Released June 18, 2009
STILLWATER, Okla. – Tens of thousands of workers across the United States have found themselves without a job due to layoffs or business closings.
Many workers in Oklahoma are facing the same situation of going from a full-time worker to standing in the unemployment line.
Hard financial times not only affect the worker, but the entire family, said Sissy Osteen, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension resource management specialist.
“Unemployment means less money coming into the household. This can lead to stress among the adults in the home,” Osteen said. “Parents are worried about paying the bills, keeping a roof over the family’s head, putting food on the table and finding another job as soon as possible. In addition the unemployed person is trying to keep up with requirements for unemployment compensation and discovering the best way to seek new employment.”
What expenses can be cut?
The first thing a family should do is sit down and take a hard look at the budget. See where every penny is going and determine what areas you can cut spending.
Going out to dinner or the movies, magazine subscriptions and even small expenses such as buying a soda will probably need to stop until your income is restored.
Osteen said there are a number of other ways to cut down expenses without making big sacrifices.
Turn off the lights, television and stereo when not in use. In an effort to conserve both water and gas or electricity, depending on your hot water tank, take shorter showers.
“Now that the weather has warmed up, try drying your clothes on a clothesline instead of using the dryer. Hang up clothes after wearing them to cut down on laundry,” she said. “Bath towels can be used multiple times before being laundered and turn off the water while brushing your teeth.”
At the grocery store check out generic or store brands as they are usually cheaper than brand name products. Get creative with leftovers to create new meals. Walk or ride your bike whenever possible.
If you already have gardening tools, putting in a vegetable garden can help cut down on the cost of food and is a great way to increase family time. It can be considered as entertainment for the family and it is rewarding to grow your own food.
“You may need to think of ways to earn some extra money until permanent employment is found,” Osteen said. “Mowing lawns or having a garage sale can bring in some additional cash. Also consider ways to stretch the money your family does have.
Even though the situation may be hard at the moment, there are ways to cut back on spending without feeling like you’ve had to cut out all of the extras in your life. Getting the whole family on board will help make this tough time a little easier to get through and it gives the family an opportunity to discuss how they are feeling about the current situation as they plan for the future.”
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Editor: Katie Reim, 405-744-6792, katie.reim@okstate.edu
