Immediate
- File for unemployment as soon as possible if eligible.
- List essential expenses (housing, utilities, food, insurance, minimum debt).
- Pause or reduce nonessential spending and subscriptions.
Debt and bills
- Contact lenders and servicers; ask for forbearance, deferment, or payment plans.
- Prioritize keeping housing and utilities; then minimums on debt.
- Avoid using retirement savings if you can; explore other options first.
While you look
- Use emergency fund if you have one; replenish when employed again.
- Consider COBRA or marketplace health insurance; compare cost and coverage.
- Keep a simple budget and track every dollar until income is stable again.