1. Prioritize you bills. If your income does not cover all your expenses, pay bills in the following order: rent/mortgage, utilities, food, transporation expenses. Use your own judment based on your situation.
2. Reduce food costs. Plan all meals and watch for coupons and other specials at grocery stores. Set up a food budget and stick to it. The following agency provides information on low cost, nutritious meals:
Texas Cooperative Extension Service
401 E. Eight St. Fort Worth 76102
Hrs: 8am-5pm M-F
817-884-1294
3. Feed your children with school assistance. For households with school-age children, school programs provide free and reduced-price breakfast and school lunches.
4. Notify all creditors (bank, mortgage holder, landlord) of your situation as soon as possible. Try to negotiate reduced payments where appropriate and keep full records of these transactions. Also contact each utility company to show good faith and try to work out arrangements. Most companies are willing to work with you if you let them know your situation. Once a termination notice is sent out, it is difficult to get an extension.
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