Budget after a layoff: what did you cut first? after 15 years as a line cook

We are a household of 15 and need to cut costs quickly. Rent and the car are the biggest costs. Did any lender work with you?

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

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