure you recognize the debt. Does this debt collector have the right to collect it?
Resolve.
I am writing about
Ask questions.
This is not my debt.
Be sure.

Resolve
My address is
Take a breath
My name is
Be sure
✂
Ask a question
I want to dispute this debt because:
If a debt collector contacts you, don’t ignore it!
RESOURCE CARDS
Who else can I turn to for help?
A step further Make sure you get unbiased information. It’s important to get accurate, up-to-date information. Unbiased individuals and organizations 1) do not try to sell you products and services, 2) do not ask for payment up front, 3) are able to show you the impact any actions you take may have on your financial situation.
Key questions for additional resources: Y N
These resources may help you:
What to do:
§§ Pay utility bills
1. Add any relevant local resources
§§ Find a job or benefits §§ Deal with debt
2. Photocopy and cut into eight referral cards
§§ Get a response from banks and debt collectors
3. Keep the cards in your wallet or a handy place
§§ Find a lawyer
§§ Explore health care programs
Start with one question:
Is there anything else you're concerned about? YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS
1. Does this individual or organization earn revenue by selling financial products or services?
* *
2. Does it require cash up-front?
* *
3. Has the state Attorney General’s Office or Better Business Bureau, or another entity taken action against it?
* *
If the answer to 1, 2, or 3 is “yes,” consider finding a different source of information.
Y N 4. Can it provide references?
* *
5. Will it provide unbiased information and not try to sell you financial products or services?
* *
6. Do you know anyone personally whom it has helped?
* *
If the answer to 4, 5, or 6 is “no,” consider a different place to seek information.
Need help paying utility bills
Need Needhelp helpfinding paying a utility job bills
§§
Need help getting a Need help with Need Need help with Need help with… Needhelp helpwith getting a Need help with Need help with bank or debt collector benefits benefits health bank or debt collector Groceries benefits health care bills &care bills Transport to respond to respond supplies
§§
Ask a question
Be asure Ask question
Need help dealing with debt?
Need help finding a job?
Need help with housing or paying utility bills? Need help getting a bank or debt collector to respond
Need help dealing Need help finding Need help findingwith Need help dealing with Need help finding Need help finding Need help paying Government Need help dealing with Primary job Disability insurance debt and foreclosure a lawyer a job debt and foreclosure lawyer utility bills debta and foreclosure program a job
Take a breath Be sure
Take aResolve breath
§§ §§ Call the FCC to see if you If I don’t pay for qualifyIf I for a“Lifeline” If IfI don’t job-related don’t pay for If If I don’t pay for needs… Pets Personal care I don’tpay pay for I don’t pay needs… for insurance… housing and utilities… job-related needs… for insurance… phonejob-related rate: 888.225.5322 §§ Search for a job: §§ To find out about public usa.gov/find-a-job Need helppaying finding Need help paying housing Needhelp helpfinding dealing with help finding Need Need help Need Need help dealing with and eligibility, call
§§
Need helphelp with with… Need health care bills
Eating out
Needsupport help finding Financial a lawyer
Need help finding a lawyer?
Need help with…
Entertainment
§§
Resolve
§§ For debt management, call §§ If I don’t pay for If I don’t pay the National Foundation forfor obligations… housing and utilities… Financial support Donations If& Igifts don’t pay for obligations… Credit Counseling (NFCC): housing and utilities… for obligations… 800.388.2227 §§ If I don’t pay insurance… Iffor I don’t If I don’t paypay for
For legal resources listed state by state, visit: lawhelp.org
To find out if you’re eligible § § To find out more about for assistance from a Legal Need help finding a jobbills a lawyer adebt job and foreclosure utility debt and foreclosure a lawyer student debt, visit: Services program funded HUD’s Housing Counseling §§ Call the American Job Healthcare Debt payment Housing & Childcare & cfpb.gov/paying-for-college by the Legal Services Things out I can sell… Fees I can avoid… Utilities I can reduce… utilities education Office: 800.569.4287 Centers to find what’s Skills I have… Corporation, visit: lsc.gov/ Things I can sell… Skills I have… Fees I can avoid… Utilities can reduce… required for different Things I can sell… Skills I have… Fees I can Iavoid… Utilities I can reduce… what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid careers: 877.872.5627
utility bills
Need help getting a bank or debt collector to respond
Needhelp helpgetting with a Need benefits bank or debt collector to respond
Things I can charge for…
Need help getting a bank or debt collector If I don’t pay for I don’tpay payfor If IfI don’t to respond? job-related needs… for insurance… job-related needs… §§
Needhelp helpwith with Need health care bills benefits Programs I can Things I can consider… charge for…
help with… Need Need help with health care bills Things I can MISC. MISC. charge for… Plans I can I can Programs change… consider…
Need help with… Programs I can consider…
Habits I can Plans I can change… change…
Need help with benefits? don’tpay pay for IfIfI Idon’t housing and utilities… for insurance…
§§
If I pay don’t If I don’t forpay forand obligations… housing utilities… Primary job
Plans I can change…
Habits I can change…
Habits I can change…
Need help with health care bills?
Need help with...?
If I don’t pay for obligations…
§§
Government program
Primary job
Government Primary job program
Disability insurance Government
Financial support Disability insurance
Personal care
Pets Personal care
Donations & gifts Pets
Financial Donations & support gifts
Disability insurance
§§
Financial support
Financial support
§§ To find out which benefits program §§ you may qualify for, visit: §§ To enroll in health insurance, Things I can sell… Skills I have… Fees I can avoid… Utilities I can reduce… Things I can sell… Skills I have… Fees I can avoid… Utilities I can reduce… §§ Submit a complaint with benefits.gov visit: healthcare.gov Groceries & Transport Eating out Entertainment the CFPB: §§ To check your Social Security §§ To find out about your state’s supplies cfpb.gov/complaint §§ Have money questions? status, visit: ssa.gov Medicaid and CHIP Visit “Ask CFPB”: §§ Contact your& state programs,Entertainment visit: medicaid.gov Transport Groceries Eating out Entertainment Groceries & Transport Eating out supplies supplies cfpb.gov/askcfpb attorney general’s office: §§ To get local help with Things I can Programs Plans I can Things I canI can Programs I can PlansHabits I can I can Habits I can naag.org/naag/attorneyscharge for… consider… change… change… charge for… consider… change… change… Medicare and SHIP programs, Financial support Personal care Pets Donations & gifts general/whos-my-ag.php visit: shiptacenter.org
Childcare & education
Healthcare
Financial support Debt payment
Housing & utilities
consider…
change…
change…
Primary job
Government program
Disab
ngs I can Programs I can Plans can dealing with Need help finding Need help paying NeedI help Need help with Need help with… a job utility billshealth debt and foreclosure rge for… consider… change… Fees can avoid… Utilities I can reduce… careIbills Groceries & Transport
DisabilityBONUS insurance CARD
eries & lies
Transport
My money picture
Debt payment
Financial support
Government program
Grab a pen or highlighter. Financial1. support Groceries & Eating out supplies
Housing & utilities
Primary job
Primary job
Disability Groceries insurance &
Entertainment
supplies
2. Look at the board and mark a check on any area of life you Government feel good about. programGovernment 3. Circle any area of life you feel program Financial support concernedTransport about.
Habitshelp I can Need fin achange… lawyer E Transpor
Disability in
Disability
Eatin supplies Need help getting a Need helpIfwith Need help with Need help wit If I don’t payI for I don’t pay Plans can Habits I can Personal care Pets D bank or debt collector benefits health care bills Financial support onal care housing Pets Donations & gifts and utilities… for obligations… Personal care Pets change… change… to respond
Eating out mary job
Entertainment Disability insurance
Government program
Groceries &
Financial sup
Transport
Groceries Transport Transport Eating out& Entertainment supplies Healthcare Debt payment Housingcare & dcare & Entertainment supplies Personal Childcare &Eating outPets Healthcare Housing Other care Personal Childcare &utilities ation education education Fees I can avoid… Utilities I can reduce…
If I don’t pay for job-related needs…
If I don’t pay for insurance…
If I don’t pay for housing and utilities…
Disability insurance FinancialEating support ceries & Transport out Financial support DonationsEntertainment & gifts Groceries Childcare Pets pliesPets Personal care Pets Financial support Donations & gifts Healthcare Childcare & C. MISC. MISC. Plans I can Habits I can MISC. education MISC.
Personal care change…
change…
Financial support Ask a question
Things I can sell…
Debt payment
Eating out
Housing & utilities
Be sure
Skills I have…
Donations + gifts Debt payment Transportation Childcare &
Healthcare
sonal care
Pets
education
Donations & gifts Eating out
SC. Primary job
Utilities I can re
utilities
MISC. Health care
MISC.
Debt paym Habits I can Need help dealing with Insurance change… debt and foreclosure
Debt payment
Financial support
Benefits MISC. Job income
Entertainment
Need help getting a bank or debt collector YOUR MONEY, YOUR GOALS to respond
MISC. Government Debt payment program
Need help with benefits
Housing & utilities
Education Need help with health care bills
Disability insurance
Housing &
Debt pay
Financial sup
MISC.
Healthcare
Debt
MISC.Donations
Housing & Pets Donations & gifts utilities Entertainment MISC. Healthcare Childcare &MISC. education
C.
If I don’t pay for obligations
Donation
&Healthcare Other DebtHousing payment
DonaD Healthca
Entertainme
Fees I can avoid…
Disability insurance support Things I can Programs IFinancial can Plans I can finding others Need help paying Cell phone UtilitiesNeed help Helping charge for… consider… change… a job utility bills
dcare & cation
Take a breath
Eating ou Eating out
Financial supp
For more information, service providers can refer to the full “Your Money, Your Goals” toolkit online at cfpb.gov/your-money-your-goals If you’re having a problem with a bank account, credit card, student loan, consumer loan, or other financial products or services you can submit a complaint with the CFPB at cfpb.gov/complaint For answers to commonly asked questions you might have about other money matters, visit “Ask CFPB” at cfpb.gov/askcfpb Mail Consumer Financial Protection Bureau P.O. Box 4503, Iowa City, IA 52244 Toll-free phone 855.411.2372 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (EST) TTY/TDD phone 855.729.2372 Fax 855.237.2392
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau