Money Management Resources For The Unemployed

The loss of a job can drain you both emotionally and financially.

Below you will find resources gathered by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions to help you manage debt, avoid foreclosure, cut expenses, and more.

Credit and Debt Help

Paying off or keeping up with large amounts of debt can be difficult when you are unemployed. Learn more about your rights and what to do if you are over your head in debt.

How to Deal With Creditors
Dealing with creditors can be difficult and stressful, especially after the loss of a job.

Choosing a Credit Counselor
Reputable credit counselors can advise you on managing debt and help you budget.

Debt Consolidation
Advantages and disadvantages of debt consolidation.

What To Do If You’re Knee Deep in Debt
If you are overwhelmed by debt, learn about some of the options available to you.

Repairing Bad Credit
Credit cannot be repaired overnight. Learn how to help yourself and how to spot scams.

Local Credit Counselors

Consumer Counseling Northwest
CCNW serves Western Washington.

Credit Counseling Services of Inland NW
CCCS serves the Spokane Area.

Credit Counseling Service of Tri-Cities
Serves the Tri-Cities area.

Credit Counseling Service of Yakima
Serves the Yakima Valley area.

Avoiding Fraud and Scams

Fraudsters specifically target the unemployed. Avoid becoming a victim of a scam or fraud by learning about the latest scams.

Web Scam That Targets the Unemployed
Information about a scam targeting the local unemployed.

Financial Fraud Alerts
Local financial fraud alerts from the Department of Financial Institutions.

Consumer Alerts
Local consumer alerts from the Washington Office of the Attorney General.

Alerts from BBB
Alerts from the local Better Business Bureau.

Trouble Paying Your Mortgage - Avoiding Foreclosure

Foreclosure is a stressful situation for those who must go through it. If you are having trouble making your monthly mortgage payment, seek help right away.

Foreclosure & Homeownership Counseling
Free counseling sponsored by the State of Washington.

Information about Foreclosure
Information about foreclosure and possible alternatives.

Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Information about foreclosure rescue scams and what to look for.

Loan Modification Services - Caution
Be cautious of someone offering to help modify the terms of your home loan.

Cutting Expenses

One of the first things you need to do when you lose a job is cut spending. Find creative ways to cut costs on utilities, groceries, entertainment, etc.

66 Ways to Save Money
66 ways you can start saving money today!

Saving Money on Groceries
Tips on how to save money when grocery shopping.

Save on Energy Costs
Tips on how to save on your energy bill.

Save Money on Your Utilities
Tips on how to save on your utility bills.

Save Money at The Gas Pump
How to save on gas.

Save Money on Entertainment
Ideas on how to save money on entertainment.

Save Money on Phone, Internet, TV
Tips on how to save money.

More Resources and Tips
Resources and tips on how to save money.

Budgeting and Managing Money

Managing money while unemployed can be difficult. Learn more about managing money during tough times and how to set up a tight budget.

Tips for Managing Your Money
Tips on how to manage money during tough economic times.

Household Budget Worksheet
Interactive budgeting worksheet.

Budget Building
Tips on how to build a tight budget from Today Show contributor, Jean Chatzky.

Saving On A Tight Budget
You can save money - even on tight budgets.

Retirement Accounts and Health Care Coverage

Many unemployed workers worry about their retirement and insurance coverage. Learn more from what happens to your retirement and insurance coverage after a job loss.

WA Department of Retirement Systems
The Department of Retirement Systems administers retirement benefits for public employees throughout Washington.

Job Dislocation - Making Smart Financial Choices (PDF)
Information about making smart financial choices after a job loss.

Retirement and Health Care Coverage
Q&A’s about retirement and health care coverage for dislocated workers.

Protect Your Health Coverage and Retirement Benefits
Helpful information about health care coverage and retirement benefits.

Your Employer's Bankruptcy - How Will It Affect Your Employee Benefits?
Fact sheet on how an employer’s bankruptcy will affect your benefits.

Protecting Pension and Health Care Benefits After Job Loss
Tips on protecting your pension and health care benefits after a job loss.

Taxes

The loss of a job can create new tax issues. Learn more about filing taxes while unemployed.

Financially Distressed Taxpayers
The IRS recently announced new steps to help financially distressed taxpayers.

Tax Impact Of Job Loss (PDF)
The loss of a job may create new tax issues for you. Learn more from the IRS.

Unemployment Compensation
Information from the IRS about unemployment compensation.

VITA Program: Free Tax Help
Help to low- to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.

Earned Income Tax Credit
The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate incomes.

Taxpayer Rights
Your rights as a taxpayer.

Resource Library

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Unemployment

Financial Education Calendar

DFI maintains a calendar of local upcoming events, classes, and workshops.