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. |
