What should I do to budget if I’m on unemployment?
I’m sorry to hear you are unemployed. I know for many people it has been very difficult to access unemployment benefits since the CARES Act was enacted in March 2020. On top of that, the extra $600 per month payout ended July 31, 2020. So, congratulations on breaking through the red tape. You finally have the money in your hands that you needed to pay your bills and possibly build some savings.
Whenever you have income and you want to control where your money is going, I recommend a financial plan. Set goals that are SMART: Specific Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-specific. To help achieve your smart goal(s) create a spending plan to understand what you have coming in (income) and going out (expenses). Pay yourself first at least 10% of the income and put it into building emergency savings. If you have more of a surplus after meeting your financial obligations, save even more. By using this method, you can meet your current monthly obligations and save for the future.
Hopefully, you can continue this strategy once you are re-employed sometime soon. I wish you nothing but the best in the future.
Carl Windom is a Navy veteran, retired bank examiner, Accredited Financial Counselor, Financial Fitness Coach, and Personal Financial Counselor and Manager for the Department of Defense with over 30 years of experience. Growing up in New York City and witnessing poverty firsthand inspired him to learn more about money. Carl is passionate about giving back to his community with financial education so all people not only dream about a better financial future, but actually achieve that dream.