Losing your job can be overwhelming, emotionally and financially. Whether you were given notice or it was completely unexpected, a layoff can leave you scrambling to cover your bills and figure out your next steps. While it’s a stressful time, there are some key moves you can make to regain stability and protect your financial future.

1. File for Unemployment Immediately

Don’t wait — apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. While unemployment likely won’t replace your full paycheck, it can help keep you afloat while you search for your next opportunity.

Every state has different requirements and processes, so head to dol.gov to find the correct resources for your location. If you qualify, consider having taxes withheld from your unemployment checks to avoid an unexpected tax bill later.

2. Evaluate and Adjust Your Budget

Now is the time to review your spending and cut any unnecessary expenses. If you haven’t been using a budget, create one now and prioritize essentials like housing, food, and utilities. Try to avoid relying on credit cards to cover the gap, as debt can add up quickly.

Use First Financial’s Home Budget Calculator to help map out a clear spending plan based on your new financial situation.

3. Review Health Insurance Options

If your health insurance is still active through your former employer, schedule any overdue doctor or dental appointments as soon as possible – as health coverage typically ends shortly after a layoff. Begin researching health insurance options through COBRA, your state’s healthcare marketplace, or look into temporary health coverage plans to avoid going uninsured.

4. Consolidation Debt

If you have high-interest credit card debt, it can quickly spiral out of control without a steady income. Look into consolidation loans to combine debt and reduce your monthly payments.

Our Consolidation Loans offer fixed payments, flexible terms, and no pre-payment penalties, making it easier to manage your obligations during a difficult time.* Once you consolidate, stop using credit cards, stick to your updated budget, and only buy what you have the money to pay for or that is an absolute necessity.

5. Pause Discretionary Spending

While it’s important to maintain some normalcy, this isn’t the time for splurging. Cut back on non-essentials like subscription services, dining out, buying new apparel, and entertainment. Instead, try home-cooked meals and budget-friendly activities to keep your costs low. Not knowing how long a layoff will last, means your safest bet is to cut expenses wherever possible until you have stable income again.

6. Save Your Severance Package

If you receive severance pay, try to deposit as much as possible into a high-yield savings account and use it only for essential bills. It may be tempting to use the money for comfort purchases or to maintain your old lifestyle, but it’s smarter to stretch it out as long as you can. Your severance package may also include extended health benefits, outplacement services, or payment for unused vacation or sick days.

Navigating a Layoff with First Financial

While losing a job is never easy, having a plan in place can help you regain control of your finances. At First Financial, we’re here to support you during life’s unpredictable moments. Call us at 732.312.1500, visit your local branch, or explore our financial wellness resources online.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate will vary based on creditworthiness and loan term. Subject to credit approval. Personal Loan repayment terms range from 12 to 60 months, and APRs range from 10.24% APR to 18% APR. Minimum loan amount is $500. Loan payment example: A $2,000 Personal or Consolidation Loan financed at 10.24% APR for 24 months, would have a monthly payment amount of $92.51. A First Financial Federal Credit Union membership is required to obtain a Personal Loan or Line of Credit, and is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan.