Being unemployed carries a heavy weight of financial stress.

Often, its not enough.

Pause or cancel monthly costs that arent necessary, like your cable subscription or gym membership.

Two men stretch an oversized dollar in this photo illustration. This story goes over how to stretch your money when you’re out of work.

Movie-goers wait for a free movie-in-the-park to begin at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach on September 21, 2019. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder

Many credit card companies have hardship programs that can lower your monthly payments or waive fees.

You might be able to switch to anincome-based repayment planfor your student loans or request a deferment or forbearance.

Contact your creditors and bill collectors to see what assistance they can help you with.

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Just be sure you understand whats required to catch up on payments.

Take Advantage of No Commute

Not driving to and from work has its benefits.

Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.

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This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.

Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.

you might get acheap cell phone plan for less than $20.

Limit the frequency of your grocery trips to no more than once a week.

These other shopping tips will help yousave money on groceries, too.

Pay for Purchases in Cash

Acash envelope systemwill keep you from going over your budget.

As that money adds up, youll be able to afford a small treat, guilt-free.

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8.

Entertain Yourself Without Spending Money

Life on a bare-bones budget doesnt have to mean absolutely no fun.

Remove your couch cushions to unearth spare change.

Every little bit helps.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

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