To the family who lost a job this holiday season

Dear family who lost a job this holiday season,

I know your pain. My family has experienced job loss during the holiday season twice. Realize in this time of your life, God has a plan. For us it made us realize how thankful we were for the things we’ve been given. Finding a new job is difficult during the holidays. A lot of employers are waiting until after the first of the year to make decisions, but believe me you will gain so much during this time and your new journey is right around the corner.

Tips for the unemployed season of life:

Be a good steward of all things: A lot of people see stewardship as just a money subject. Being a good steward just means to wisely take care of things you’ve been given. This counts for money, time, and even material possessions. Be sure to take care of items. Find ways to reduce your waste by upcycling. Believe me a piece of tin foil can go a long way.
Get on a budget: If you aren’t already on a financial budget, now is the best time to do so. I follow Dave Ramsey’s plan. You’d be surprised how far one income and/or an unemployment check can go. Make sure to set aside whatever you can for an emergency funds and times like this. Even if it’s $5 a month it’s helpful.
Meal Plan: One way to be cautious of your spending is to plan meals at home. Buy ingredients on sale and eat as cheaply as possibly within your dietary needs. Drink lots of water and avoid costly drinks. Couponing is great, but not necessary. Just have a plan, make a list and stick to it! Be sure to look at your calendar, there are a lot of holiday dinners with family and friends that you won’t have to plan full meals for. Volunteer to bring yummy, inexpensive sides like deviled eggs or mashed potatoes.
Be thankful: While this may be a trying season of your life, it is also a time to be thankful and to reflect on those things that are constant, like faith, family and friends. When you’re not busy applying for jobs and landing interviews, give a loved one a call and talk with them. The best gift you can give is your time and that’s free.

Community Conversation:
What are some tips you have for those who are unemployed during the holiday season? What helped you in this time of your life? Leave a comment below.