Financial Help for the Unemployed

In America right now, there is over nine percent of the country that is no longer working. That means huge issues for millions of families across the nation. How are they making ends meet?Finances for those who are unemployed are always the number one stressor, but there are things that can be done to help. First, searching for a job at any time possible is going to make things a lot easier. You are more likely to finally get your opportunity if you put in five days a week to your work search, versus someone only putting in one day a week. Your chances get higher. With that out of the way, it is time to take a look at the actual finances for someone who is no longer receiving their monthly income.Take a look at all the expenses and how much it totals out for the month. Much like a budget, getting all of your credits and debits in order can help you map out what you are going to do, or how much money you need to get to survive. Governmental programs and financial help for unemployed  can help you with things like groceries, child care, and sometimes rental payments. Start looking over your list of monthly payments carefully. Is there anything you can change? Consider lowering your phone plan to only what is necessary. In this situation, you really must talk to a potential employer, but any friends or family members can just stop by instead. Cutting off payments for additional minutes that you never use, data charges that you were only using out of boredom, and even ringtones can be eliminated. This can reduce your monthly bill by about ten percent.Next you can take a look at your utilities. Did you know electricity providers charge you by what you have plugged in, not what you have turned on? Many people regularly switch off their breakers in the house when they know they will be out for extended periods of time. In addition to that, most of us forget to unplug appliances or accessories after we use them, or leave everything plugged in all the time just in case we need them – This can really hurt the electricity bill. Cable is also something we all seem to forget. In the day of technology, many want the newest phones, and the best things, we forget that what we have are luxuries and not necessities. Consider cancelling or suspending your cable plan until you know you will have ample funds to afford the extra payment each month.Try consolidating your payments. Providers offer discounts for combinations, such as getting your phone and internet in the same plan, or bundling your car and home insurance. This will also help you minimize your list of payments each month. While you are going through the process of eliminating unnecessary payments, consider how much you are paying each month to maintain your credit. This is still very important to maintain, because it will help you later on when you are more stable. Some credit card companies will put off your payments if you have recently lost a job, and healthcare organizations can make adjustments to bills.Once you have stripped down all of your expenses, you will have a little more time to put all of your efforts into finding a job and making money again. Times are hard on millions, but there are resources available for those in need. Talk to your utility providers and see if there are options available- often you will find certain options that just have not been disclosed before. This can help your finances while you are unemployed, as well as to maintain you credit.