Budgeting tips when income drops (update)

My income is now a fraction of what it was as a marketing coordinator and I am trying to cover the essentials. There are 12 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. The rent is fixed and the car payment is high.

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

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