Budgeting tips when income drops after 17 years as a line cook

I am $1050 short each month and trying to find it. This is my first time dealing with any of this. The rent is fixed and the car payment is high. What helped 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.