Practical money help
Make your money go further
Straight answers on assistance programs, paying down debt and building credit. No hype, no jargon.
This month's money checklist
- Check if you qualify for bill help
- Cancel one subscription you don't use
- Pull your free credit reports
- Set up a small automatic transfer to savings
What can we help with?
Assistance programs Help with bills, food, housing and health care Start here Paying off debt Payoff plans, consolidation and what to avoid Start here Building credit Raise your score and fix report errors Start here Student loans Repayment plans, forgiveness and lower payments Start here Financial aid & grants FAFSA, Pell Grants and money you don’t pay back Start here Earning more Free job training and workforce programs Start here
Five money moves, in order
Doing them in this order means each step makes the next one easier.
- 1 Cover essentials Claim the assistance you qualify for first.
- 2 Start a cushion A small emergency fund stops new debt.
- 3 Attack high interest Pay down the costliest debt first.
- 4 Build credit Better credit lowers what you pay later.
- 5 Grow your income Training and new skills raise your ceiling.
Start with these guides
Assistance Emergency Cash Assistance Programs Explained: Your Complete Guide Jobs & Training Government Job Training Programs: What Works, What Doesn't, and How to Apply Student loans Income-Driven Repayment Plans Compared: What Actually Works in 2026 Taxes Student Loan Tax Deduction: How to Claim the Full $2,500Earn more
The biggest raise often starts with a new skill
Many accredited programs are online and accept federal grants. See programs that can fit around your job and family.
See training programs