Job Loss: Opportunity For Change (Part 1)
Getting Your Financial House In Order
Being unemployed can be painful, scary and very stressful. It can also be an opportunity for you to make some changes in your life that you have been wanting to make.
If you find yourself unemployed, now is the time to get your financial house in order.
Talk With Human Resource.
Depending on the company size of your former employer, the person you will need to speak with will be either your local or corporate HR Manager. If you worked for a smaller company, the person you will need to speak with would most likely be the owner or operations manager. If you are able, have this conversation in person. If you can not meet face to face, then telephone HR or send an e-mail specifically outlining your questions and concerns. Discuss payments that may be owed to you as well as insurance options: i.e. unused holiday or sick pay, severance pay, stock options, COBRA (extended medical insurance). Be upbeat and professional. Resist the temptation to vent or criticize your former boss or co-workers. Be sure to leave a positive impression with the HR Manager, in case you are able to use her as a reference later.
Apply Early For Unemployment Insurance.
Even if you feel that you will be re-employed soon - don't risk burning through your savings or other resources. Immediately apply for unemployment. If you quit or were terminated, you may still be eligible for benefits. Some states will even let you collect benefits while you start a new business, go back to school or get training for a new career. Locate the nearest unemployment office in your state.
Review Your Current Debts.
Gather up all of your bills. Know what you owe, who you owe and when you owe it.
Contact Your Creditors.
Phone your creditors and let them know that you are currently unemployed. Discuss temporary payment options: i.e. reduced monthly payments, changing due dates, waiver of interest/late fees or maybe even refinancing. I know that it can be intimidating to contact creditors, but remember most creditors are willing to work with you. You are in a much better position if you contact them first. Just be honest with them and yourself. If you are in debt, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or visit your local library for books on managing debt. You may also find Debtors Anonymous to be a supportive resource. *** Be cautious of credit repair or debt consolidation companies, who often prey on seniors, students and people with lower incomes.
Read More...
http://powerfullivingcorp.com/blog/JobLoss...
Being unemployed can be painful, scary and very stressful. It can also be an opportunity for you to make some changes in your life that you have been wanting to make.
If you find yourself unemployed, now is the time to get your financial house in order.
Talk With Human Resource.
Depending on the company size of your former employer, the person you will need to speak with will be either your local or corporate HR Manager. If you worked for a smaller company, the person you will need to speak with would most likely be the owner or operations manager. If you are able, have this conversation in person. If you can not meet face to face, then telephone HR or send an e-mail specifically outlining your questions and concerns. Discuss payments that may be owed to you as well as insurance options: i.e. unused holiday or sick pay, severance pay, stock options, COBRA (extended medical insurance). Be upbeat and professional. Resist the temptation to vent or criticize your former boss or co-workers. Be sure to leave a positive impression with the HR Manager, in case you are able to use her as a reference later.
Apply Early For Unemployment Insurance.
Even if you feel that you will be re-employed soon - don't risk burning through your savings or other resources. Immediately apply for unemployment. If you quit or were terminated, you may still be eligible for benefits. Some states will even let you collect benefits while you start a new business, go back to school or get training for a new career. Locate the nearest unemployment office in your state.
Review Your Current Debts.
Gather up all of your bills. Know what you owe, who you owe and when you owe it.
Contact Your Creditors.
Phone your creditors and let them know that you are currently unemployed. Discuss temporary payment options: i.e. reduced monthly payments, changing due dates, waiver of interest/late fees or maybe even refinancing. I know that it can be intimidating to contact creditors, but remember most creditors are willing to work with you. You are in a much better position if you contact them first. Just be honest with them and yourself. If you are in debt, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or visit your local library for books on managing debt. You may also find Debtors Anonymous to be a supportive resource. *** Be cautious of credit repair or debt consolidation companies, who often prey on seniors, students and people with lower incomes.
Read More...
http://powerfullivingcorp.com/blog/JobLoss...
