top of page
PWM-wo-Tag-Final.jpg

Five things to do if you just lost your job.

  • Writer: Jim Parks, CFP, AIF
    Jim Parks, CFP, AIF
  • Apr 21, 2020
  • 2 min read

During the past four weeks, 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits. It’s an enormous number that reflects the staggering magnitude of job losses due to the coronavirus.

Job loss is painful in any circumstances. It’s particularly intimidating when it occurs in the midst of a pandemic and economic downturn. If you are recently unemployed, here are five things you can do:

1. Review your health insurance options. You may have the option to keep your employee health plan for a period of time. It’s temporary and it can be expensive. You pay the entire premium, including the amount your employer used to pay. It may be less expensive to join a spouse’s plan, if that is an option. Another alternative is to purchase a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Losing a job qualifies you for a special enrollment period.

2. Get financial advice. We’ll help you evaluate your financial position by reviewing monthly expenditures and available cash, so you know how long you can make ends meet with current financial resources.

3. It may be possible to reduce monthly spending relatively quickly. Banks, credit card companies, and other institutions are allowing customers who call to defer payments because of COVID-19 shutdowns.

4. File for unemployment benefits. Ratchet up your patience. State unemployment benefit systems have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of applicants. Completing online forms and filing for weekly payments can take a significant amount of time, so file as soon as you can and be patient.

5. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Revamp your resume. Polish your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your profile is ‘public’ so people can find you. Join groups that share your interests and passions. Learn more about companies you may want to join.

6. Reach out. Start connecting with friends and colleagues. Let them know you are looking for your next opportunity.

Consider doing volunteer work or freelancing until you find a new position. Work of any kind will help you stay busy during the times you’re not hunting for a new job.

 
 
 

Comments


Legal 

No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Diversification does not protect against market risk. Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss.

 

All content is developed from sources that are believed to provide accurate information. The information provided in these materials is not intended to be tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and the materials provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

Five Star Professional Wealth Manager Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2012-2024 Five Star Wealth Managers.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor. Private Advisor Group and Parks Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial. 

The LPL Financial representative associated with this website may discuss and/or transact securities business only with residents of the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV.

Contact

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn Social Icon
  • LinkedIn Social Icon

Parks Wealth Management

 

Office: (201) 689-2020

Fax:(201) 689-6850

 

148 Prospect Street
Second Floor 
Ridgewood, NJ 07450

info@parkswm.com

Check the background of this firm on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

LPL Financial Form CRS

bottom of page