<human>:  If a person is experiencing financial insecurity, what are some steps they can take to improve their situation?
<bot>: 
1. Make a budget and track your spending to identify areas where you can cut back.
2. Increase your income by looking for a higher paying job, working a side hustle, or taking on freelance or contract work.
3. Take advantage of public assistance programs and tax credits offered for people with limited incomes, if you qualify.
4. Talk to a financial planner or counselor to create an actionable plan and explore options for long-term financial security.
5. Decrease expenses by negotiating bills and making smarter spending choices, such as buying generic brands instead of name brands, shopping around for better deals on insurance, and taking public transportation instead of driving.
6. Build up an emergency fund and start investing in assets that can potentially increase in value over time.
7. Take advantage of free financial literacy education opportunities to learn more about budgeting and other money management topics.