Most personal finance advice tells you to “never pay just the minimum.” But when you’re already behind on bills, that advice can feel out of touch — and even dangerous.

The truth? Minimum payments are a survival tool. They buy you time. They keep your account from defaulting. And they give you space to breathe when your income barely covers rent and groceries.

You don’t have to be in debt payoff mode yet — you’re in stability mode. Focus on covering the basics first. Then you can build momentum later.

To track where every dollar is going without overwhelm, start with a simple budgeting notebook like this one. Or grab a printable debt tracker you can tape on the fridge.

Need a full breakdown of how to budget when you’re drowning? Check out the full guide:
How to Build a Realistic Budget When You’re Already Behind on Bills