Dear Mary: I am a single self-employed father who works in the new-home construction industry. With the current market and scarcity of work, I am about to get into a financial bind. I have looked for part-time work to supplement my income, but I have had no luck so far. What would you do if you were in my position and knew that you were not going to have the money to pay all of your bills? -- Single Father, e-mail

Dear Dad: There is a general rule of thumb to follow when you do not have enough money to pay all of your bills. Keep in mind that it is not OK to be late on any bills. It will do terrible things to your credit score. But things happen, and sometimes there simply is not enough money to pay every bill. When that happens, you should decide which bills to pay according to the severity of the consequences for not paying.

This means that you should not pay nonessential bills when you haven't paid essential ones, even if the nonessential creditors are breathing down your neck. Your essential bills are those that have grave consequences if you do not pay.

Your rent or mortgage should be right at the top of the list because if you do not pay that, you could find yourself out on the street. Basic food, medications, gasoline so you can get to work, car payments -- these are all essential bills with terrible consequences if you do not pay them.

Paying your basic utilities is also essential.

Cable TV and Internet service are not essential. Medical bills are not essential, unless you still are receiving treatment. Credit card payments would come farther down on the list and are nonessential. Even though paying late will cost you late fees, a ding to your credit, and possible suspension of continued use, they are not nearly as essential as your rent or prescription medications.

If you know you will not be able to pay a bill on time, call that creditor without delay. Don't share too much information, and don't make promises you cannot keep. Just be honest and sincere.

And if it appears that the new housing industry is in a long-term stall, you need to be looking for full-time employment elsewhere. You cannot afford to let your bills -- even the nonessential bills -- fall behind. That's a situation that could snowball in a hurry. Then it could be very difficult, if not impossible, to catch up. I wish you well. And hang in there; things will get better.

Do you have a question for Mary? E-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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