1. Make a budget and cut back spending to focus on essentials like food, utilities, transportation, and lodging.

2. Contact credit card companies and lenders to ask about payment options to avoid late penalties, interest charges, and damages to your credit.

3. Freeze debt repayment if you are hard on cash.

4. Reinvest in yourself. Focus on building your skills or broadening your knowledge

5. Utilize your support system and take care of your mental health.

6. Need help? Contact community organizations like food banks and faith-based organizations, for assistance to help cover daily essentials.

7. Create or update your emergency plan an review with those in your household.

8. Watch out for scams. Protect your financial information.

9. Avoid large purchases and make a plan for AFTER the financial emergency .

10. Review and safeguard important documents such as insurances, living wills and durable powers of attorney.