Simple budget for a tight month - what worked for you?

My income is now a fraction of what it was as a home health aide and I am trying to cover the essentials. I have been trying to stay organised about it. 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.

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