Top 5 Ways to Budget After a Layoff

 A hand inserts a coin into a light blue piggy bank on a wooden table, with a person in the background using a calculator, symbolizing budgeting and saving.

Losing a job can be a stressful and challenging experience, but it’s important to take control of your finances and create a budget to help navigate this difficult time. Here are some tips to help you budget after a layoff:

  1. Assess your financial situation: Take stock of your savings, expenses, and any severance pay or unemployment benefits you may be eligible for. This will help you understand how long you can sustain your current lifestyle and what changes you may need to make.
  2. Prioritize your expenses: Make a list of your essential expenses, such as housing, food, and utilities, and prioritize them over non-essential expenses like entertainment and dining out. This can help you stretch your budget further.
  3. Reduce your spending: Look for ways to reduce spending, such as cutting back on subscriptions, negotiating bills, or finding cheaper alternatives for goods and services.
  4. Create a budget: Based on your assessment of your financial situation and prioritized expenses, create a budget that helps you live within your means while you look for new employment.
  5. Stick to your budget: It’s important to stick to your budget and track your spending to ensure that you’re staying on track. This will help you avoid overspending and accumulating debt.

Remember, a layoff is a temporary setback, and with careful budgeting and financial planning, you can weather this storm and emerge stronger on the other side. With the right approach, you can find a new job and get back on track.

Tips for Finding a New Job After a Layoff

  • Update your resume and cover letter: Make sure your resume and cover letter are up to date and highlight your skills and experience.
  • Network: Reach out to your professional network on LinkedIn and let them know you’re looking for a new job! They may be able to provide leads or referrals.
  • Work with a staffing company like Express Employment Professionals, Specialized Recruiting Group, or Express Healthcare Staffing.
  • Stay positive: Job searching can be a challenging and frustrating process, but it’s important to stay positive and keep trying.

Need help looking for your next job opportunity? Let us help! 

About Express 

Express Employment International supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and affiliated brands, including Specialized Recruiting Group and Express Healthcare Staffing. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

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Last Updated on September 23, 2025