by Kimberly J Johnson

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 04, 2009

Many people are finding themselves unexpectedly unemployed. Unfortunately, many are so shocked that they fail to put a financial game plan into place until it's too late. Although it will take a drastic change in lifestyle, you can survive on unemployment income. Below are some tips that will make sure that you aren't going more into debt during your period of unemployment.

Food & Groceries

You should no longer shopping like usual. Buy only the bare minimum, just like a broke college student. There's a reason why Ramen noodles are so cheap. Use coupons. You have plenty of time to cut and sort them, so do not buy anything you don't have a coupon for. Ask your friends and neighbors for theirs if they don't use them. Drink water, it's free. Before going to the grocery store, look at what you already have. You could probably eat for a month just on what's in your pantry and freezer. For suggestions, go to www.recipematcher.com and enter ingredients you have and it will provide you with recipes for them.

Lights and Appliances

Turn off all lights and electrical devices when you are not using them.

If you're not in a room, the light should be off. Even when you are in a room, many times you don't need the light on. If your bathroom has a window, you don't need a light to shower unless it's night. Also, since it stays light until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. during the summer and early fall, you don't need to turn lights on in the living room, den, kitchen, etc.

Do not watch television all day just because your home now. It should be off for most of the day. Remember that if it is usually off when you are at work, your bill will be higher now if it's on.

Your computer will need to be on as you search for jobs and update your resume. However, shut it off if you are going to be away from it for more than 30 minutes (i.e. lunch, exercise, working in the yard, etc).

Unplug any appliance you aren't using. Ones that are used frequently should be on a power strip that can be turned off when not in use.

Eliminate Bills

Go over all of your bills with a fine tooth comb. Eliminate the ones you can temporarily do with out and find ways to reduce the others.

Things to stop completely, Netflix, gym memberships, lawn service, cleaning service. Also if one spouse is home, you can also stop daycare during unemployment because one parent is now home.

If the only thing that runs on gas is your furnace/heating system, call up your gas company and see if you can have them shut off the gas during

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