Resources
Financial Help for Hard Times

Below you will find resources gathered by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) to help you through financially tough times.

Resources By Topic:
Budgeting | Credit & Debt | Cutting Costs | Health Benefits | Mortgage Assistance
Scams | Support Programs | Taxes | Unemployment

Budgeting and Managing Money

Budgeting and managing money during tough times is crucial. Find links to resources below to help you.

Budgeting Tips and Worksheet (pdf) Source: Financial Planning Association Tips and worksheets for developing a budget. Budget Building Practical Money Skills Tips on how to build a tight budget.

Tips for Saving On A Tight Budget Source: America Saves You can save money - even on tight budgets.

Credit and Debt Assistance

Paying off or keeping up with large amounts of debt can be difficult when finances are limited. Learn more about assistance available and what to do if you are over your head in debt.

If You Can't Make Credit Card Minimum Payment Source: About.com Tips on what to do if you can't make the minimum payment on your credit card. Find A Local Credit Counselor Source: National Foundation for Credit Counseling There are certified credit counselors near you who can help you. Search for a local credit counselor. How to Deal With Creditors Source: Federal Trade Commission Dealing with creditors can be difficult and stressful, especially after the loss of a job.

Debt Consolidation Source: American Institute of CPAs Advantages and disadvantages of debt consolidation. Coping with Debt Source: Federal Trade Commission If you are overwhelmed by debt, learn about some of the options available to you. Repairing Bad Credit Source: Federal Trade Commission Credit cannot be repaired overnight. Learn how to help yourself and how to spot scams.

Cutting Costs

One of the first things you need to do when finances become tighter is cut spending. Find creative ways to cut costs on utilities, groceries, and entertainment.

66 Ways to Save Money (pdf) Source: Consumer Literacy Consortium 66 ways you can start saving money today. Saving Money on Groceries Source: About.com Tips on how to save money when grocery shopping. Save on Energy Costs Source: Puget Sound Energy Tips on how to save on your energy bill. Save Money on Your Utilities Source: ChooseToSave.org Tips on how to save on your utility bills.

Save Money at The Gas Pump Source: Federal Trade Commission How to save on gas. Save Money on Phone, Internet, TV Source: Kipliner Magazine Tips on how to save money. More Resources and Tips Source: America Saves Resources and tips on how to save money.

Health Care Coverage and Retirement Benefits

Many unemployed workers worry about their retirement and insurance coverage. Below are links to resources and health care coverage resources.

Can't Afford Health Coverage? Source: Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner Information for those who can't afford health care coverage. Retirement and Health Care Coverage Source: Department of Labor Q&A’s about retirement and health care coverage for dislocated workers. Health Coverage and Retirement Benefits Source: Department of Labor Helpful information about health care coverage and retirement benefits.

Pension Benefits After Job Loss Source: Department of Labor Tips on protecting your pension and health care benefits after a job loss. Making Smart Decisions After Job Dislocation (pdf) Source: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Information about making smart decisions with your finances and retirement accounts after a job loss.

Mortgage Assistance and Options

Foreclosure is a stressful situation for those who must go through it. If you are having trouble making your monthly mortgage payment, seek help right away.

Mortgage Assistance and Counseling Source: Washington Department of Financial Institutions Counseling and assistance for Washington residents who are having trouble making payments.

Loan Modification Services - Caution Source: Washington Department of Financial Institutions Be cautious of someone offering to help modify the terms of your home loan.

Scams - Beware

Even though your finances are tight, fraudsters will still try to part you from your money. Always remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Job Hunting Scams Source: Federal Trade Commission Information about how to protect yourself from a job search scam. Work at Home Scams Source: Federal Trade Commission Beware of work at home scams that sound too good to be true.

Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams Source: Washington Department of Financial Institutions Information about foreclosure rescue scams and what to look for. AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center Source: AARP If you or a loved one feels you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact the AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center toll-free at 1-800-646-2283. Trained volunteers are ready to assist.

Support and Assistance Programs

Links to information about some of the support and assistance programs available to Washington residents.

DSHS Support Programs Source: Washington Department of Social and Health Services Information about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other support programs available from DSHS. Mortgage Assistance and Counseling Source: Washington Department of Financial Institutions Counseling and assistance for Washington residents who are having trouble making payments.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Source: Washington Department of Commerce The Low Income Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded block grant intent is to assist low income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs.

Taxes

The loss of a job can create new tax issues. Learn more about filing taxes while unemployed and services for low income tax payers.

Tax Impact Of Job Loss (pdf) Source: IRS The loss of a job may create new tax issues for you. Learn more from the IRS. Unemployment Compensation Source: IRS Information from the IRS about unemployment compensation.

VITA Program: Free Tax Help Source: IRS Help for low- to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.  Earned Income Tax Credit Source: IRS The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate incomes.

Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits may be available to you. Find out if you are eligible.

Washington Unemployment Benefits Source: Washington Employment Security Department Information about filing for unemployment benefits in Washington state.

Federal Sequester Unemployment Benefits Information Source: Washington Employment Security Department Information about whether or not those who are furloughed because of the federal sequester are eligible for benefits.