When You Need a Plan B for Bill Paying

With more than 6 million Americans applying for unemployment benefits and dental offices closed to traditional patients for the foreseeable future, what happens if you can’t pay your bills? The popular financial advice columnist Liz Weston has some advice for you, with the first suggestion being, “Don’t panic.”

As the US addresses a crisis unlike any its ever faced, there will be some grace when it comes to late payments or needing time to come up with cash. Weston suggests you pay for necessities first: rent/mortgage, food, and utilities. The CARES Act prohibits evictions for most renters for the next 120 days, and those with federally backed mortgages may be eligible for some relief. She suggests dialing 211 to see what resources are available locally to support you during this difficult time. Read more here.