A sudden death or an ICU call means you have to move now — and figure out the money on the way. This triage takes about a minute: it totals what the trip really costs, what you'll lose in wages, and builds a calm, step-by-step plan to get through it without a credit card.
Where you're going, how long you'll be gone, and what the trip itself costs.
What your job covers — and what comes out of your pocket in lost shifts.
The real numbers, and the per-paycheck target that closes the gap without debt.
Screenshot this card or copy the summary before you travel. Numbers update live as you change the steps above.
One emergency shouldn't become two. Build the cushion before the next call comes — the $1,000 Emergency Fund Starter Pack and Sinking Funds Tracker walk you there paycheck by paycheck.
Get them on GumroadYes — and it's more common than people think. Many employers offer paycheck advances, accrued PTO cash-outs, or hardship grants through HR or payroll, especially for a documented family emergency. Ask in writing, keep it short and factual: what happened, the dates you'll be out, and exactly what you're requesting. The script in Step 4 is written for that conversation. If your company uses an earned-wage-access app (like DailyPay or EarnIn through your employer), that's usually the fastest route — check your employee portal first.
Most employers give 1–3 paid days for an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling) and sometimes up to 5; extended family is often 1 day or unpaid. There's no federal law requiring paid bereavement leave for private employers — FMLA leave is unpaid and generally doesn't cover bereavement unless your own health is affected — so your company's handbook is the deciding document. Ask HR for the policy in writing before you assume the days are paid, and confirm whether travel days count.
Rent is the bill to shield first — a late fee is recoverable, an eviction filing is not. Call your landlord or property manager before the due date, explain there's been a death in the family, and ask for a one-time grace period or split payment in writing. Most will work with a tenant who communicates early and has a payment history. Meanwhile, pause subscriptions and non-essentials (the 60-day freeze in Step 4), and if your state or city has an emergency rental assistance program, apply the same week — those funds are first-come and a short application beats a court date.