Week 1: stop the leaks
- Pause all non-essential spending for 30 days. Spend only on essentials: housing, food, utilities, transport and debt payments.
- Cancel or pause subscriptions you do not need right now.
- Delete saved cards from shopping apps.
Week 2: cut bills
- Call your phone, internet and insurance providers using the steps in how to negotiate any bill.
- Ask lenders about lower rates or hardship options.
- Check whether you qualify for help paying bills.
Week 3: raise cash
- Sell clothes, electronics, furniture and baby gear you no longer use.
- Return recent purchases you do not need.
- Look for one-off paid work that fits around your schedule.
Week 4: lock it in
- Move everything you saved into a separate savings account.
- Keep the cheaper bills and cancelled subscriptions after the 30 days.
- Plan meals from what is in the cupboard to cut the food bill further.
Avoid
- High-interest payday loans and "buy now, pay later" to cover gaps.
- Cancelling insurance you legally or practically need.
