失业后如何理财

When an unexpected job loss causes you to lose your financial footing, quickly regaining your balance is key to managing your money in the face of uncertainty. 恐惧的感觉, 压力, and helplessness can be overwhelming if you don't take control of the situation quickly. While you can't force a potential employer to immediately add you to their payroll, you can take steps to improve your situation — starting now!

重新定义预算要点

Paying for necessary expenses takes on a whole new meaning when you lose your job. Certain things you couldn't live without now reveal themselves as conveniences rather than essentials. 关注食物的基本要素是明智的, 服装, 和住所, but there's another essential expense you shouldn't ignore. You might be tempted to give it up along with your yard service and unlimited data plan as you prioritize your bills, 但这不是你想要放手的.

不要放弃保险.

The risk of not carrying coverage during a global health pandemic, or anytime, is simply too high. Check with your employer to confirm how you can continue medical coverage through COBRA or consider state or federal options for health insurance.  

首页owners and auto insurance are two other bills you should also continue to pay. Not only is it illegal to drive without insurance on your vehicle in Colorado, 这样做可能会导致巨额罚款. Accidents, natural disasters, and freak occurrences can happen to anyone at any time. 如果你没有保险来帮助你处理这些问题, the costs can be devastating — especially when you don't have a solid stream of income.

关于汽车保险, Collateral Protection Insurance* would likely be placed on your auto loan if you decide to drop your auto insurance. 这将导致更高的贷款支付.

联系你的债权人

Many creditors have financial hardship programs to help consumers who unexpectedly find themselves unemployed. Talk to a representative from each lender where you have an account balance and let them know about your situation. 一些公司可能会提出暂时停止付款, while others may reduce your minimum required payment for a set period. Communicating with your creditors early can help you stay in good standing, 保护你的信用健康的关键是什么.

如果你有科罗拉多信用社的贷款, make sure to contact us if you are facing any financial hardship. We’re here to help you navigate your financial responsibilities, even during tough times.

尽快寻找其他收入来源

第一个, 确认你是否会收到遣散费, which might include extended benefits coverage (non-COBRA), 一次性付款, 或两个. Depending on the circumstances, your company may also assist you with finding another job. Otherwise, you may be able to find alternative sources of income by:

• Contacting your state's unemployment office regarding your eligibly for unemployment benefits 
• Applying for temporary or part-time work to help fill the financial gaps until you secure full-time employment
• Letting friends and family know you're open to new employment opportunities
• 出售你不再需要或使用的物品

While increasing cash flow is your primary 目标, there are a couple of things to remember:

• Certain types of part-time or temporary employment can affect your unemployment benefits. Check your state's unemployment insurance office website or contact them directly for details.
• The penalties for accessing funds in your existing retirement accounts can be substantial. Resist the urge to crack open your retirement nest egg to pay for current expenses.

寻求帮助

There are government programs that may help you pay some of your bills. 一个例子是 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic 安全 (CARES) Act, which provides financial relief for eligible individuals to pay for telephone service, 公用事业公司, 还有医疗保健. 你所在社区的组织, 包括教堂和其他非营利组织, 也可以帮助你支付账单. 许多还提供免费食品储藏室.

动用应急基金

一旦你重新定义了预算, 联系你的债权人, and tapped all available sources of alternative income and financial assistance, 是时候动用你的应急基金了. Financial experts recommend that households save 3 to 6 months of living expenses in an "应急基金" to cover unexpected situations, 比如突然失业. But even if you don't have a fully-funded emergency account, use any amount you have saved rather than paying bills with credit cards and increasing your debt.

Being unemployed — especially when it's unexpected — is 压力ful. Remember that it's a temporary situation, and you will get through it. 当您采取这里描述的步骤时, 你能给紧张的局面带来平静, 哪一种方法能让你更容易找到新工作.

*Please see your Credit Union of Colorado Notice of Requirement to Provide Insurance form for a complete explanation of Collateral Protection Insurance (CPI).