Simple budget for a tight month - 2 months and counting

We are a household of 8 and the budget no longer works. I am in Sacramento, in case local advice matters. The rent is fixed and the car payment is high. Did lenders work with you?

A paper list of bills by due date helped me more than an app. I could see the month at a glance.

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