Liz, proud Bay Area Native.
Putting her first since 2013.

MONEY TROUBLE

Learn how to prioritize your bills

If you're experiencing financial hardship and are having trouble paying all of your bills, it's probably time for some strategic planning. Learn how to prioritize your bills, set up payment agreements, and other resources.

Money Trouble? Think About Prioritizing Your Bills

 

Many circumstances in life can derail even the best money-management plans, leaving us with less than we need to pay the bills. Increasing income and/or reducing expenses can help, but making changes often takes time.

However, with a little strategic planning, you can minimize damage until you are back on your feet.

Strategic planning involves both determining which bills are most important, and trying to set-up payment agreements for any other bills you are struggling to pay.

 


 

Mortgage or rent

Your mortgage or rent should be the first bill that you pay each month. You wouldn't want to lose your house or be evicted because you were paying your credit cards.

However, if making payments is impossible, let your lender or landlord know. They may be willing to work with you.

Is your mortgage or rent affordable long-term? If not, you may want to look for a cheaper place to live.

If you owe more on your mortgage than what you can sell your house for, your lender may be willing to accept a short sale.

If you have a lease, your landlord may voluntarily release you from it if you explain your hardship or find a suitable replacement tenant.

 


 

Car loan

If you have a car loan, making your payments on time is critical. In many states, a car can be repossessed after only one missed payment. Repossessed cars are typically sold at auctions for low amounts, and the lender may come after you for the remaining loan balance.

If you cannot make your payments, call your lender. They may be willing to let you to skip a few payments or accept a repayment plan for delinquent payments.

If an agreement cannot be worked out and you cannot resume payments, you may want to sell the car, especially if you have a spare one or can take public transportation.

 


 

Utilities

Delinquent utility payments can cause your service to be suspended or terminated, but some utilities are more important than others.

You may not be able to, or want to, live without electricity or water. However, you could probably live without cable television.

If a service is not needed and cannot be paid, you may want to cancel it before it is shut off. If the service is needed, call the utility company and ask about payment arrangements. You may not have to pay the full amount owed right away.

You can also see if the company has any assistance programs for people facing economic hardship.

 


 

Student loans

Borrowers experiencing financial difficulties can often get a temporary suspension of payments through a forbearance or, less frequently, a deferment.

What if you can’t get one? The only immediate consequence of not paying a student loan is usually credit report damage, but if you make no payments for 180 days, you are considered in default, with possible consequences including tax refund interception and wage garnishment.

 


 

Credit cards and other unsecured debt

If you miss payments by 30 days or more, your credit score will likely drop. If you stop paying long enough, your accounts may be sold to collection agencies, and you could even be sued.

Still, the consequences of not paying unsecured debt are less severe than not paying your mortgage or car loan, and most creditors do not take legal action right away.

This does not mean that ignoring your creditors is a good idea, though. If making the required payments is difficult, contact your creditors about hardship programs (short-term arrangements that allow you to make smaller payments).

When requesting a hardship program, explain why you are facing hardship, and let them know what changes you will make to be better able to afford payments in the future.

If requesting a hardship program over the phone is not effective, try sending a letter.

 


 

Always remember, you can do this

When there is not enough money to pay for everything, it is easy to panic. Don’t. Instead, focus on what you can do.

You may not be able to control everything that happens in your life, but you can choose what bills to pay first and how to deal with creditors.

If you're experience financial difficulties, you can take advantage of our free and confidential financial counseling resources.

Related Content

Money Trouble

8 Ways to Make the Most Out of a Reduced Paycheck

Bub­bles burst, the econ­o­my fal­ters, com­pa­nies down­size, and per­son­al dis­as­ters hap­pen which can result in a reduced pay­check. Here are some things you can do if you find your­self liv­ing with less. 

Learn More

Money Trouble

How Financial Stress Affects Your Health

Mon­ey may not buy you hap­pi­ness, but stud­ies show that your rela­tion­ship with it impacts your health. Learn how finan­cial stress can affect your phys­i­cal and men­tal health, and what you can do about it. 

Learn More

Loans

Understanding Debt Consolidation

Is it time to con­sol­i­date your debt? Learn more about the dif­fer­ent strate­gies and find out which one is right for you. 

Learn More

Discover More

Nehemiah, international photographer.
Putting him first since 2012.
FREE CHECKING

Checking you can count on

We offer the Bay Area’s best checking account. No minimum balance, no monthly fee, and up to 12 ATM surcharge rebates per month.

Learn More
Nehemiah, international photographer.
Putting him first since 2012.
Kundan, Bay Area artist.
Putting her first since 2016.
CREDIT CARDS

Get the card that works for you

Our fee-friendly Platinum Visa Credit Card comes with rewards, travel benefits, and a low APR.

Learn More
Kundan, Bay Area artist.
Putting her first since 2016.

Let's Talk

As a local credit union, we want to get to know you and help you achieve your goals. Come into a branch or call us today. Our people are happy to serve you.

Call

(415) 674-4800
(888) 499-FIRE (3473)
Mon – Fri 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM

 

Stop by a branch

Branch hours
Mon – Fri 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Find a Branch or ATM