financial planning for this situation...

[Anonymous]

DH just got laid off, we will be okay for about a year on my salary and savings we think. other than apply for unemployment, start networking and cutting the budget any other advice from those that have been in this position? we are kind of stressed, tia...

[Anonymous]

same situation for us, started 3 months ago. still have severence pay coming. the biggest issue is-- so hard to predict when he will get a job. could me next month, could be a year. we cut out some vacations and eating out, but don't want to cut too much. it is just too depressing already, so really don't want to cut kids activities or a little fun. i really don't want to eat into emergency savings, even though i guess this is what it is for.

[Anonymous]

Not sure what field he's in, but if it's law, the career and hr gurus suggest hitting the job search full throttle ASAP as opposed to grieving and taking a little time before searching. And networking should be very proactive and aggressive.

I would eliminate things like cleaning service, yard service, etc. I would cut back wherever possible even if you don't have to because the last thing you need is the stress of really worrying about money.

Best of luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Depends on what his job prospects are - and new salary prospects are. This is what the 3-6 month emergency fund is for.

If job prospects are good, then cut back a little. If he's in a highly specialized field and not many jobs are out there at his former salary, then I'd cut back a lot. Adjust as you go and get feedback from potential employers.

[Anonymous]

Just don't shop at Whole Foods, unless you have to.

Have designated days/week to eat out, and stick to that plan.

Plan dinners, make a grocery list and stick to it.

Plan meals around what is one sale at your main grocery store.

No "frivolous" shopping. And when you do need clothes, go to a store like TJ Maxx or Marshall's.

Coupon: for example, I have not paid full price for laundry detergent, dish soap, toothpaste, shampoo, or conditioner for a year.... since I started couponing. This morning, I went to CVS and bought a Colgate toothpaste, mouthwash, and toothpaste, and Pantene shampoo and conditioner... for $5.13 TOTAL. Plus, got $5 in Extrabucks to use toward my next purchase.

No more coffee shops.... make coffee at home for a fraction of the cost.

Take water/snacks in the car so you don't eat out. I use my cooler every day.

Get a reusable water bottle for everyone in your family.

GROUPON... I love this concept and the website. Its how we're doing a lot of fun stuff with the kids this summer. (i.e. water parks, restaurants, boat rides, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Just don't shop at Whole Foods, unless you have to.

Have designated days/week to eat out, and stick to that plan.

Plan dinners, make a grocery list and stick to it.

Plan meals around what is one sale at your main grocery store.

No "frivolous" shopping. And when you do need clothes, go to a store like TJ Maxx or Marshall's.

Coupon: for example, I have not paid full price for laundry detergent, dish soap, toothpaste, shampoo, or conditioner for a year.... since I started couponing. This morning, I went to CVS and bought a Colgate toothpaste, mouthwash, and toothpaste, and Pantene shampoo and conditioner... for $5.13 TOTAL. Plus, got $5 in Extrabucks to use toward my next purchase. I don't have time to do this at all the stores, so I stick to the two where I do the most shopping: at Harris Teeter and CVS.

No more coffee shops.... make coffee at home for a fraction of the cost.

Take water/snacks in the car so you don't eat out. I use my cooler every day.

Get a reusable water bottle for everyone in your family.

GROUPON... I love this concept and the website. Its how we're doing a lot of fun stuff with the kids this summer. (i.e. water parks, restaurants, boat rides, etc.).

Good luck to you.