What you do during this time will make all the difference. Keep your eye on Jesus, knowing He has a plan for good and for you to prosper. Stay in His Word and make His truth your daily thoughts.
Here are some IDEAS FOR FINNANCIAL CRISIS that will help you through this time:
1. Do a thorough financial accounting for yourself. How much do you have in savings, checking, retirement and investments? What are all your sources for income?
2. Find out the value of all your assets; house, cars, boats, property, and anything have true value.
3. List your debt; house, cars, property, credit cards, student loans and other loans.
4.Contact all your creditors to tell them about your situation and see if you can lower any of your payments temporarily. If you get a NO, ask to speak to a manager of someone higher. Keep trying until you find a YES! Sending regular payments will help avoid shut-offs and cancellations.
5. Take a hard look at what you spend. Cancel any memberships, magazines, publications, club memberships or any non-essentials. Believe it or not, this will require you to become more resourceful and you might find new FREE things you love to do!
6. Make a commitment to eat at home and not out. You will save at least 50% this way. Learn to eat simpler and make weekly menus so you can save money and everyone can plan. Make fun times at home around affordable meals like pasta, rice and beans, or low cost meats. Rent a dollar movie and have a movie night at home for everyone!
7. If you are in a profession that you can free lance, start to do so immediately. Be creative and think YES in your mind as you share with others what you can offer them. Who knows, this might even turn into a full time business at some point. Use the skills you have in ways you never have!
8. Take odd jobs like lawn care, babysitting, professional assistant, car maintenance, care iving, waiting tables or any part time job. You can have a job that isn't in your career field. Start a blog about your expertise or about your job seeking transition. It might help others. Think outside the box and be flexible and as you do, don't panic. Just stick with it.
9. Update your resume and post it online. Register with as many employment sites as you can. Use social media to let others know you are looking. Register with temporary agencies and use that as part-time employment while you look for a permanent position. Make new connections. Join groups. Network all your can. Approach potential employers, not waiting to see a job opening.
10. Gather possessions that you can sell and have a garage sale or put them on Craigslist.com. Everyone has things they don't use anymore. Just recycle those things and create some immediate cash flow.
11. If you have an expensive car, consider selling it and buying a
used car. Do your research and see which used cars are the best with service and maintenance.
12. As you compete for a new career position, consider offering your potential employer a lower starting salary for 6 months, so you can show him your skills and what an asset you are. This might make you more attractive than other candidates.
13. Remember, YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU DO! God loves you, not your career. You are wonderfully made by a loving heavenly Father who created you for purpose. He allows trials in our life to test our faith and to build our strength. When this time is over, you are going to have a deeper faith, more fortitude and a heightened sense of your own worth. And, maybe even a new business! Be encouraged. Keep your eye on Christ! His love never fails.
You are treasured and loved,
Karen Jantzi,
Founder, Treasured Woman
Certified Biblical Life and Business Coach and Consultant
www.karenjantzi.com