Don't stress over the job loss. I lost my job (it must be 3 years ago) and it completely changed my life, in a good way. It made me realize that no pile of money is ever going to make you happy. Family, friends, and chickens will keep you happy. The bills will get paid one way or another. You want to just stop the money bleed right away. Here is what I did:
1. Cancelled my cell phone and switched to prepaid (the kind you buy the card at Walmart or Target) such as StraightTalk, Tracfone, etc. That way if you short money, you just don't use the cell phone that month.
2. Switched my cable to a cheaper plan (actually went from one provider to another).
3. Turned of all those little auto-bill pays like video games, Netflix, etc.
4. Shopped for and got cheaper insurance, even from the same company.
5. Contacted my mortgage company immediately. Some of them like Chase will allow you to take 6 months of no-payments. They just add it to the end of the loan. But you need to do this BEFORE you are going to be late. If you are already late, they may not help.
6. Started clipping coupons. You would be amazed at how many items you can get for under a dollar with double coupons.
7. Applied for unemployment. Even if you don't want it, you paid for it. Plus it will make you qualify to get any medicines you take for free. The drug companies want to help and unemployment insurance qualification is usually enough for them.
And last but not least, take time to relax while you can. Most likely another job will present itself quickly. Use the free time to write that novel you always wanted, or catch up with the family.
I develop apps for mobile phones, iPads, etc. Instead of going to work for yet another corporation (which I cannot stand to do anymore), I found I can work for myself and make enough money. So if technology is your thing, take the time to learn app development. You will have more work then you want.
