Unemployment is tough, but you can make it

My wife and I have been living on unemployment now for several months. Each day starts with the checking what web sites we think are valuable. CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com have shown some promise, as the Athenswantedads.com have too, but if you have done this for a while, nothing is working well.

We are going to run out of the weekly payment and we're not sure what will happen next. One argument I have with the current system is that is does not allow me to earn money while I receive the payment. Here is what I mean: I believe that since the formula that determines how much you receive is based on what you have earned before, then the law should allow you to earn that same amount without losing the UI payment. I know the UI is paid into a fund by your employers, but it does not allow you to maintain your past standard of living and it does not reward someone who will take on a part time job to help themselves.

This can be accomplished by a change in the Federal law. That can be changed by our Congressman, so find out who that is and write them to HELP!!  I am going through that now and I know, have served with in the Georgia Legislature, Lynn Westmoreland, Tom Price, Phil Gingrich and have worked with John Lewis.  It is a piece of legislation that would get folks back in to work. Not working is the worst feeling of lack of self worth.  When we get a job there is always a feeling that we are worth something, looking for work can be a real drain on self esteem and confidence.

Living on UI (unemployment Insurance)  means you have to find all the fat in your budget. If you smoke or drink, I'd strongly suggest quiting as that will eat through your food budget. We first negotiated our rent and are thankful we have landlords that did this. When you find you'r going to get be hind on Power and other utilities...CALL them. Go see you power company face to face, because the 800 number folks don't have the authority that the lady behind the glass where you make payments does.

Look at your money coming in each week and pay your bills weekly. Trying to stay with monthly will get you in trouble, because the money can drain out quickly on small stuff. Car gas in unreal, because  it goes up almost every week. This means you have to cut back somewhere else.  The Federal government, especially the White House...Obama, can  help control this. They won't because they get more tax revenue to play with as the cost goes up and they'll like having more of our money to spend.  Complain!!!

When it comes to a food budget join Kroger, WalMart and Publix or Ingles shopping web sites.  If you know you by a product, go to the web site for that product and look for a coupon.  Be sure to use your checking account when you pay. WalMart now uses Automated Cash transfers, which are like a debit card on your checking account.  At WalMArt, even if you use a debit card, after you swipe it, press the RED X button, this will pop up other options. Now choose CREDIT CARD, which will charge your card like the debit, BUT  it won't come out of your account for 2 days, where the debit comes out in 1 Day.  This costs Wal Mart more and that is why they have the card machines set to accept every card as a debit. If you use a check there, remember it will come out the next.

Why is this important?  You need to manage  your cash flow, holding onto your cash as long as you can. This will allow you write a check, knowing that in 2, 3, 4 days it will clear your account, which may be the day your UI payment is direct deposited in your account.

Speaking of you bank account, be sure to cancel Over Draft protection, this will stop the bank taking your money when a check clears on the same day as your Direct deposit. Meet with your bank and let them know you're receiving UI payments on a weekly basis and sometimes the government is late in depositing them. Ask if you can stay in touch with them if you think this will happen. The bank computer will still charge your account and NSF fee, but now they don;t have a place to take it from and if they banker sees you UI check coming in to the account the same day, they'll usually reverse the cost. With Overdraft Protection, they argue they can do it, but a couple of times. Banking is a relationship business, if the banker does help you, send them a thank you note, Stay in touch with email, before a problem arises!!

Back to food buying. If you buy at Kroger or Ingles or Publix, their checks are process through their main offices and take as many as 4 days to clear.  You can write a check on Friday and it own't clear until the following Wed or Thursday, the day you get you UI deposit.

I know this isn't as good as winning the lotto.