Husband Got Laid Off....HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Updated on January 17, 2009
A.H. asks from Allen, TX
7 answers

My husband got laid off yesterday and I just recently returned to work from my maternity leave. We practically wiped out our savings due to my leave. We have no savings. From my earnings (which is not much) we still have to pay mortgage, loan, medical expenses and credit card bills. I cut back and lowered our interest rates from the time I was on maternity leave, so there is nothing else I can cut back on.
What do we do? His health insurance and the kids insurance was from his work (mine is way too expensive). The thing is I don’t think we can qualify for medicade, I don’t think we are in poverty line yet?!
Please help and send away as many suggestions as you can on how we can get through this, thank you!

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

I don't have any real advice for the bills, but as for insurance, look into the CHIP program. It's for children whose parents make too much to qualify for medicaid but still don't make much. At least your children can be insured, which is always important.

Good luck to you and your family!

1 mom found this helpful

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

A.,
So sorry to hear that.
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B.B.

answers from Dallas on

I'm a Feng Shui consultant, which is a Chinese philosophy that helps you to interpret what your environment is telling you. Here's a couple of simple things that you can do to change up the energy in the home:
- Clean everything. Even under the furniture, inside the refrigerator, vacuum the drapes, etc.
- Clear out the clutter. Stuck energy in piles and things that you don't need are stopping new job prospects from coming your way.
- Sell that excess clutter on Craig's List, Ebay, or a garage sale. It may not be much, but it'll help.
- Write your intentions on small slips of paper and place them in a silver box or an aluminum foil envelope. Place these positively written requests in the left front corner of your home.
- Focus on what you WANT, not what you DON'T WANT. Be open to receiving your new job situation in whatever form it takes.
- Look at the far right hand corner of your home. This is the Wealth section, and needs vertical, wooden items there. Bamboo is great, so is a water fountain.
- Above all, watch the self-talk. Don't put yourself down, say constant prayers of gratitude for all of the good in your life, and anticipate the wonderful opportunities that are already on their way to you and your family! Good luck!

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

Hi A.-
So sorry to hear that! I would call the mortgage company and the creditors and let them know what is going on. They ususally are willing to work with you if you at least pay something. For the medical expenses, I would just start paying what you can even if it is only $5.00 a month. They can take what they get until you get back on your feet.

I dont know what your husband does,and if he would be willing to do this, but my friend just got a night job at Wal-mart. It pays $10.00 an hour. Not too bad for Wal-mart. You mentioned you are back to work. Who is babysitting the kids now?? Maybe he can stay home with them during the day and save on daycare and then work nights for awhile. It may not be the $$ he was making before. However, it is better than no money at all. He could do that just until he finds the right job. When I did not have insurance,my Dr gave me a discount and free samples. So maybe yours will be helpful in that way too.
Good luck and take care!

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I'm sorry to hear about your new situation. My hubby is a numbers man and we go into great detail with our planning, savings, daughter's funds, etc. He has given me a list of things to do if something were to happen to him and the 1 thing I listed below is on the top of the list.

One thing we feel is important for anyone with a major life change just yas you've had is.....DO NOT make any drastic decisions right away. Give yourself time to let the news soak in and think about your options objectively and not emotionally.

With all due respect to MLM'rs, this is not the time to be investing in a program where you are having to sell something and sign people up where the person or person's who sign you up will get the first benefit before you see anything. Most of these opportunities require an investment. You need to put your $ elsewhere right now so that ALL you have can work for YOU.

Your husband needs you for support emotionally. Be his cheerleader and try to help keep his spirits up. I can't imagine how hard this is, especially for so many families right now.

The idea of your hubby watching the children is a good one because that could cut back on child care $$ plus give him some quality time with his children. He would need some type of care for them so he can interview.

As far as him getting a job in his field right away, I hope that is the case, however, a lot of people have to take jobs that they are not crazy about for benefits such as insurance.

Hopefully, your hubby got some severence and the COBRA option. By law you are supposed to have the option to have COBRA insurance. The COBRA insurance is very pricey. We just did 3 months of it for our family of 3 in great health in the midst of a change and it was $1500 a month.

I am not familiar with the CHIP program, that might be a good option. I feel that insurance is something you do not need to skimp on even if you get the bare minimum.

He should also be eligible for unemployment. Go to the office and file for it. Every little bit helps...

Just because you cut back rates with some companies before does not mean do not ask again. Your circumstances have changed. You never know what you might be able to work out until you ask. I would not be late on any payments and if you see that you are, call the company first.

Lastly......DO NOT run up credit card bills, lines of credit, etc. That will only put you in a never ending cycle of debt.

Best wishes to you..

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J.J.

answers from Dallas on

Unfortunately I am hearing this type of thing a lot lately. First of all, keep the faith. Don't let him get discouraged, and keep looking around for something. There are still good jobs out there! He may have to take a step down, but in this economy a job is a job. At the very least he may want to take any old thing just to have insurance - even something like retail sales or something. A little money and decent insurance will help you get through till he finds what he is looking for. What industry was he in? I know my husband's company is currently hiring mid-high level financial and accounting people with good experience. You should also call your car insurance company and tell them he is no longer working. That will cut your insurance a little because they charge more for vehicles used in a daily commute - it won't be much, but every bit helps. Good luck.

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M.W.

answers from Dallas on

I know exactly how you feel...my husband was laid off last week. I wish I could offer up so advice, but right now we are just taking things one day at a time.
Try to keep in mind that God is your provider, not your husband's company!! I know its hard, but that has really helped me.
I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!
Michaela

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