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Which bills should I pay first when money is short?

Short answer

Usually housing, utilities, food and transportation to work, then secured debts, then unsecured debts like credit cards.

Rules differ by state. This is general information, not legal or professional advice.

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Official sources

CFPB: trouble paying debtsconsumerfinance.gov
HUD: find a housing counselorhud.gov
FTC consumer advice: debt relief scamsconsumer.ftc.gov