The Budget Blueprint

Purpose / Reason
Create a bare-bones budget. Track every dollar in and out.
Answer to: “How do I manage overwhelming financial stress?”

How to Apply

1. Pull last 30–60 days of statements.
2. Highlight non‑essentials and cancel/hibernation today.
3. Set envelopes for essentials; move funds now.
4. Book a 7‑day review to reallocate and cut 10% more.

How & Why It Works

• Triage and envelope budgeting put dollars where they matter most and stop leakage.

Results & Goals

• Immediate (0–72h): Panic down, priorities clear; essential bills triaged and first calls made.
• Short‑term (1–4 weeks): Cash leakage reduced, payment relief in place, income applications in flight.
• Medium‑term (1–3 months): Credit damage contained, basic needs stable, measurable savings/income uptick.

Citations / References

• CFPB — Dealing with debt & collectors
• FTC — Identity theft recovery
• Dept. of Labor — Unemployment & job seeker help
• IRS — Free File & payment plans
• FDIC — Safe banking & avoiding fees
• Mullainathan & Shafir — Scarcity