I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do (2024)

Table of Contents
1. Enroll in a hardship program 2. Make a budget and prioritize your expenses 3. Cut your spending 4. Manage credit cards wisely while unemployed 5. Apply for government assistance 6. Think before withdrawing money from your 401(k) 7. Take out a home equity loan to pay off debt 8. Consider filing for bankruptcy How do I get out of debt with no money? Focus on your secured debts Get debt relief Settle with SoloSettle What to do if you have no money No job, no money? You still have options What is SoloSuit? How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector Resolve your debt with your creditor Settle your medical debt Guides on arbitration Stop calls from debt collectors Federal debt collection laws can protect you Get debt relief in your state Debt collection laws in all 50 states Statute of limitations on debt state guides Check the status of your court case How to stop wage garnishment in your state Other wage garnishment resources How to settle a debt in your state How to settle with every debt collector Other debt settlement resources Personal loan and debt relief reviews How to repair and improve your credit score How to resolve student loan debt Civil law legal definitions Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection How-to debt guides Learn more with these additional debt resources FAQs

Chloe Meltzer | March 11, 2024

I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do (1)

Legal Expert
Chloe Meltzer, MA

Chloe Meltzer is an experienced content writer specializing in legal content creation. She holds a degree in English Literature from Arizona State University, complemented by a Master’s in Marketing from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do (2)

Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do (3)

Summary: If you are in debt with no money, no job, you still have options: credit card hardship programs, budgeting and cutting expenses, seeking roommates or negotiating rent, saving on utilities, eating at home, applying for government assistance, carefully managing credit card use, considering withdrawal from retirement funds with caution, evaluating home equity loans, and considering bankruptcy as a last resort.

If you are suffering from debt and you are unemployed with no savings, it can be very stressful. Although you might feel hopeless, you have options. One of these options could be a credit card, but this is usually a bad idea. Many credit cards will allow you to make a minimum payment and carry credit, but it will lead to cumulative interest. This can add a huge amount of debt on to your plate.

Below are eight ways to deal with debt when you have no money or job.

1. Enroll in a hardship program

Credit card hardship programs are sometimes an option. Although it may be difficult to ask your creditor about it, some companies are willing to lower the monthly minimum payment. This is usually if you are close to defaulting. Interest will still compound in this case, and it will most likely continue to affect your credit score. This is usually used as a last resort.

There are also usually hardship programs for mortgage lenders and auto lenders. For student loans you will need to contact the loan officer to see if they are willing to suspend payments.

2. Make a budget and prioritize your expenses

Making a budget is easier than it seems. Some people will simply avoid making a budget because they think they cannot adhere to it. If you truly want to fix your financial situation you can do it. Begin with a budget and then cut back spending. Decide what you truly need and what you do not need.

If you need to revise your budget, look into two different categories. The first are mandatory and, the second, discretionary. Mandatory expenses are those such as housing, food, and utility payments. Discretionary payments are those such as dining out and attending movies, going to concerts or purchasing new clothes. You might even consider cutting out your car or choosing a lower amount of health insurance for a short while.

3. Cut your spending

Get a Roommate. One simple way to get out of debt when you have no job is to get a roommate. You need to cover your mortgage or rent, therefore a roommate can help to cover that.

Negotiate with your landlord. You can also attempt to negotiate with your landlord. Consider offering to do maintenance work or find tenants for the landlord in the rest of the building (for reduced rent). You could also consider moving somewhere that is cheaper or moving back in with family. If you own your home and this is one of the reasons you are in debt, it is better to find a roommate and rent out a room. It is not ideal, but it will be helpful to cover costs and stay away from foreclosure.

Save on utilities. To save on utilities, you can reduce your energy consumption. This will lower your monthly payment. It is not to say eliminate your heating or cooling altogether, but reduce the amount that you use it. You can also reduce the thermostat on your water heater and take shorter showers in general. This will help to cut both of your bills (electric and water).

Eat at home. Eating out is easy, but if you cook for yourself you can save a lot of money. It was found that Americans spend almost 40% of their food budget eating out. This is a lot and can help you get out of debt more easily.

4. Manage credit cards wisely while unemployed

If you can afford to pay your monthly payments while unemployed, then you should. If you cannot, then you should look into one of the other options. The same can be said for use of your credit cards. If you can afford to use them, then you can, but it is not a good idea to use your credit cards if you are unable to pay them off each month.

It may also be tempting to obtain new cards in order to have a larger line of credit. This is a bad idea because it will only add to your surmounting debt. By doing this, or not paying off your balance at the end of the month, will only become more costly. The best option is to stop using credit cards until you get a job once again.

5. Apply for government assistance

If you qualify for jobless benefits then you should definitely apply for them. For example, food stamps and school lunch assistance can be very helpful to give you more money to cover other debts. Although many people resist using government help, if you truly need help you should apply. Try to avoid cash advances, and instead seek out real help that won't come back to haunt you later on.

6. Think before withdrawing money from your 401(k)

If you are considering pulling out money from tax-deferred retirement plans like 401(k)s or traditional IRAs, you may need to think twice. You might face a large tax penalty for early withdrawals. You will also leave yourself without a retirement fund which could hurt you in the long run.

7. Take out a home equity loan to pay off debt

Sometimes taking out a low-interest home equity loan, or line of credit is a great option. Just be careful that you are not heading towards bankruptcy. If you are going in that direction you may be putting your home at risk. It is good to note that you will need good credit to qualify for the best interest rates.

8. Consider filing for bankruptcy

If you are continuously unable to obtain a job, and unable to pay your bills, then bankruptcy might be an option. This is a serious decision because it will lead to major credit damage. Despite this, whether it is a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy, you will have bankruptcy protection. It will relieve your immediate financial pain but it should only be done if you have many different debts you cannot manage.

How do I get out of debt with no money?

Being in debt with no income is a challenging situation, but here are some strategies you can use to navigate this predicament.

Focus on your secured debts

First, assess your total debt and categorize it into secured (like mortgages) and unsecured debts (like credit cards). Focus on maintaining payments on secured debts to avoid losing assets. For unsecured debts, communicate with creditors to explore possibilities such as extended payment plans or lowered interest rates.

Get debt relief

Secondly, explore debt relief options, such as:

  • Debt consolidation, where multiple debts are combined into a single payment with potentially lower interest rates.
  • Debt settlement, where you negotiate with creditors to pay a lump sum that's less than what you owe. However, be cautious as this can affect your credit score.
  • Utilize community and non-profit credit counseling services for guidance and support. They can offer personalized advice and help you develop a plan tailored to your circ*mstances.
  • Consider legal options like bankruptcy only as a last resort. Bankruptcy can provide a fresh start but has long-term implications on your credit history.

Settle with SoloSettle

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What to do if you have no money

In a situation where you have no money, prioritization is key. Start by creating a strict budget to control your expenses, then prioritize essential expenses like food, shelter, and healthcare. Cut down on non-essential spending and explore cost-saving measures in daily life, like using public transportation or cooking at home.

Seek employment opportunities, even part-time or freelance work, to generate income. Use job search engines, networking, and local community boards to find job openings. In the interim, consider selling items you no longer need for quick cash.

Apply for government assistance programs like food stamps, unemployment benefits, or other social services that you qualify for. These can provide essential support during tough times.

Explore community resources like food banks, shelters, or charities that offer aid to those in need. Many communities have organizations dedicated to helping people in financial distress.

No job, no money? You still have options

When faced with the dual challenge of having no job and no money, it's important to look for a job before you worry about your debts.

Tailor your resume for each application, leverage social networks for job leads, and consider broadening your job search to include different industries or part-time positions.

Utilize free or low-cost resources for job seekers, including libraries, community centers, and online courses to improve your skills and employability. Attend job fairs and workshops to network and learn about new opportunities.

In the meantime, explore alternative sources of income like freelancing, gig economy jobs, or online platforms where you can sell services or handmade goods. These can provide some financial relief while you search for more stable employment.

Focus on maintaining a positive mindset and resilience. Job hunting can be a long and challenging process, but staying motivated and proactive is key to overcoming this difficult phase. Remember, seeking help from career counselors, mentors, or support groups can provide valuable guidance and emotional support during this time.

Sued for debt? Settle it.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to respond to a debt collection lawsuit.

How it works: SoloSuit is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your answer. Upon completion, you can either print the completed forms and mail in the hard copies to the courts or you can pay SoloSuit to file it for you and to have an attorney review the document.

How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Guides on how to resolve debt with every debt collector

Are you being sued by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Resolve your debt with your creditor

Some creditors, banks, and lenders have an internal collections department. If they come after you for a debt, Solosuit can still help you respond and resolve the debt. Here’s a list of guides on how to resolve debt with different creditors.

Settle your medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Guides on arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Stop calls from debt collectors

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Federal debt collection laws can protect you

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Debt collection laws in all 50 states

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt state guides

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote a guide on each state’s statutes. Check it out below.

Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection by State (Best Guide)

Check the status of your court case

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created a guide on how to check the status of your case in every state, complete with online search tools and court directories.

How to stop wage garnishment in your state

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in all 50 states.

Other wage garnishment resources

How to settle a debt in your state

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created a guide on how to settle your debt in all 50 states. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

How to settle with every debt collector

Not sure how to negotiate a debt settlement with a debt collector? We are creating guides to help you know how to start the settlement conversation and increase your chances of coming to an agreement with every debt collector.

Other debt settlement resources

Personal loan and debt relief reviews

We give a factual review of the following debt consolidation, debt settlement, and loan organizations and companies to help you make an informed decision before you take on a debt.

How to repair and improve your credit score

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt.

How to resolve student loan debt

Struggling with student debt? SoloSuit’s got you covered. Below are resources on handling student loan debt.

Civil law legal definitions

You can represent yourself in court. Save yourself the time and cost of finding an attorney, and use the following resources to understand legal definitions better and how they may apply to your case.

Get answers to these FAQs on debt collection

How-to debt guides

Learn more with these additional debt resources


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I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do (2024)

FAQs

I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do? ›

Nonprofit credit counselors can offer useful advice for paying down debt with reduced income, often at little or no cost to you. Counselors can also coach you on how to explain your situation to creditors and inquire about relief or hardship programs that might make paying off debt easier.

Find Out More ›
What to do when you're in debt and no job? ›

Nonprofit credit counselors can offer useful advice for paying down debt with reduced income, often at little or no cost to you. Counselors can also coach you on how to explain your situation to creditors and inquire about relief or hardship programs that might make paying off debt easier.

Tell Me More ›
How can I pay off my debt if I don't have enough money? ›

SHARE:
  1. Step 1: Stop taking on new debt.
  2. Step 2: Determine how much you owe.
  3. Step 3: Create a budget.
  4. Step 4: Pay off the smallest debts first.
  5. Step 5: Start tackling larger debts.
  6. Step 6: Look for ways to earn extra money.
  7. Step 7: Boost your credit scores.
  8. Step 8: Explore debt consolidation and debt relief options.
Dec 5, 2023

Get More Info ›
What to do if you have no job and no money? ›

Here are five steps to take immediately if you've lost your income:
  1. Do a financial review.
  2. Apply for unemployment benefits.
  3. Look for ways to cut expenses.
  4. Find extra ways to supplement your income.
  5. Start looking for a new job.
Jan 16, 2023

See Details ›
What to do when you are broke and in debt? ›

How to get out of debt
  1. List out your debt details.
  2. Adjust your budget.
  3. Try the debt snowball or avalanche method.
  4. Submit more than the minimum payment.
  5. Cut down interest by making biweekly payments.
  6. Attempt to negotiate and settle for less than you owe.
  7. Consider consolidating and refinancing your debt.
Mar 18, 2024

Find Out More ›
How do I pay off debt if I live paycheck to paycheck? ›

Tips for Getting Out of Debt When You're Living Paycheck to Paycheck
  1. Tip #1: Don't wait. ...
  2. Tip #2: Pay close attention to your budget. ...
  3. Tip #3: Increase your income. ...
  4. Tip #4: Start an emergency fund – even if it's just pennies. ...
  5. Tip #5: Be patient.

View More ›
Can I get a government loan to pay off debt? ›

While there are no government debt relief grants, there is free money to pay other bills, which should lead to paying off debt because it frees up funds. The biggest grant the government offers may be housing vouchers for those who qualify. The local housing authority pays the landlord directly.

View Details ›
How to get $10,000 out of debt? ›

7 ways to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt
  1. Opt for debt relief. One powerful approach to managing and reducing your credit card debt is with the help of debt relief companies. ...
  2. Use the snowball or avalanche method. ...
  3. Find ways to increase your income. ...
  4. Cut unnecessary expenses. ...
  5. Seek credit counseling. ...
  6. Use financial windfalls.
Feb 15, 2024

Know More ›
How to get a job immediately? ›

These ideas can help you get hired quickly:
  1. Attend a hiring event. ...
  2. Apply to a company with multiple openings. ...
  3. Use your connections. ...
  4. Apply for jobs that closely match your skill set. ...
  5. Take a job as a starting point. ...
  6. Apply for an internal position. ...
  7. Use a recruiter. ...
  8. Craft a great cover letter.
Feb 16, 2024

Learn More Now ›
How do people survive without income? ›

When it becomes clear that you will be without income for a sustained period, make a plan to regularly add to your savings. Because beefing up your savings increases the time you can live without an income. For instance, you might make a list of things you're willing to sell and create a schedule for selling them.

Keep Reading ›

How to get rid of $30,000 credit card debt? ›

How to Get Rid of $30k in Credit Card Debt
  1. Make a list of all your credit card debts.
  2. Make a budget.
  3. Create a strategy to pay down debt.
  4. Pay more than your minimum payment whenever possible.
  5. Set goals and timeline for repayment.
  6. Consolidate your debt.
  7. Implement a debt management plan.
Aug 4, 2023

See More ›
What is a debt relief program? ›

Debt relief or settlement companies are companies that say they can renegotiate, settle, or in some way change the terms of a person's debt to a creditor or debt collector.

Get More Info ›
How to get out of $40,000 debt? ›

Options For Paying Off Substantial Credit Card Debt
  1. Personal Loans. ...
  2. 0% APR Balance Transfer Cards. ...
  3. Debt Settlement. ...
  4. Bankruptcy. ...
  5. Credit Counseling. ...
  6. Debt Management Plan.
Nov 15, 2023

Continue Reading ›
How to get rid of $40,000 credit card debt? ›

Options For Paying Off Substantial Credit Card Debt. There are a number of strategies to pay off large amounts of credit card debt. They include personal loans, 0% APR balance transfer cards, debt settlement, bankruptcy, credit counseling and debt management plans. You may be able to use more than one of these options.

Discover More ›
How to pay off $30,000 in debt in 2 years? ›

To pay off $30,000 in credit card debt within 36 months, you will need to pay $1,087 per month, assuming an APR of 18%. You would incur $9,116 in interest charges during that time, but you could avoid much of this extra cost and pay off your debt faster by using a 0% APR balance transfer credit card.

Get More Info Here ›
How to pay off $6,000 in debt fast? ›

Pay off your debt and save on interest by paying more than the minimum every month. The key is to make extra payments consistently so you can pay off your loan more quickly. Some lenders allow you to make an extra payment each month specifying that each extra payment goes toward the principal.

Read On ›
How to pay off $20,000 in debt? ›

If you have $20,000 in credit card debt that you need to pay off in three years or less, you have multiple options to consider, including:
  1. Take advantage of a debt relief service.
  2. Consolidate your debt with a home equity loan.
  3. Take advantage of 0% balance transfer credit cards.
Feb 15, 2024

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