Keep in mind that if you live in a community where unemployment is widespread, this might affect the value of things you own. Other people may not have a lot of money to spend. Once you know your income, your expenses, what you owe and what you own, you're ready to talk to your creditors. Your past experiences with your creditors are important. If there's not enough money to go around, set priorities.
Some bills are more important than others.
Putting your bills in a stack and paying them until the money runs out won't work. Since you may not have enough money to pay all the bills, you need to get the most out of what you do have. Set spending priorities. Make sure you meet the health and welfare needs of your family members, but don't ignore the legal and economic risks of not paying your other bills. If you don't have the money to go around, debts should be paid back based on what will happen to you if you don't pay.