Start here — free help when something's gone wrong
Free, private tools, plus first steps that work even with no internet. For libraries, clinics, and helpers: photocopy and hand out.
True in almost every case
- You usually have more rights than they tell you. Don't assume the powerful side is right.
- Never pay, sign, or agree under pressure. A real deadline survives a day's pause to think.
- Get everything in writing and keep a paper trail — dates, names, what was said, receipts.
- Free help exists. Search "[your area] free legal aid / tenants' union / consumer protection," or ask a library.
- Don't face it alone, and don't give up at the first "no."
Safety & crisis
You're in danger from someone at home
First: your safety comes first. If you're in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. A domestic-violence helpline can help you plan a safe next step — and none of it is your fault.
Online tool: "When Home Isn't Safe"
You're in a mental-health crisis, or thinking of suicide
First: you are not alone, and this can pass. Contact a suicide/crisis line or your local emergency number now, and tell one person you trust. Don't go through it by yourself.
Online tool: "Getting Mental Health Help — In a Crisis"
Someone may be overdosing, or an addiction is out of control
First: if it may be an overdose, call your local emergency number now — if it's opioids and you have naloxone, use it, and don't leave them alone. Addiction is a treatable health condition, not a failure.
Online tool: "Facing Addiction"
Money & debt
A debt collector is threatening or harassing you
First: you can't be jailed for ordinary debt. Don't admit to or pay an old debt (a payment can restart the clock). Demand written proof it's yours.
Online tool: "Debt & Credit"
An "easy" loan or quick cash when money's tight
First: find the real yearly rate and total you'll repay before signing. A short-term "fee" is often a sky-high interest rate.
Online tool: "Money Traps"
Home & renting
You got an eviction notice
First: a notice is not the eviction — don't move out yet. Respond, and show up to any court date (a no-show usually means you lose automatically). Get local tenant help fast.
Online tool: "Renting — Facing Eviction"
Moving out and want your deposit back
First: photograph or video every room at move-out, and give your forwarding address in writing. Don't accept charges for normal wear.
Online tool: "Renting — Getting Your Deposit Back"
Work
Your pay is short, or hours are unpaid
First: keep your own record of hours worked and what you were paid. Don't quit before getting advice — keep the job and the evidence.
Online tool: "At Work"
Medical bills
A medical bill looks wrong or too high
First: ask for an itemized bill, and don't pay until you've checked it (errors are common). Ask about financial assistance or charity care.
Online tool: "Medical Bills"
Scams & pressure
You think you were scammed
First: stop sending money and contact your bank right away. Don't pay anyone who promises to "recover" your money — that's a second scam.
Online tool: "Hold Your Own — If You've Been Scammed"
A call or message is rushing you to pay or share info
First: slow down. Hang up and contact the company yourself using a number you find independently. Never pay by gift card, crypto, or wire transfer.
Online tool: "Hold Your Own — Spot the Scam"
A wrong decision
A company or office made a wrong call and won't budge
First: put your complaint in writing and ask for a "final response." Then escalate — to a regulator or ombudsman, or small claims court for money owed.
Online tool: "Hold Your Own — Push Back" & "Small Claims"
Find the free tools online at: ________________________________________
(No account, no tracking; works on any phone or computer. Also available in Spanish.)