When Money Gets Tight: A Guide to Get By, Stay Afloat & Rebuild During Tough Times

Times are tough for many right now. Inflation continues to squeeze households, and the federal shutdown has added even more uncertainty—especially for those relying on programs like SNAP, WIC, or energy assistance.

If you’re feeling the strain, you’re not alone. Many people have spent years trying to better their financial states or prepare for the unexpected, only to be set back by layoffs, medical bills, unplanned emergencies, or economic shake-ups.

The good news? Resources and relief still exist… and knowing where to look is the first step.

Here’s what you can do now to protect your household and begin rebuilding once things stabilize.

Get Honest About Where You Stand

Start by understanding your current situation. It’s not about blame—it’s about clarity and finding the next right step for you.

• List your essentials: Housing, utilities, transportation, food, and insurance.
• Track your variable costs: Things like medical bills, car repairs, or childcare.
• Know your runway: How long could you stay afloat if your income dropped, assistance fell through, or an unexpected bill hit?

Facing the numbers can be hard, but it’s the first step to regaining control. If you need guidance on determining your financial picture and coming up with a plan to safeguard yourself, we're here to help.

If You're Struggling to Cover the Basics

If you’re already doing everything you can and still finding it hard to stay ahead, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Many systems are complex and under strain, and even people doing all the right things can struggle.

When you’re falling behind—or worried you soon might be—the key is to act early and know what help is still available. The federal shutdown has temporarily disrupted or delayed some government programs, but there are still paths forward.

Food & Nutrition Support

• SNAP (Food Assistance): As of late October 2025, current SNAP benefits are being issued normally in Indiana, but if the federal government shutdown continues, funding for November may be delayed or reduced. If you already receive benefits, your current EBT balance remains usable, but new or pending applications could be slowed. Stay up-to-date at in.gov/fssa/dfr/snap-food-assistance.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): This program provides food and formula for eligible mothers and children. Funding is limited during the shutdown, so some clinics may reduce services or issue fewer vouchers. If you rely on WIC, contact your local office now to confirm your next benefit date.
• Local (Indiana) Food Options: Dial 2-1-1 or visit in211.communityos.org for referrals to nearby food pantries, mobile markets, and emergency food boxes.

Many Indiana communities (through local United Way programs, food banks like Community Harvest, and township trustees) host rotating free produce and pantry events.

If you don’t have reliable internet access, most public libraries or township trustee offices can help you apply for benefits or print verification documents.

Housing & Utilities

• Rent or Mortgage Help: Contact your landlord, lender, or mortgage servicer before missing a payment. Many have hardship plans or deferment options that might not affect credit if arranged early.
• Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): This federally funded program helps income-eligible households with winter heating costs. Some states are reporting delays in LIHEAP disbursements due to the shutdown, but Indiana’s program remains open at this time. Apply as soon as possible through your local community action agency.
• Emergency Grants: Local churches, non-profits, and community foundations sometimes offer small hardship funds for utilities, rent, or repairs. These are typically first-come, first-served, so call early in the week or month.
• Additional Help: Visit indianahousingnow.org/resources.html for emergency rental and utility assistance programs still active statewide.

Transportation

• If you’re behind on car payments, call your lender right away to discuss hardship or deferment options. Many would rather work with you than repossess.
• If you need a dependable vehicle to stay employed, look into Indiana-based programs like Cars for Keeps or Goodwill Wheels to Work for affordable lease-to-own options.
• If repossession seems likely, know your rights (for example, lenders cannot “breach the peace” during a repossession, and you’re entitled to retrieve personal items from your vehicle).

Debt & Credit

• Non-profit credit counseling can help reduce payments or consolidate debt without harming credit. If you’re considering debt consolidation companies, read this article first for key things to know.
• Avoid high-interest payday or title loans. They may promise quick relief but can trap borrowers in deeper debt.

Medical & Insurance

• Coverage: Indiana Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) remain funded, but new applications or renewals may be slower. Apply online or check your status early.
• Marketplace Plans: Subsidized ACA plans through healthcare.gov are still active, though call center support could be limited during the shutdown.
• Hospitals & Clinics: Many have financial-assistance or “charity care” options that adjust costs based on income. Ask your provider’s billing office before skipping care.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov provides medical, dental, and mental health care on a sliding scale—no insurance required.

If You're Managing, But Feeling the Squeeze

You may not be in crisis, but rising prices or uncertain benefits can make you anxious about what’s next. Strengthen your foundation now while you can:

• Build a Small Cushion: If you’re able, setting aside even $10–$20 a paycheck can slowly build breathing room. The amount matters less than creating a small sense of stability.
• Control the Controllables: Re-quote insurance and utilities once a year. Scale back subscriptions or luxury expenses temporarily. Re-evaluate high fixed costs like rent, car payments, or data plans. Even small shifts can create more breathing room.
• Boost or Diversify Income: If time and energy allow, explore ways to earn a little extra or strengthen your job security—only if it’s sustainable for you.
• Protect What Matters Most: Don’t wait until you’re behind. Explore refinancing, hardship plans, or smaller monthly payments now if housing or transportation costs are becoming unsustainable.

Programs That Could Be Affected By the Shutdown

While Social Security and Medicare payments are continuing, several federally funded supports could be temporarily paused, slowed, or under strain. At the time of this article (October 2025):

• SNAP and WIC: Risk of delayed November payments.
• LIHEAP: Energy assistance may be delayed in some states.
• Federal Housing Programs: New FHA/VA loan processing could slow.
• Student Aid: Federal student loan servicing and forgiveness processing may face backlogs.
• Tax Refunds: If the shutdown continues into early 2026, IRS operations could slow, delaying refunds for early filers.

These interruptions aren’t permanent, but they can create short-term gaps that hit hardest for those already living close to the edge.

Tip: Keep checking official sites or dial 2-1-1 for up-to-date service availability, as shutdown impacts can change weekly.

Planning for the Future, Even When Today Feels Tight

When money is already stretched, planning ahead can feel impossible. But small steps now can make the next challenge less overwhelming.

Build an emergency fund. Even one month’s expenses is a strong start. View our best tips for building one here.

• Keep tabs on benefit program updates and renew applications early.
• Learn to spot red-flag financial stress signs (missed payments, borrowing from savings, rising credit balances) before they escalate.
• Take advantage of local financial wellness resources. Connect with your financial partner (we’re always here to help at 3Rivers), research financial literacy classes at your local library, community center, or university, and seek out free online tools (like our blog, calculators, and digital banking).

If planning ahead feels out of reach right now, focus on one decision or task that makes tomorrow slightly easier. That’s still progress.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

Financial strain can take a real toll on mental health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or hopeless, free and confidential help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for chat options. You deserve support and relief, too.

You're Not Failing; You're Adapting

Financial hardship isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a reflection of an economy that’s changing faster than many households can adjust—especially if they had a few unexpected financial hits ahead of these changes.

If you’ve been doing your best and still feel behind, you’re not alone. There’s help, and there’s hope.

You’re not failing; you’re adapting to challenges that no one can face alone. Every small choice toward stability counts.

Start with one action today—apply, call, ask, plan. Each small step, when you’re ready, helps you move from uncertainty toward stability—and eventually, peace of mind.

More Help When You Need It Most

• 2-1-1 Indiana: Connects you to food, housing, and utility assistance.
• Indiana Housing Now: Rental and utility aid programs (indianahousingnow.org).
• FCC Lifeline Program: Discounted phone/internet (getinternet.gov).
• WorkOne Centers: Free job search and training services (in.gov/dwd/workone).
• Indiana Legal Services: Help with eviction, benefits, or debt (indianalegalservices.org).
• Federally Qualified Health Centers: Low-cost medical and dental care (findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov).
• 988 Lifeline: Free mental health support anytime.

^{Disclaimer: Information in this article is current as of October 2025 and is provided for general educational purposes only. Program availability and funding—particularly for SNAP, WIC, and other federally supported benefits—may change during or after the federal government shutdown. Please check official state or federal program websites for the latest updates. This content is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice.}