Short of money? What you can do today

Open your bank overview, calendar and unopened post. Write down only what will come in and go out over the next seven days. A short overview is more useful now than a perfect annual budget.

For each payment, note the amount, date and organisation. Mark anything already overdue. This shows which shortfall needs attention first.

Look first at housing, energy and water, health insurance, food and essential travel. Other bills still matter. This order simply makes the consequences that affect daily life visible first.

Do not cancel a direct debit without knowing what happens next. Contact the organisation and ask what arrangement or pause may be possible. Keep confirmation of every agreement.

Call or write before the due date if you still can. Explain briefly that you cannot pay the full amount for now and ask about instalments, a delay or another solution. A creditor does not always have to accept your proposal, but early contact often prevents extra uncertainty.

Do not promise an amount you are unlikely to manage. Ask for the amount, instalments and any costs to be confirmed in writing.

A lower income, a move or a change in your household can affect Dutch benefits and other schemes. Check your details with Dienst Toeslagen and report changes promptly. This reduces the chance of having to repay money later.

Your municipality can explain local support. Use official calculators and application routes because amounts and conditions can change each year.

You do not have to wait until you have several debts. The Dutch government refers people with early money worries to Geldfit and their municipality. Geldfit provides free, anonymous help by phone, WhatsApp and chat. Municipalities provide free advice and debt support.

If eviction or disconnection of gas, water or electricity is imminent, contact your municipality immediately and say clearly that the situation is urgent.