Immediately (week of job loss)
Make a list of your monthly expenses, and create a baseline budget, pause or downgrade any subscriptions you can do without.
List cash on hand.
Calculate your cash runway (cash ÷ essentials).
File for unemployment.
Call all lenders (mortgage, student loans, credit cards) and ask about hardship programs, forbearance, or payment plans. Document every agreement.
Pause non-essential subscriptions.
DAYS 3–30
Pull your free credit reports.
Confirm health, life, and disability coverage during the furlough or layoff.
Understand the cost of COBRA.
Explore temporary or part-time work if permitted; check agency or union rules.
Collect key documents (recent pay stubs, TSP statement, benefits summaries) in one folder.
Get written confirmation of hardship terms from all lenders.
DAYS 31–60
Shop for lower rates on auto, home, phone, and internet.
Ask for loyalty or low-income discounts.
Apply for SNAP or Medicaid if eligible.
Consider a 0% balance transfer if your credit is intact.
Apply to at least 3 jobs per week and reach out to 5 contacts per week to network intentionally.
DAYS 61–90
If you’re back to work: Restart your normal budget, catch up on deferred bills, and rebuild your emergency fund.
If you’re still laid off: Keep applying weekly, keep networking, and explore training or certification options. Note what’s working and double down on that.
If you’re separating permanently: Decide whether to keep or roll over your TSP after comparing fees, investment options, and access needs.
WHAT TO AVOID
Payday loans or high-fee cash advances.
Letting health coverage lapse.
Pulling retirement funds before exploring cheaper options.
Missing payments without calling first and documenting hardship.
ABOVE ALL ELSE
Rest. This is a loss. Feel the grief. In a capitalist society, it’s never “just a job.”
Lean on community. Ask for help. Don’t go at this alone.