Finding yourself running out of money before payday is more common than you might think. Rising bills, unexpected costs, or even just a higher-than-usual food shop can quickly throw off your budget. If you can’t make it to payday this month, there are practical steps you can take right now, as well as longer-term options to help prevent the same situation from happening again.
This guide will share short-term survival tactics to help you manage when you’re stuck before payday, alongside longer-term strategies that could make your money go further in the future.
Why payday struggles happen
If you feel like money disappears too quickly after payday, you’re not alone. Many households face:
- High housing and energy costs – rent, mortgages and utilities often take up more than half of household income.
- Debt repayments – credit card minimums or loan instalments can swallow disposable cash.
- Irregular or variable income – zero-hour contracts, commission-based jobs or freelance work make it difficult to plan.
- Rising everyday costs – groceries, transport and childcare often cost more than expected.
When there isn’t a financial cushion, even a small unexpected expense – like a car repair or higher-than-usual heating bill – can mean you’re left counting the days until payday.
Short-term survival tactics when you can’t make it to payday
If you’re running out of money before payday, these immediate steps may help you stay afloat:
1. Prioritise essential bills
Focus on rent, mortgage, council tax, and utilities first. These are priority debts because missing them can have the most serious consequences.
2. Cut back on non-essentials temporarily
Press pause on takeaways, streaming subscriptions, or extra spending until after payday. Even small changes can help stretch your money further.
3. Use supermarket loyalty schemes
Points, vouchers, or discounts through loyalty cards can reduce your food bill. Planning meals and shopping with a list also helps avoid impulse buys.
4. Speak to your utility providers
If your gas or electricity bill is due, contact your provider before missing a payment. They may offer a short-term payment plan or hardship scheme.
5. Check if you qualify for support
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to benefits or grants. You can check the Government website to see what you may qualify for.
Payday struggle tips for stretching income further
A few small changes can help your money last longer:
- Use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to track every pound.
- Set up a separate account just for bills – keeping essentials ringfenced stops accidental overspending.
- Withdraw a weekly spending allowance in cash to avoid dipping into funds meant for bills.
- Cook once, eat twice – batch cooking reduces waste and saves on energy.
- Swap expensive travel habits for walking, cycling, or cheaper routes if possible.
These tips don’t solve every money issue but can help you feel more in control.
What not to do when money is tight
When money is running out, it can be tempting to look for quick fixes. But be cautious about:
- Payday loans – these often come with very high interest rates, making repayment harder next month.
- Borrowing from friends or family – this can add strain to relationships if you can’t repay quickly.
- Ignoring payments – missing bills without speaking to creditors can lead to fees, damage your credit score, or even legal action.
If you can’t make a payment, it’s always better to explain the situation to your creditor rather than ignore it.
When running out of money before payday becomes a pattern
One-off shortages can often be managed. But if every month feels like a struggle, it may point to a deeper problem. Relying on overdrafts, credit cards, or loans to bridge the gap can quickly spiral into unmanageable debt.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and there are structured solutions that could help:
- Debt Management Plans (DMPs) – an informal arrangement to make affordable payments to creditors each month.
- Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) – a formal, legally binding agreement that may reduce the amount you pay back over time.
- Debt Relief Orders (DROs) – an alternative to bankruptcy that allows for a temporary relief for repayment of debts included in the DRO up to £50,000.
Taking control before next payday
If you know payday struggles are likely again, planning ahead can make a difference:
- Create a realistic budget that covers income, bills, and everyday spending.
- Build a small emergency buffer – even setting aside £5-£10 per week can help.
- Review direct debits to cancel anything you no longer use.
- If you expect a shortfall, speak to creditors early to arrange a payment plan.
These small steps build stability over time, helping reduce the need to rely on overdrafts or credit.
Getting support with payday struggles
Struggling before payday doesn’t mean you’ve failed – it means you need the right tools and advice. For free, impartial advice, you can also visit MoneyHelper. Alternatively, contact us to speak to a debt adviser about your options.
