What is the first thing you do when you when you realize that there is a possibility that you might lose your job? You do what you should have done long ago – be financially responsible. For one reason or other, not many people are able to establish a robust rainy-day fund. If you are one of many without any such fund or escape route, it’s time to realize that there will be no bigger wake-up call.
The first thing you need to do is starting spending less, and when you do spend, spend responsibly. If you want to have pizza, have pizza. No issue. If you want to go watch a movie, go ahead. Again, not an issue. But what you don’t want to do is go on an ill-timed shopping spree at Hugo Boss. You get the idea – spend less, spend smart.
Next up, you need to come up with a plan to save a proportion of your upcoming paychecks. Even if you already have saved up some money, you can’t rest on your laurels. Instead, what you should do is to look for smart ways to invest that money. Perhaps a money market fund or a savings account at a bank would help preserve this rainy-day fund of yours. Make sure it’s liquid and easily accessible in time of need.
So far, you are advised to spend less, save more, and invest your savings smartly. However, perhaps the most important step of all is to draft a plan. If you have been living without a budget so far, it’s time for things to change. Note down every source of income you can tap, as well as every single expense. Next, prioritize and decide which of the expenses you can do without. Make sure to have only the very necessary expenses on the list. If you can defer some expenses, do so. This will maximize the amount going to your savings and that’s what’s important here. Having devised a plan, you will get a clearer idea of how much money you have and you will have, and areas certain portions of that money would be allocated towards.
However, having exhausted all the possible ways in which you can secure your boat for the rough tide, there is still a possibility you might not be able to fill all holes. Take example of the recent financial crisis and how many families prepared for the aftermath only to find out that the crisis was way bigger than their wildest imaginations. So, having done all you can do to safeguard your position, perhaps it’s time to consider the ‘lights out’ plan or simply put, the contingency plan. It’s good to hope for the best, but you know what’s better? Preparing for the worst. Lucky for you, there is still a way to weather the storm.
Even if you are without a job and a so-so credit history, there is still hope for you to start fresh and take control. You can finally put that business dream into a reality. Many lenders are attempting to specialize in loans aimed at individuals in similar problematic situations, but few come close to what First American Merchant has accomplished with their bad credit business cash advance options. Perhaps it’s time you believe in your ability to be your own boss and start your own business.