A little structure helps

Make your next step
something you can do.

Three simple tools for organizing essentials and planning conversations. Entries are processed in your browser and are not submitted to us. These tools do not determine eligibility.

01 / Get a clearer picture

Essentials planner

Compare expected monthly take-home income with the essential costs you enter.

Your monthly snapshot

Enter your numbers to see your essential-cost total and the amount remaining.

This is an organizing tool. It excludes costs you do not enter and is not financial advice.

02 / Prepare the conversation

Support-call checklist

Use this list before contacting a community organization or local service. You do not need to enter personal documents here.

Write a one-sentence description of my needNote important dates or noticesCheck the organization’s official contact detailsList questions about availability and requirementsAsk how documents should be sent securelyWrite down the agreed next step

Your preparation progress

0 of 6 steps checked.

Try asking: “What is available for someone in my situation, and what should I prepare before the next step?”

03 / Give the week a direction

Seven-day next-step plan

Choose a priority and the time you can set aside. Build a realistic starting plan you can print.

A manageable week

Choose your priority to generate a plan.