Three weeks into a partial government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed or working without pay. That's longer than most can get by without income, considering that over three-quarters of all full-time workers are living paycheck to paycheck, according to a report from CareerBuilder. Federal workers are particularly vulnerable. On average, government employees take home roughly $500 a week, according to the American Federation of Government Employees, a labor union representing about 700,000 workers. For them, any interruption in pay could a have devastating impact on themselves and their families. When it comes to weathering a financial hardship, financial experts say the secret to success comes down to two tools: budgeting and borrowing.

Budgeting

Start by writing down your expenses, said James Sullivan, a vice president and financial advisor at Essex Financial in Connecticut. "You need to see where the funds are going."

Then, identify any items that you don't really need for now, or nonessential expenses, he advised, which will be different for everyone. "If you're financially at risk, decide the right fit for you to get through this temporary setback."

If you're financially at risk, decide the right fit for you to get through this temporary setback. James Sullivan financial advisor

Apps such as Mint or Albert keep can help by keeping tabs on your spending and finding places where some expenses can be cut. These budget tricks will also help you make the most of the money you have. Next, look at your fixed expenses and determine how they can be temporarily suspended or eliminated. Monthly recurring expenditures such as gym memberships, lawn care and cable are often great opportunities to cut costs to reinstate your cash flow. Some fixes may require a more severe sacrifice, Sullivan cautioned. "It could mean taking a step back on paying for college," he said.

Borrowing

For furloughed federal workers, there are also a number of ways to access cash to bridge the gap. For starters, "consider tapping into your savings account or borrowing from a friend or family member," said Ashley Dull, a credit strategist at CardRates.com. However, if you do borrow money from friends or family, "write down the terms of the loan including if there will be interest and when you will pay it back," Sullivan said. Another good option is to see if your lender is offering relief. Credit unions and banks across the country are stepping up to help federal employees and families affected by the government shutdown.