Budget after a layoff: what did you cut first? - 7 months and counting

We are a household of 8 and need to cut costs quickly. There are 8 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. Rent and the car are the biggest costs.

Ask your utility about hardship programmes. Mine knocked a bit off my bill for several months.

I called the landlord and the card company early. Both offered a short payment plan, which I did not expect.