Getting control of your personal finances is a vital step in surviving unemployment. Look at your spending habits, and change them if you have to, so you have control over where your money goes.

By following the Action Plan in this and following chapters, you will improve your ability to deal with money problems.

Financial Action Plan

Prepare a Complete Household Budget Worksheet

A budget helps you see where you spend your money and where you can save. Use the household budget worksheet as a guide. Do this together as a family.

Your budget expenses should include:

• Fixed expenses (including mortgage, rent, taxes, insurance, loans, installment payments, credit card payments and any other monthly payments).
• Monthly expenses (such as food, gas, repairs, dues, recreation, prescriptions).
• Future expenses (income/property tax and any other outstanding debts).