Emotional and Practical Survival
What if I'm worried about running out of money?
Short answer
Make a simple list: what money comes in each month (Social Security, pension, any work), what goes out (mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance). If expenses exceed income, identify which expenses can be reduced or eliminated. Do not make large financial decisions — investments…
What this usually means
Make a simple list: what money comes in each month (Social Security, pension, any work), what goes out (mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance). If expenses exceed income, identify which expenses can be reduced or eliminated. Do not make large financial decisions — investments, annuities, life insurance purchases — until you are emotionally stable and have independent advice.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.