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About Newly Poor

Why I built this site

Newly Poor is a free, plain-language guide to getting cash and getting help when money is tight, without payday loans or scams.

Hi, I'm Bryan. I'm 42, I'm a single dad, and like a lot of people, I'm working to make everyday life more affordable.

When money got tight, I went looking for ways to get by. What I mostly found were payday loans, scams, and "easy money" offers that came with a catch. The real options, like donating plasma, picking up gig work, or getting help with food and bills, were out there. But they were scattered across dozens of sites and hard to make sense of when you're already stressed.

So I built the site I wish I'd found.

Newly Poor puts the real options in one place, in plain words:

  • what something pays or what a program gives,
  • who qualifies,
  • what to bring,
  • and how fast the money actually shows up.

— Bryan

How we keep it honest

We check the source

Pay amounts and offers come from the companies' own websites. Program rules and limits come from the government agencies that run them. Every guide shows the date it was last updated.

We warn you about the risks

Each guide covers the catches too: fees, taxes, safety and scams. We'll steer you away from payday and title loans, because they usually make a tight month worse.

Your answers stay with you

There are no accounts. What you type into our checkers stays on your device. Read our privacy policy for the details.

How the site pays for itself

Right now, we don't get paid for any link on this site. If that changes, for example through affiliate links that pay us when you sign up for something, we'll label those links clearly. Getting paid will never change what we recommend or whether we warn you about a risk.

We're not a government agency

We can't approve you for anything, and nothing here is legal, financial, tax or medical advice. Always confirm with the agency or company before you rely on something. See our terms of use.

See something wrong, or know a resource we should add? Email hello@newlypoor.com.
Need help right now? Dial 211 for local food, rent and utility help, 24/7 in most areas.