Budgeting tips when income drops

My income is now a fraction of what it was as a retail manager and I am trying to cover the essentials. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. The rent is fixed and the car payment is high. Did lenders work with you?

Check for energy assistance programmes. I got a credit that covered two bills.

I called each lender and asked for a hardship plan. Two agreed to lower payments for a few months.