Living in the United States can become financially unsustainable when income is insufficient to cover basic expenses such as rent, food, utilities, or transportation. This situation affects thousands of people every month, especially workers with variable incomes, migrant families, and senior citizens. In this article, we offer some recommendations in case you cannot cover basic expenses in the United States.

1. Evaluate your current financial situation

The first step is to have clarity on how much money is coming in and how much is going out. Make a detailed list of your essential expenses—rent, food, electricity, water, transportation—and compare it to your current income. This exercise allows you to identify which payments are urgent and which can wait or be renegotiated.

It's also important to review whether there have been any recent changes: reduced work hours, a rent increase, unexpected medical expenses, or accumulated debt.

2. Prioritize essential expenses

When money is tight, not all payments have the same level of urgency. Rent, food, and basic utilities should take precedence over subscriptions, non-essential purchases, or minimum payments on non-priority debt. In critical situations, protecting housing and access to food is essential.

3. Look for public assistance programs

In the United States, there are programs designed to help low-income individuals cover basic needs. Some of the most common include food assistance, rent support, energy assistance, and basic health coverage. Many of these programs are available even to people with limited immigration status, especially when there are minor children in the household. Applications are usually made online or through local social services offices. 4. Go to community organizations and food banks. In addition to government assistance, nonprofit organizations, churches, and community centers offer direct support such as food pantries, Help with paying for utilities, clothing, transportation, or free financial advice.These resources are often available without strict requirements and can serve as immediate support while the situation stabilizes.

5. Talk to your landlord or utility providers

If you can't pay your rent or utilities, communicating before you fall behind can open up options such as payment plans, extensions, or temporary charge reductions. Many landlords and utility companies prefer to negotiate rather than face prolonged non-payment or costly legal proceedings.

Keeping a record of these communications is key in case of future disputes.

6. Avoid high-risk financial solutions

In times of emergency, payday loans, cash advances, or pawn shops may seem like a way out, but they often generate high interest rates that worsen the situation in the medium term. Before resorting to these options, explore community aid or free financial advice.

7. Consider job placement or training. If the problem is a lack of income, there are local programs that help you find employment, improve your resume, or train in in-demand trades. Some public libraries and community organizations offer these services free of charge. 8. Take care of your mental health during the crisis. The difficulty in covering basic expenses generates stress, anxiety, and a sense of personal failure. Recognizing that this is an economic situation—not an individual mistake—is essential. Seeking emotional support, whether through community networks or helplines, can help you make clearer and more sustainable decisions. Facing financial problems in the United States is a common experience, and while difficult, it is not insurmountable. Getting informed, asking for help, and acting strategically can pave the way to regaining economic stability step by step.