How To Rescue Your Finances

By Carolyn Depoto · Apr 6, 2020 3 min read

Financial Relief

Cut bills and find relief during uncertainty

The COVID-19 pandemic created widespread financial uncertainty. Here’s what the CARES Act stimulus covers, what you can do right now, and how to trim recurring bills to ease the burden.

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread financial uncertainty across the country. As previously reported, the House passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill, called the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, in an effort to alleviate some of this financial stress. It includes one-time direct payments of $1,200 to millions of Americans, as well as emergency loans for struggling businesses, hospital aid, and stronger unemployment benefits, but there are very specific rules about who can and can’t get them.

1 Stimulus Relief: Some Things to Note

You will need to file a tax return in order to receive the money.
If you are ineligible based on your 2019 salary, but are now eligible due to a loss of income in 2020, the plan won’t help you just yet, but it could help once you file your 2020 tax return next year.
Anyone who is able to work from home or who is getting paid sick or family leave will not be covered by the bill.
People who are entering the workforce for the first time, but are unable to find jobs will also be ineligible.
People who quit their jobs — even if they quit due to fear of going into work and catching the virus — won’t be covered.

2 What You Can Do Now

Whether you are eligible for payments or not, there are things you can do to ease the burden:

If you recently lost your job, see if you qualify to file for unemployment (the amount you collect will vary state by state).
If you own your own business or are a sole proprietor, you might be able to apply for a new small business loan — there are many online institutions that can help with this remotely.
Take stock of your bills and see where you can cut spending.

3 Going Through Your Bills

It’s important to feel productive during this time of social isolation, and going through your bills to identify savings is a perfect way to do it:

Make a list of all of your recurring bills, identifying what you can cut and where you could be overpaying — and don’t limit the list to phone, internet, TV and utilities.
Look at all of your streaming services such as Spotify, Netflix, and other monthly subscriptions and ask yourself if there is any overlap, duplication or waste. If so, try to consolidate by canceling anything unnecessary.
If you are using exercise apps to stay healthy during the pandemic, try to resist subscribing to multiple services — pick the one that offers the most variety — and look for the free classes that are posted on social media.
Make sure the cancellation policies on all of your subscriptions are liberal, so you can cancel at any time for any reason.
Review your cable bill to see if you are paying for any extra channels or unnecessary equipment and call the company to cancel them.

4 How Billshark Can Help

The legislation does not make it illegal for utility providers to cut off service to people or companies who can’t pay their bills. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are getting fair prices. Billshark can take a look at your bills for free and identify where you might be overpaying. We can also call and negotiate better prices and even help cancel your subscriptions. In this time of need, everyone can use all the help they can get and we are here for you.

Billshark · Bill Negotiation Experts
Helping consumers and small businesses stop overpaying on recurring bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the CARES Act $1,200 stimulus payment?

The CARES Act includes one-time direct payments of $1,200 to millions of Americans, but there are specific rules about who can and can’t get them. You will need to file a tax return to receive the money. People who can work from home, who are getting paid sick or family leave, who are entering the workforce for the first time but can’t find jobs, or who quit their jobs are not covered by the bill.

What if I was ineligible in 2019 but lost income in 2020?

If you are ineligible based on your 2019 salary but are now eligible due to a loss of income in 2020, the plan won’t help you just yet. However, it could help once you file your 2020 tax return next year. In the meantime, check whether you qualify for unemployment or other relief to ease the immediate burden.

What can I do now if I lost my job or income?

Whether or not you qualify for stimulus payments, there are steps to ease the burden. If you recently lost your job, see if you qualify to file for unemployment, as the amount you collect varies state by state. If you own a business or are a sole proprietor, you might be able to apply for a new small business loan through online institutions. You can also take stock of your bills and see where you can cut spending.

How do I cut my recurring bills and subscriptions?

Make a list of all your recurring bills, identifying what you can cut and where you could be overpaying, and don’t limit the list to phone, internet, TV and utilities. Review streaming services like Spotify and Netflix for overlap or waste and cancel anything unnecessary. Pick a single exercise app, look for free classes on social media, confirm cancellation policies are liberal, and review your cable bill for extra channels or unnecessary equipment.

How can Billshark help during this challenging time?

The legislation does not make it illegal for utility providers to cut off service to people who can’t pay their bills, so it’s more important than ever to make sure you are getting fair prices. Billshark can look at your bills for free and identify where you might be overpaying. We can also call and negotiate better prices and even help cancel your subscriptions.

Save on the Bills You Just Read About

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Estimate My Savings

How To Rescue Your Finances page context

How To Rescue Your Finances is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.

Rescue your finances during COVID-19: who qualifies for the CARES Act stimulus, steps to take now, and how to cut recurring bills. Start saving today.

Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page links you to more help from Billshark. Use it when you want more detail or a clear next step. You can save a lot over time.

Got a question about a bill you pay each month? This page can help you find the best answer. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page can help with real questions. You can learn about your plan, your account, and what you pay each month. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Use the menu and the links to go from a big question to the facts that fit your own needs. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We keep things short and clear so you can choose well. You can then read more if you want to. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

The links on this page help you weigh your choices. They also help you see what you pay and what to do next. You can save a lot over time.

Our goal is to help you spot the bills you pay each month. We also share smart ways to keep them low. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

Come back to this page when you have a new question. It will still be here to help with bills and savings. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

We link the small choices you make each day to the big picture. That means your budget and what you spend at home. We make it easy for you.

Each part of this page helps you see what you need. It may be help with a plan, your account, or a good read. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Use what you learn here to plan your questions. Look at your choices, then take the next step when you are ready. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

Our pages link to each other. That way, you can find more help and still keep track of what you came for. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page makes it easy to find the key facts first. Then you can pick a plan or make a change with less stress. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Good facts help you see why a bill went up. They also show you what to check before you call or reply. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page puts the key facts in one place. It can help you talk with a company about your bills and how to save. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Our other pages explain the words you see on a bill. They also help you weigh the pros and cons of each plan. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

Our tips focus on real choices you can make. Start with the basics, then read a more detailed guide if you need one. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

This page is one of many that we share. Together they cover home costs, the firms you pay, and how to get help. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

We set this page up so you can compare and keep reading. You will not need to hunt for what you want. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

Some of our guides cover the basics. Others go into detail on one company or one type of bill. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

It pays to read first and act later. This page links you to the next guide if you want to learn more. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Want more detail on a bill, a plan, or your account? Check this page against the links we share here. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

We group our pages by topic to keep things simple. This helps you stay on track as you read about your costs. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

A bit of background goes a long way. It helps you spot what counts before you check a bill, change a plan, or call us. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

This page is part of our help library. It gives you clear facts and links so you can keep on reading. We make it easy for you. We are here to help.

Your needs can change, so come back any time. Our other pages can help you look into a new cost or plan. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We laid out this page to help you get the facts and compare them. You can then choose your next step with ease. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

The COVID-19 pandemic created widespread financial uncertainty.

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread financial uncertainty across the country.

Whether you are eligible for payments or not, there are things you can do to ease the burden.

It’s important to feel productive during this time of social isolation, and going through your bills to identify savings is a perfect way to do it.

The legislation does not make it illegal for utility providers to cut off service to people or companies who can’t pay their bills.

The CARES Act includes one-time direct payments of $1,200 to millions of Americans, but there are specific rules about who can and can’t get them.

If you are ineligible based on your 2019 salary but are now eligible due to a loss of income in 2020, the plan won’t help you just yet.

Whether or not you qualify for stimulus payments, there are steps to ease the burden.

Make a list of all your recurring bills, identifying what you can cut and where you could be overpaying, and don’t limit the list to phone, internet, TV and utilities.

The legislation does not make it illegal for utility providers to cut off service to people who can’t pay their bills.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

Billshark helps lower internet, wireless, cable, satellite radio, and other monthly bills.

Our experts handle providers for customers and share updates throughout the process.

Customers pay only when Billshark finds savings on eligible bills.

1 Stimulus Relief: Some Things to Note.

2 What You Can Do Now.

3 Going Through Your Bills.

4 How Billshark Can Help.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Who qualifies for the CARES Act $1,200 stimulus payment?.

What if I was ineligible in 2019 but lost income in 2020?.

What can I do now if I lost my job or income?.

How do I cut my recurring bills and subscriptions?.

How can Billshark help during this challenging time?.

Did You Get Your Stimulus Check Yet?.

Smart Ways to Avoid Overspending and Save Money at Home.

Protect Your Finances from Banks: How to Build a Cushion.

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Can't Pay Your Rent or Mortgage?.

Expert Tips for COVID-19 Financial Challenges.

4 Simple Ways to Use Technology to Boost Your Savings.

How to Survive in These 'Interesting' Times.

Get Refunds & Relief: Recover Money During COVID-19.

Save on the Bills You Just Read About.

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How To Rescue Your Finances

1 Stimulus Relief: Some Things to Note

2 What You Can Do Now

3 Going Through Your Bills

4 How Billshark Can Help

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the CARES Act $1,200 stimulus payment?

What if I was ineligible in 2019 but lost income in 2020?

What can I do now if I lost my job or income?

How do I cut my recurring bills and subscriptions?

How can Billshark help during this challenging time?

Related Blog Posts

Did You Get Your Stimulus Check Yet? Here's What to Do

Smart Ways to Avoid Overspending and Save Money at Home

Protect Your Finances from Banks: How to Build a Cushion

Get Money Fast: Top Strategies for Quick Cash

Can't Pay Your Rent or Mortgage? Here's What to Do

Expert Tips for COVID-19 Financial Challenges

4 Simple Ways to Use Technology to Boost Your Savings

How to Survive in These 'Interesting' Times

Get Refunds & Relief: Recover Money During COVID-19

Save on the Bills You Just Read About

How To Rescue Your Finances page context