The first place you must go is to
your unemployment agency. You may even be able to apply for benefits online.
Either way, contacting them is the first step you need to take. The unemployment
agency provides financial benefits to those who qualify, and they'll help you
find another job.
Many states are now offering
programs that extend unemployment benefits so you can go back to school and
learn a new trade or skill. Be
sure to ask your local agent about any special programs they're currently
offering. Also state programs that are assisting with utilities and rent.
Although they can make a
significant difference in the short-term, unemployment benefits are usually
much lower than your normal salary. However, there are many other sources you can also
take advantage of to help you get by during this rough financial time.
Let's
look at some of your options:
1. Reduce monthly expenses. Take a serious look at some of the
things you can live without for a while until you get back on your feet. Go
through all of your bills and expenses and cut out the things that aren't
necessities. Be honest with yourself - just because you think you can't live
without your cable or cell phone, doesn't mean it's true. Some of the first places to look include:
·
Television-choose a different plan package that is cheaper
·
Phones
- both cell and land line. Change your cellphone plan
·
Cell
texting or other data communications
·
Transportation
·
Eating
out- you may have to eliminate this completely
·
Power
usage
·
Air
conditioning and heating
2. Save money by meal planning. You can save over $100 (based on a
family of 4 with bi-monthly pay periods) on each trip to the grocery store
simply by planning meals ahead, using coupons and shopping your grocer's weekly
sales flyers.
·
Not
only will you reduce how much you spend on food, but you'll probably reduce
some weight around your waistline as well. Who couldn't use that added benefit?
3. Waiting tables. One of the fastest ways to earn
some quick cash is to wait tables. This may not be glamorous, but it can bring
in some immediate cash, and many restaurants beef up staff for the summer months.
4. Community agencies. If you're in dire straits and need
assistance right now, there are many local agencies you can turn to for aid. The
United Way and Salvation Army are located in most areas and offer a variety of
programs that may be able to help you.
·
Your
area may have different agencies, so check online or in the phone book for the
ones in your community.
5. Government agencies. Besides the unemployment agency,
most areas have a Department of Human Resources, Social Services, or Health
Department that can help or guide you to assistance.
6. Sell items on eBay. Take a good look around your home,
shed, or garage. How many boxes do you have lying around filled with stuff you
never use? You'll be surprised at what people will pay for what you consider
junk!
7. Have a yard sale. You can make a nice chunk of
change by selling off furniture, clothing, and other household items you don't
use anymore.
8. Set up your own online or offline
shop. If you can
make arts and crafts, sell your items on eBay, Etsy or at local craft fairs. You
can also sell baked goods that are wrapped.
With some communication, research, and
creativity, you can take advantage of your time off to learn a new skill or
start a new venture with skills and passions you already have. Have some
fun utilizing your creative ability while making the extra money you need to
make ends meet.
These tough financial times don't have
to be devastating. Use these tips to take advantage of the resources available
to you to reduce the negative impact on your life. You may even look back on
this time as the lucky stroke that pushed you toward success in your new
career!
What are some changes you made if you had a loss in income?
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