Unemployment is a challenging period that requires careful financial planning and strategic decision-making. Whether unexpected or planned, losing a job means reevaluating your income sources, managing expenses, and doing what you can to maintain financial stability during the time it takes to transition to new employment. Here are a few key areas that we help clients navigate when managing a job loss:
1. Meeting Income & Spending Needs During Unemployment
Tax & Cash Flow Analysis
- Assess what your cash flow will be before and after termination.
- Determine how you will meet necessary expenses and explore ways to reduce or eliminate expenses.
- Check if debt payments can be deferred or reduced temporarily.
- Establish a budget specifically for your unemployment period.
Increasing Liquidity & Establishing Credit Lines
- Secure additional liquidity to maintain financial flexibility.
- Apply for a credit line before leaving your job since approval is unlikely once unemployed.
- Review available sources of cash and estimate how long they will last.
Reviewing Severance & Retirement Packages
- Consider if it’s possible to negotiate your severance package.
- Determine if you’re entitled to additional compensation, including accrued vacation and sick leave payouts.
Unemployment & Social Security Benefits
- Check eligibility and apply for unemployment benefits promptly.
- If you’re 62 or older (or 60+ as a surviving spouse), evaluate Social Security options carefully as the timing impacts benefit amounts.
2. Transitioning Employee Benefits
Health Insurance Options
- COBRA: If your company has 20+ employees, you may continue your current coverage for 18 months (in most circumstances). Please note you are responsible for the full premium, including the employer portion.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): Loss of group health coverage qualifies you for a special enrollment period to obtain coverage through federal or state exchanges, and you may be eligible for income-based subsidies to lower the cost.
- Retiree Health Coverage: If retiring early, explore options for continued employer-provided insurance, either as your primary coverage or as a supplement to Medicare.
- Medicare: If you’re 65 or older, transition to Medicare and supplemental insurance. If your spouse has group health coverage, consider joining their plan.
Note: Be sure to schedule medical, dental, and vision exams before your current insurance expires.
Life & Disability Insurance
- Group Life Insurance:
- Portability: Continue coverage at group rates (requires medical underwriting).
- Conversion: Convert to an individual permanent policy (expensive but doesn’t require medical underwriting). If you’re generally healthy, it is often more cost effective to purchase an individual policy.
- Group Disability Insurance: Typically, not portable and ends with employment.
Pension & Retirement Accounts
- Obtain an estimate of your vested pension benefits.
- Evaluate lump-sum vs. lifetime pension options.
- Determine when you can start receiving pension benefits and any impact on other benefits, including retiree health insurance.
- Consider joint and survivor pension options to secure income for your spouse.
401(k) & 403(b) Plans
- Decide whether to leave funds in your employer’s plan or roll over to an IRA.
- Repay outstanding loans by the tax return due date to avoid taxable distributions.
- Understand tax penalties and exceptions for early withdrawals.
Employer Stock & Executive Compensation
- Retain all plan documents and agreements and read them carefully to understand the options.
- Private stock is illiquid and there may be claw-back provisions or re-purchase rights.
- Review stock option vesting schedules and exercise deadlines (typically 90 days post-employment).
- Understand Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) vesting rules—unvested shares are usually forfeited.
- Plan for distributions from non-qualified deferred compensation plans, as separation often triggers payouts.
3. Steps Towards New Employment
- Retirement Consideration: If close to retirement, assess financial resources to determine if new employment is necessary.
- Job Search:
- Start looking immediately—don’t rely solely on severance or unemployment benefits.
- Utilize employer-provided outplacement services.
- Consider part-time work, consulting, or side hustles for income during the transition.
- Employment Contracts: If subject to non-compete or non-solicitation agreements, understand the restrictions before accepting a new job.
4. Additional Financial Considerations
Investment Portfolio Management
- Identify tax-efficient sources of cash and income.
- Avoid early withdrawals from retirement accounts unless absolutely necessary.
- Reassess your portfolio allocation based on your new financial situation.
- Explore opportunities for tax-favored contributions or Roth conversions if your income drops below certain thresholds.
Insurance Coverage Review
- Ensure necessary coverage is maintained while avoiding overpayment for unnecessary policies.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s losing your job or transitioning careers, the management of your financial health is critical during this time. With the right financial guidance, you can gain some peace-of-mind amid a stressful situation. By engaging one of our independent financial advisors, you will have access to a trusted expert and partner that can help you navigate these challenges through a personalized financial strategy.
If you recently lost your job due to restructuring or sudden federal cuts, contact us today for a complimentary financial evaluation.
As independent advisors, we have the freedom to work with you on your side of the table without the restrictions and influences of a large institution. Together, we can help you make the right decisions for your financial future.
*DecisionMap Wealth Management is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission, nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult with a qualified financial, tax, or legal professional before following any particular strategy.