What to do if you cut everything but still can’t afford life

Sometimes, no matter how carefully you budget, the numbers just don’t add up. If you feel like you’ve already cut back on everything, counted every penny, and budgeting didn’t help, you’re not alone. It’s a frustrating and exhausting place to be – and one that more people across the UK are finding themselves in.

The rising cost of living has pushed many households to breaking point. So what happens when you’ve tried everything but your finances still don’t stretch far enough?

This guide explores practical ways to get through it, including where to turn for extra support and how to spot opportunities to boost your income without cutting back any more.

You’re not doing anything wrong

Let’s start with this: if you’ve followed every budgeting tip, switched energy providers, cancelled subscriptions, and switched to own-brand everything, yet still come up short – the problem isn’t you.

The cost of everyday essentials has soared. Energy prices, food bills, rent and mortgage payments are all up, and wages haven’t kept pace. Many people find their income simply doesn’t cover their outgoings, however hard they try.

And that sense of having ‘already cut back’ is more than valid. At some point, there’s nothing left to trim. That’s when it’s time to shift the focus from cutting back to getting help.

Check if you’re entitled to more support

Millions of pounds in benefits and grants go unclaimed every year in the UK but can help with many types of debt. It’s worth checking if you’re eligible for:

• Universal Credit – even if you work, you might qualify depending on your income.
• Council tax reduction, offered by local councils for low-income households.
• Discretionary Housing Payments for those receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
• Help with energy bills, such as the Warm Home Discount or grants from your energy supplier.

Ways to bring in more income

It can feel disheartening to hear ‘just earn more money’ when you’re already juggling work, family, or health challenges. But there might be small, realistic ways to bring in a little extra that suit your situation.

Here are a few to consider:

• Check for underpayments

If you’re on benefits, use the government benefits calculator to check you’re getting the right amount. Even small changes in circumstances, like moving house, working different hours, or changes in childcare, can affect what you’re owed. It only takes a few minutes to check, and you could be entitled to backdated payments.

• Look at flexible or remote side work

Opportunities like online tutoring, freelance admin work, or selling handmade goods can sometimes be done from home and worked around your main commitments. These small jobs might only bring in a few extra pounds at first, but they can help with essentials or build into something more stable over time.

• Rent out unused space

A driveway, garage, or even a spare room could bring in additional income if you live in an area with demand. You don’t need to be a landlord to benefit – even short-term lets or storage rentals can make a difference.

• Cashback and rewards apps

While not huge earners, some apps offer cashback on grocery shopping and everyday spending. Over time, this can add up. Many people save their rewards to help cover birthdays, Christmas, or unexpected expenses.

These won’t solve everything, but a small boost can help bridge a gap or cover a priority bill.

If you’re in debt, help is available

When bills keep stacking up and payments start getting missed, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there are ways to get back on track.

Debt advice isn’t just for people with huge amounts of debt – it’s for anyone who needs help making a manageable plan.

MoneyPlus offers confidential, non-judgmental advice to help you find a budget that works. Our advisers can walk you through all the options, including informal and formal debt solutions like:

• Debt Management Plans (DMPs)
• Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
• Debt Relief Orders (DROs).

Dealing with decision fatigue

One of the hardest parts of constantly budgeting is the sheer number of choices you have to make every day. Should you pay the electric bill or buy food? Can you stretch the budget with another meal plan? Is it worth skipping the bus and walking?

Decision fatigue is real. And if budgeting didn’t help after all that effort, it can leave you feeling defeated. That’s when it helps to ask for outside support.

Whether it’s help with rent, talking to creditors, or exploring debt solutions, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. There are people who will listen, not judge.

What you can do today

Here are a few immediate steps to consider:

• Make a list of what you’ve already done – it helps to acknowledge your efforts. If you’ve already cut back on everything, that matters.
• Use a benefits calculator to check for unclaimed support.
• Contact your energy or water provider to ask about hardship schemes.
• Get free debt advice from MoneyHelper.
• Speak to an adviser at MoneyPlus for expert guidance on debt solutions available to you.

You’re not alone

It might feel like you’re the only one struggling, especially if people around you seem to be managing. But many households are quietly facing the same challenges. The cost of living crisis has shown just how close to the edge many people already were.

Taking action doesn’t mean you failed at budgeting – it means you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself and your family. That’s something to be proud of.

If you’re dealing with debts you can no longer manage or bills that won’t wait, talk to an adviser about your options. There may be more support available than you think.