By Joshua Christensen

Unemployment causes all kinds of fears to set in around the idea of whether there will be enough to get by during the job search.  In this post, I’ll share some tips about how to manage your money while searching for your new job.

1. File for Unemployment: Make sure you’ve filed for unemployment to replace at lease a portion of the income you’ve lost.  It’s important to start your budget knowing exactly how much you have available to work with.
2. Determine a Spending Plan: You may not like where you find yourself, but unfortunately, it is where you are.  With any plan, you’ve got to start where you are.  If you need help with writing a budget, I’ve got a free household budget planner on my website.
3. Evaluate Essentials vs Non-Essentials: If your current budget cannot afford your lifestyle, you’ll need to make adjustments.  Some simple things are eating at home, temporarily shutting off the cable, reducing your calling plan on your cell phone and other areas of entertainment spending.  Another area that can be helpful is to contact any creditors to request a hardship forbearance for a few months until you replace your employment. » Read more: Finances: Your Money & Your Job Search