 TITLE: What to Do if You Can’t Afford to Pay Rent CONTENT: Move In With Family or Friends\n------------------------------\nIf it winds up becoming a choice between living with a friend or family member and not having a place to live at all, chances are you'll be better off living with someone you know. Moving in with family and friends can provide a helpful safety net when you fall on hard times because it'll give you more control over your living expenses right away.\nIf you're struggling with rent due to a change in your employment situation, living with family or friends could also allow you a bit more time to spend on job hunting without the added pressure of searching for housing too. And perhaps the biggest benefit of moving in with family and friends is the money you'll save when splitting rent payments, utilities and other housing expenses. This will free up room in your budget and make it easier to reach your financial goals—especially if you're lucky enough to live with someone who doesn't require market rate payments for your rent (or any payments at all). No matter what type of setup you have, make sure you have a solid budget and financial plan in place to make the most of things. END