So you’re in a financial rough patch. Maybe it’s job loss or some other unforeseen circumstances that have made money slim. When times become tough in Oklahoma, there’re many resources here to help. Don’t worry – you have options and a support system around you.
First, take a deep breath. Panicking won’t do you any good and will only make the situation feel more desperate. There’re state and local programs designed specifically for Oklahomans dealing with financial hardship. In this blog post — we’re going to be discussing what’s available to help during this challenging time. Let’s dive right in!
Evaluate Your Current Financial Situation
To get back on track financially, you need to understand where you’re standing. Look at your income sources like your employment, side hustles, benefits, etc. to check how much you’re bringing in each month. Then review 5-6 months of bank and credit card statements to have a realistic view of your spending.
Check what you owe on things like your mortgage, auto loans, credit cards, medical bills, student loans, etc. Make minimum payments on time each month to avoid late fees and damage to your credit. Pay off high-interest debts like credit cards first if possible.
Reduce Unnecessary Expenses and Create a Budget
Step 2 is to trim the fat from your budget by reducing or eliminating unnecessary expenses. Scour your bank and credit card statements line by line and look for subscriptions you no longer use, unused gym memberships, shopping habits you could trim away at, expensive hobbies, etc.
Create a Realistic Budget
Next, create a realistic budget that accounts for essentials like housing, food, transportation, and medical costs first. Be sure to include minimum payments on any debt. Once the essentials are covered, check what’s left on discretionary items. If there’s not enough, you’re going to need to make some choices. Consider downsizing to a smaller home or moving to a lower-cost area. You can also look for ways to increase your income or lower major bills.
Negotiate With Credit Lenders
You should also let creditors know your situation and try to negotiate lower payments or interest rates. Most would rather work with you than see you default. If needed, a credit counselor can help set up debt management plans. As a last resort, you may need to consider bankruptcy to eliminate unaffordable debt.
Though times are tough, stay positive. Connect with other people and start doing free or low-cost activities to boost your mood and motivation. Your situation is only temporary, and by making prudent choices now you’re going to endure this difficult period. There’re always plenty of alternatives or people who’re wanting to help.
Find Ways to Increase Your Income
When on a budget in Oklahoma, increasing your income should be a priority. There are several ways to generate extra cash to help relieve financial stress.
Find A Side Hustle
A lucrative side hustle, or part-time job, is an easy way to earn extras income. Drive for a ridesharing service in your spare time, do freelance work like writing or graphic design, or pick up retail work a couple nights a week.
Develop A New Skill
Learn a new skill that you can turn into a money-making opportunity. Things such as coding, online tutoring, and freelance photography are in high demand. Take an affordable online course to pick up a skill, then look for ways to monetize it. You may be able to land higher-paying work or start a business.
Ask For A Raise
If you’ve been in your job for a while and have taken on more responsibility, you likely deserve a salary increase. Do some research to determine the typical pay range for your position. Then, schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your performance and request a raise to bring you to the appropriate pay level based on your experience and value to the company. Come prepared with concrete examples of your significant contributions over the past year to build a strong case.
Sell Items
Go around your attic, garage, and closets and look for valuable items you no longer need. Things like designer clothes, collectibles, musical instruments, tools, and recreational equipment can bring in cash when sold online or at a yard sale. Price items competitively based on their condition and what similar products are selling for. Any money from selling unwanted goods can help pay down debt or cover essential expenses.
When money is slim, think of ways to earn extra income. Getting a side hustle, learning a valuable skill, asking for a raise, or selling unwanted items could all be effective strategies to generate extra money during financial hardship. Every small amount helps, so take action and get creative with ways to boost your cash With time and persistence, improve your financial situation.
Government Assistance Programs in Oklahoma
Lastly — if you’re struggling financially in Oklahoma, don’t worry. There’re also government assistance programs available to help.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly payment assistance on groceries. To qualify, your household income must be below a certain limit. You can apply for SNAP benefits online through OKDHS’s online portal or by submitting a paper application. Approved households receive a debit card called the ACCESS Oklahoma Card to pay for nutritious food.
Medicaid
Medicaid works to provide support on health insurance to low-income individuals such as children, pregnant women, elderly, or disabled. If your income qualifies, Medicaid can help pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, vaccinations, nursing home care and more. You can apply for Medicaid on the OKDHS website or by phone, fax, mail or in person.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides temporary emergency assistance on basic needs like food, shelter, and utilities for families with children. To qualify, you must be caring for a child under 18 years old, be unemployed or underemployed, and have little or no income. You can apply for TANF benefits through your local OKDHS office. Monthly cash benefits are loaded onto the ACCESS Oklahoma Card.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps pay home heating and cooling bills for low-income households. It provides one-time payments directly to your utility company or fuel vendor. To qualify, your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level. You can apply for LIHEAP assistance through your local Community Action Agency, Tribal program or OKDHS office.
Oklahoma has resources to help. Apply to government assistance programs you may qualify for. Every little bit helps when times are tough. There are always better days ahead!
Financial Troubles in Oklahoma? Receive Some FREE Benefits!
If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely facing some sort of financial struggle in Oklahoma. Don’t worry — it happens all the time. Luckily, EASY Wireless is here to help!
Partnering with programs such as Lifeline & ACP, we’re offering FREE phone plans with unlimited data to eligible families or individuals. Whether you need to keep in touch with friends & family or you want to just save money on your current plan, here’s what we’re offering:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
To start with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
Start Saving Today!
Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for your benefits.
