Losing your job can be a stressful time. If you were one of the 1.3 million Americans whose unemployment benefits expired at the 26-week mark, things just got a whole lot trickier. With the Senate not expected to pass legislation to reinstate extended benefits until late January or early February of 2014, there are a few things you can do to ease the stress.
1. Double-check your unemployment paperwork.
Be sure to double-check your Emergency Unemployment Compensation program documents to see if and when you’ll be affected by Congress’s ruling. This will also keep you informed if they reach an agreement in the upcoming weeks, and it will help you better prepare your monthly budgets.
Be sure to double-check your Emergency Unemployment Compensation program documents to see if and when you’ll be affected by Congress’s ruling. This will also keep you informed if they reach an agreement in the upcoming weeks, and it will help you better prepare your monthly budgets.
2. Create a new budget.
Creating a budget is a great way to help you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to paying for life. Make a list of the items that are necessities such as rent, water and other utilities, and food. Then list all your other monthly payments. Set money aside to ensure you can pay the necessities first before you add up your other expenses. If, after looking at both lists of payments, you’re struggling to make ends meet, start cutting out some of the unnecessary monthly bills. For example: cable, internet, gaming subscriptions, magazine subscriptions, or even an unnecessary vehicle payment can be either cancelled or sold. Put your monthly income where you need it most and instead utilize the public library or other community buildings for internet and entertainment. These seemingly little expenses add up significantly, and they can always become a part of your life again once you land a job. If you didn’t already have it, think of this as extra motivation to work your hardest at finding a job!
Creating a budget is a great way to help you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to paying for life. Make a list of the items that are necessities such as rent, water and other utilities, and food. Then list all your other monthly payments. Set money aside to ensure you can pay the necessities first before you add up your other expenses. If, after looking at both lists of payments, you’re struggling to make ends meet, start cutting out some of the unnecessary monthly bills. For example: cable, internet, gaming subscriptions, magazine subscriptions, or even an unnecessary vehicle payment can be either cancelled or sold. Put your monthly income where you need it most and instead utilize the public library or other community buildings for internet and entertainment. These seemingly little expenses add up significantly, and they can always become a part of your life again once you land a job. If you didn’t already have it, think of this as extra motivation to work your hardest at finding a job!
3. Utilize coupons and become a savvy shopper.
The average person spends approximately $55 a week on groceries. To make your budget go further, try utilizing coupons you’ve received in the mail and ones you can easily print online. Also check out your grocery store’s deals and specials each week. Try combining coupons with the store’s specials, and get creative at putting together your weekly meal plan. Some grocery stores will even double or triple manufacturer’s coupons at checkout! Make a game of grocery shopping to try saving more and more with each trip. You and your family will love the meal variety, and your wallet will most certainly thank you for the break in spending!
The average person spends approximately $55 a week on groceries. To make your budget go further, try utilizing coupons you’ve received in the mail and ones you can easily print online. Also check out your grocery store’s deals and specials each week. Try combining coupons with the store’s specials, and get creative at putting together your weekly meal plan. Some grocery stores will even double or triple manufacturer’s coupons at checkout! Make a game of grocery shopping to try saving more and more with each trip. You and your family will love the meal variety, and your wallet will most certainly thank you for the break in spending!
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Getting sick or having a medical problem while employed can be a headache. Getting sick while you’re unemployed is even worse. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet to avoid any unexpected trips to the doctor.
Getting sick or having a medical problem while employed can be a headache. Getting sick while you’re unemployed is even worse. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet to avoid any unexpected trips to the doctor.
5. Check out various assistance programs.
There are many local, state and national programs that provide assistance to those in need. Please try to avoid letting your pride get in the way of asking for help. It’s a trap anyone can fall into, but these programs are made to help people just like you and me. If you need assistance, here are a few programs you may find helpful; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Food Banks, local church programs, WIC, prevention and emergency assistance programs.
There are many local, state and national programs that provide assistance to those in need. Please try to avoid letting your pride get in the way of asking for help. It’s a trap anyone can fall into, but these programs are made to help people just like you and me. If you need assistance, here are a few programs you may find helpful; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Food Banks, local church programs, WIC, prevention and emergency assistance programs.
6. Keep up your job search, and don’t get discouraged.
Even when times seem to be at their toughest, you should still stay motivated to find employment. Check out local newspapers and websites, and talk to people about opportunities in your area. Your hard work will pay off! For tips about applying and interviewing for jobs, make sure you stay up-to-date withEmploymentGuide.com’s blog, and be sure to keep checking out your local job listings on our site, as well!
Even when times seem to be at their toughest, you should still stay motivated to find employment. Check out local newspapers and websites, and talk to people about opportunities in your area. Your hard work will pay off! For tips about applying and interviewing for jobs, make sure you stay up-to-date withEmploymentGuide.com’s blog, and be sure to keep checking out your local job listings on our site, as well!
Know of any assistance programs in your area? Help those who might benefit from them by sharing them on our Facebook Page!
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