1. Get a clear picture of where ALL my money is right now

When you’re in crisis mode, you need visibility. I can’t make good decisions if I don’t know what I’m working with.

I use Monarch Money to see everything in one place: all my bank accounts, credit cards, loans, recurring subscriptions, spending patterns, savings, and investments. It’s like having a financial command center.

Right now, I’m checking it daily to track every dollar and make sure nothing unexpected hits my account.

→ Get 50% off your first year of Monarch Money here

2. Call EVERY creditor and financial institution I bank with and negotiate for relief

"Closed mouths don't get fed," as my mama would say. This step was uncomfortable but necessary.

I called my:

• Credit card companies
• Bank account companies
• Landlord
• Utility companies

I used this script (feel free to use):

“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I’m a federal employee who has been furloughed due to the government shutdown and is now experiencing financial hardship. I’m calling to see what hardship programs, payment deferments, or relief options you offer for people in my situation. Can you help me understand my options?”

Important: Some companies require documentation, so have these ready:

• Proof of federal employment (pay stub, offer letter, or employee ID)
• Furlough notice or official communication from your agency

Most companies have been surprisingly accommodating. Some waived late fees, my credit union reversed my recent overdraft fees, others deferred payments by 30-60 days, and American Express even refunded one of my membership fees.

It’s worth the call.

3. Consolidate my high-interest credit card debt into ONE personal loan

I had credit card balances with interest rates ranging from 18-24%. That’s financial quicksand when you don’t have income.

So I consolidated everything into a single personal loan with a fixed rate and fixed monthly payment.

Here’s why this helped:

• Lower interest rates (saved hundreds in interest)
• One predictable payment instead of juggling multiple cards
• Improved my credit score (lower credit utilization + consistent payments)

I’ve personally used Happy Money and Upstart in the past, and both helped me get through tough times without drowning in interest.

They offer competitive rates, fast funding (as quick as 24 hours), and some specialize in helping people with less-than-perfect credit.

Even if you’re not dealing with a furlough, consolidating high-interest debt can save you thousands and give you breathing room.

Trust me.

4. Calculate my NEW baseline income target

I sat down and figured out: What’s the absolute minimum I need to earn over the next 30 days to cover essentials?

Here’s what I included:

• Rent (couldn’t defer this one)
• Utilities
• Groceries (bare minimum)
• Insurance premiums
• Any debts that couldn’t be deferred

With extra free time during the week, I plan to monetize my skills outside my federal job.

Now I'm planning to ramp up:

• Freelance content work
• Side hustles I’d been putting off
• Signing up for focus groups like on Advanced Focus and Respondent
• Selling things I don’t need on Depop and TheRealReal

The goal isn’t to thrive right now... it’s to survive with dignity and avoid going backward financially.