Money guide

The first 30 days when income stops.

Twelve moves, in order, to keep the roof, the lights and the food steady while you regroup.

One page. Read it here, save the image to your phone, or print it for the fridge.

The first 30 days when income stops. as one saveable image

When a paycheck stops, the first month is about buying time, not fixing everything. These twelve moves are in the order that protects the most: get benefits started, see every bill on one page, and talk to the people you owe before a payment is late. Everything here is California-specific and free to use.

1
File for unemployment first
- Apply on EDD's UI Online in your first week
- The claim starts the Sunday of the week you file
- Week one is an unpaid waiting week for everyone
2
Every bill on one page
- Who you owe, how much, and the due date
- Include autopays and yearly renewals
- Sort it by due date, soonest at the top
3
Call before you miss
- Lenders and landlords have more options early
- Ask for more time or a waived late fee
- Write down who you spoke to and what was agreed
4
Protect the essentials
- Housing, utilities, food, insurance, a way to work
- Child support and court orders are must-pay too
- Card payments come after these, so call the card
5
Keep the housing steady
- Rent or mortgage is the first bill to protect
- Homeowners: ask the servicer about forbearance
- HUD-approved housing counselors cost little or nothing
6
CARE and FERA on the power bill
- CARE: 30 to 35% off electric, 20% off gas
- FERA: 18% off electric, just above CARE limits
- Apply with your utility; CalFresh can qualify you
7
Health coverage, inside 60 days
- COBRA: 60 days to sign up, and you pay full cost
- Covered California: 60 days after coverage ends
- Medi-Cal takes applications any time of year
8
Apply for CalFresh
- Apply at BenefitsCal or GetCalFresh.org
- Most decisions are made within 30 days
- Interview is usually by phone; in person if you ask
9
Pause the subscriptions
- Streaming, apps, boxes and memberships
- Check the bank statement for forgotten ones
- Pause where you can, cancel the rest
10
Skip the payday loan
- California caps them at $300 with up to a 15% fee
- That works out to more than 400% a year
- Ask the creditor for time before you borrow
11
Leave the 401(k) alone
- Early withdrawals are taxed, with 20% withheld
- Under 59 and a half, a 10% penalty may apply
- A withdrawal cannot be undone
12
A daily cash plan
- Cash on hand, money coming in, bills this week
- Five minutes, same time every morning
- Spend on the essentials list first