Earning a steady paycheck and having the peace of mind of job security during times of economic uncertainty is challenging. Spending typically drops, unemployment rises, and stock prices become volatile. Temporary fluctuations always happen, and the best way to cope with them is to prepare. Though the economy and job security are out of your hands, there are several important steps you can take to protect your income in the event you can no longer work.
Reexamine your budget.
Daily spending can add up quickly over the course of the month and eat into your paycheck. Cut expenses wherever possible to pad your bank account and regain control of your finances. Raise the temperature on your thermostat, and prioritize your home’s energy efficiency to reduce costs and save on monthly utility bills. Weekly meal planning will keep you from eating meals out and spending needlessly on snacks during the day. Once you find where you can save and regain money, you can apply the funds to necessities such as an emergency fund.
Pet owners know all too well that caring for pets can be expensive. Pet care products, flea medication, beds, collars, pet food, and other pet supplies can eat into your budget in no time. The best way to save on pet products is to take advantage of PawTree’s pet supplies direct sales. The direct sales company offers pet lovers high-quality pet care products at affordable prices and always with a satisfaction guarantee and free shipping. All of their nutritional supplements and pet food production line are made with natural and holistic ingredients to provide the most nutritious diet your pet deserves. Cutting back on expenses should never require you to cut back on pet care for your fur baby.
Minimize your debt.
An important factor in protecting your income is to minimize as much debt as possible. There are several different methods you can use to minimize debt including the “snowball” method of paying down the smallest to largest debts or the “avalanche” method of paying off the highest interest rate to the lowest. Credit card balance transfers and debt consolidation loans could be practical options so long as you perform due diligence on the short-term and long-term implications. Put yourself in a position to comfortably keep up with minimum payments, so you can avoid late fees and penalties.
Income Protection Insurance
It’s a smart idea to plan for a financial emergency and create a plan for handling unexpected expenses or lost income. Figure out what supplemental income or benefits you are eligible for, such as severance, unemployment, and health insurance. You also need to be realistic about the lifestyle you’re used to and figure out if taking on a side hustle, changing your spending habits, or seeking financial assistance will be enough.
The risk of losing a steady paycheck is especially stressful for sole income earners. Income protection insurance gives peace of mind in the event a short-term disability, accident, or sickness prevents you from working. Income protection coverage can be thought of as a type of disability insurance that pays up to 75 percent of your gross wages for a certain time period. Income protection provides a degree of financial security by providing a monthly benefit paid by insurers up to a maximum time period or age cap.
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Prepare for the future.
Economic uncertainty doesn’t always come with a warning, which means it’s up to you to prepare for the future. Start planning an emergency fund now, even if you can only contribute $5 a week. You should ideally save three to four months of expenses in the event your paycheck is interrupted. Having money set aside for emergencies softens the financial blow of unexpected costs and helps you avoid getting into your long-term savings.
The best way to protect your income during economic uncertainty is to prepare for the worst. Cut back on extra spending, minimize debt, consider income protection insurance, and start an emergency fund as soon as possible.
