Merry Laid-Off Christmas

December 22nd, 2016 at 02:52 am

Hello SA-ers!

It's time for me to return to scrupulous savings since two weeks ago my DH got his notice. His company has outsourced 100 of their local contractor jobs to India, and they've undergone massive belt-tightening. It's time for us to do the same. Tomorrow is his last day, and prospects are neither merry nor bright.

On balance, with some juggling and budgeting we can manage on my income for a while without withdrawing money from savings. We are mortgage-free, and I've just paid the property taxes. We don't have a car payment either, but our nasty scenario would be to have to replace one of our aging cars.

Our health insurance is from my job, so that's covered. We are trying to figure out unemployment since neither of us has ever filed for it. I have a full teaching load for spring (Hallelujah!) unlike some of my colleagues. I just finished my adjunct class, so they still owe me for a month there. Another adjunct class begins in March. I've already started to drive DD and DH crazy turning down the heat, but that's going to be the drill. Christmas will proceed as usual, but it's going to be leaner but still lovely. And yeah, I have Swagbucks videos running in the background. :-)

Any advice is welcome.

Posted in No-Spend Days | 22 Comments »

22 Responses to “Merry Laid-Off Christmas”

creditcardfree Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 04:05 am 1482379509
1482379509

I"m so sorry to hear this, MEC! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Swagbucks, eBay, part time gigs, cancel extra services, watch sale ads and plan meals around those, borrow things from friends rather than buy...ect. I know you can do this!
MonkeyMama Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 04:13 am 1482379991
1482379991

Sorry to hear the news.

If spouse is unemployed, do you need two vehicles? Or would it make more sense to purchase a more used/inexpensive car that can be shared with your daughter? These were all the things we talked through on a single income; just having a game plan with more limited cash flow.

I'd also consider changing tax withholding to increase cash flow. I presume that taxes are considerably lower without the second income?
snafu Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 04:49 am 1482382155
1482382155

So sorry DH's job has been contracted to India. You have a plan and your frugal ways will serve you well while DH reviews his skill sets and chooses other areas to explore for work. The research says most jobs are found by referral from family and friends so it's important to contact as many people as possible to let them know DH's company has outsourced jobs. If there are any courses to help with job search or network opportunities DH might enjoy the challenge.

I suggest he devote time to learning the rules of entitlement to Unemployment. Will he stay in contact with others from that organization? How many weeks until eligible [vacation pay or other benefits affect start date, how many weeks of benefit are currently in effect? How many applications/resumes/personal visits to understand possible future openings meet the requirements required of applicants? The rules are specific and they can deny benefits based on the tiniest infraction. Ignorance of the statues is not an extenuating circumstance.

Can DH audit courses of interest based on your contract?

Could DD be persuaded or bribed to research 'frugal ideas' for new ideas that help make dollars so further? I started making laundry detergent as a challenge and since it works better than Tide, and reduces costs, I've stuck with the outline You Tube version for example. Our house management binder has pages referred to regularly using vinegar and baking soda to solve a myriad of problems.
Sending positive vibes and foreign support for an excellent outcome.
Tabs Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 07:26 am 1482391588
1482391588

Yikes, that's terrible. Sorry to hear that. Hope your holidays are still pleasant otherwise.
scottish girl Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 09:32 am 1482399154
1482399154

Sorry to hear this. I've found some other frugal blogs recently which might help:
http://www.thriftylesley.com/meal-plans/
https://eatnotspend.wordpress.com

Check your utilities to make sure you're getting the best deal too!
Laura S. Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:59 am 1482407974
1482407974

Sorry to hear it, especially this time of year. I am glad to know you still have income and savings though!
VS_ozgirl Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:03 pm 1482408227
1482408227

I'm so very sorry to hear this! When my DH was off work and money was scarce, we instantly cut unnecessary expenses and only got the bare essentials. Because you're frugal you probably don't have gym memberships or anything like that, but definitely analyse your bills to ensure you're getting the best possible deal. I did clean with baking soda and vinegar.. And pretty much only cooked bulk meals to stretch the $$$ further. Best of luck that DH lands something soon! Please try to enjoy Christmas as best you can.
Carol Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:11 pm 1482408707
1482408707

So sorry to hear this horrible news. Sometimes companies educate laid off employees about how to do unemployment etc.Hubby should go to H. R. Or whatever his comlany offers. Bogelheads ( an internet forum on investing) has given good advice to others in similar circumstances. Sending you hugs and very best wishes.
househopeful Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 03:33 pm 1482420837
1482420837

So sorry to hear this. Definitely call the unemployment office/visit the website to get the initial how-tos. Start immediately as it can be a timely process. Was he given any sort of severance?

Bare-bones budgeting will take some getting used to, but you can definitely do it. Also, with all the facebook sales sites, etc, selling items you no longer need may help out a lot. Books, clothes, household items that are just collecting dust. That might be something your DH or DD could be in charge of. I made roughly $436 this year doing that and it was very infrequent.
CB in the City Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 04:50 pm 1482425456
1482425456

I'm so sorry, and it's such a shame that it happened at this time of year. I have found, however, that adversity often makes you appreciate your blessings more, so I trust that it will still be a lovely Christmas for you. I will be with you in the New Year, tightening my belt. My only advice is to be super-mindful of every little savings you can make. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.
My English Castle Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 06:42 pm 1482432171
1482432171

Thanks, People! I missed you all in the flurry of last semester. I spent an hour last night doing online FSA reimbursements and collecting some money owed to me for textbook reviews. We also dumped all the Chase points against the credit card bill. I do think we still need two cars; they're aging but reliable so far. However we should look at the insurance coverage on them both. Thanks, MM, for reminding me about the withholding. If it's more than a few weeks, I will adjust mine.

He got no severance; no one did. And less than two weeks' notice since they counted tomorrow. I am indeed happy we have no debt and he's working on the unemployment comp details now. Snafu is right too about refreshing his skills on more current software. It seems all of those classes are available on line. As sad as I am not to be in London this spring, long-time readers will remember that the university had me on half salary then, so this is the best spring for this to happen. I do look forward to a declutterfest. We will have a great Christmas. I am confident and not horribly worried.
Kiki Says:
December 22nd, 2016 at 09:41 pm 1482442888
1482442888

I am so sorry to hear this news. May your holidays still be filled with joy.
FrugalTexan75 Says:
December 23rd, 2016 at 12:29 am 1482452960
1482452960

What a rotten thing to happen. I don't know if your DH is into writing or tutoring, but there may be some things on this list to look into:

http://www.frugalforless.com/35-work-from-home-gigs-that-pay-you-once-a-week-or-daily/
LuckyRobin Says:
December 23rd, 2016 at 12:33 am 1482453183
1482453183

Most states now have you filing for unemployment online. Do file immediately. You have to be unemployed for 2 weeks before you even qualify to receive benefits, so get your ticker counting. Your husband will have to apply for 2 qualifying jobs each week and submit documentation that he has. He cannot go to school during the time he receives unemployment as that could interfere with him accepting a job. If he is offered a job and he turns it down it will disqualify him for unemployment so he needs to be applying for jobs he would actually take, not just some random job to meet the 2 applications a week. If he receives any income from anything it must be reported and will be subtracted from benefits paid out. There's a lot of fine print. Make sure you read it all. Good luck. We're 4 months in to DH being unemployed and it isn't easy, but we are managing.
alice4now Says:
December 23rd, 2016 at 05:41 am 1482471666
1482471666

Ugh, sorry to hear about DH's job. Sounds like you are keeping positive, though, and being proactive on moving forward. Have a wonderful Christmas and count your blessings, best of luck to DH in the hunt for future employment.
ThriftoRama Says:
December 23rd, 2016 at 02:54 pm 1482504876
1482504876

Hugs. So sorry to hear this and especially this time of year.
Bluebird Says:
December 24th, 2016 at 12:23 am 1482539018
1482539018

Hi MEC, so sorry to hear of DH's notice. You always do such a great job managing your finances, I know you'll be just fine!
scfr Says:
December 24th, 2016 at 02:15 am 1482545746
1482545746

I'm so sorry to hear about the layoff. It sounds like you are getting a good plan in place to deal with a difficult situation.
rob62521 Says:
December 24th, 2016 at 08:33 pm 1482611603
1482611603

So sorry about the layoff.
NJDebbie Says:
December 28th, 2016 at 03:48 am 1482896916
1482896916

😳I am so sorry about your husband losing his job
starfishy Says:
December 29th, 2016 at 05:58 am 1482991113
1482991113

sorry to hear this news! thankfully you already have frugal skills that you can put right to work. good luck to you and to your husband in finding a new path.
livingalmostlarge Says:
December 29th, 2016 at 07:01 pm 1483038065
1483038065

So sorry to hear the news.

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Merry Laid-Off Christmas

22 Responses to “Merry Laid-Off Christmas”

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