What Is a Recession and How Do I Prepare for One?
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is the organization that decides if the US is in a recession. They define a recession as “a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and lasts more than a few months.” So, what the heck does this mean? In a recession, companies are…
Read MoreShould I drain my emergency savings because of coronavirus?
First off, congratulations for having an emergency fund! Approximately 25% of Americans couldn’t cover an unexpected $400 bill, let alone a month of expenses. To answer the question of whether or not you should drain your emergency fund because of coronavirus, that all depends on your situation. Do you need to drain your emergency fund?…
Read More3 Strategies to Stretch Your Food Dollars
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you may have to stretch a lower income to cover regular expenses. If your income has been reduced or you have had a lot of unexpected expenses, having enough money to feed yourself and your family may be a challenge. Food is a necessity to maintain a healthy life. But…
Read MoreWhat to Do If You Need Help Paying for Prescription Medicines
If you’ve ever been in the situation where you have to decide whether to pay for your prescription or put groceries on the table, you know how scary that can be. What many people don’t know is that there are several programs that can help you pay for those prescriptions. They are called Patient Assistance…
Read More8 Tips for Financial Planning During an Economic Downturn
It’s difficult to create a solid financial plan when the economy is booming. Add an economic downturn and creating a financial plan can seem impossible. Here are eight tips for financial planning during a downturn that can help you stay the course. 1. Be Sure You’re Thinking Clearly It’s easy to give in to panic…
Read MoreHow can I build my skills while I am unemployed?
There are lots of emerging job opportunities that require specific skills. Building those job skills is necessary to fill numerous types of good-paying jobs, especially jobs in the tech industry. But you also need a specific skillset to be an educator, healthcare worker, financial services professional, plumber, or electrician. So, to answer your question, first…
Read MoreHow to Apply for SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (otherwise known as SNAP) is a state-run program. Each state has its own process for applying. You can go to your local SNAP office, or some states even allow you to apply online. If you aren’t sure, you can call the SNAP toll-free information number: 1-800-221-5689. Each state has its…
Read MoreWhat to expect when you apply for unemployment during COVID-19
I’m sorry to hear that you lost your job and now must navigate the challenges of Unemployment Insurance. You may encounter busy phone lines, an inability to speak to a live person, and state unemployment website issues. This will depend on what state you live in and when you filed. Presently over 42 million are…
Read MoreFive Ways to Manage Financial Stress During COVID-19
Even under the best circumstances, most of us deal with financial stress in our daily lives. With the additional stress that has been placed on many individuals and families as a result of COVID-19 from job loss or changes in income, and uncertainty about the future, financial worries are even more common. Dealing with your…
Read MoreIf I receive unemployment insurance, are my benefits taxable?
Unemployment benefits are taxable income. They are subject to federal and state taxes (if your state taxes income). You can choose to withhold 10% in federal taxes from your benefits by completing a W-4V and giving the form to your unemployment office. Some states automatically withhold taxes; some states do not. Go to your state’s…
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