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January 23, 2021

How to Reassess Your Finances After Unexpected Job Loss

Going through life you can always expect the unexpected. It’s common for life to take an immediate and unexpected turn. It could be birth, death, a move, a marriage or a change in income. In all of these cases, it’s important to evaluate your household finances and decide how to best move forward. In the case of an unexpected job loss, here are 5 ways to reassess your finances to put you on your best path forward.

Start (or update) your budget

Hopefully, you already have a budget, but if not, now is the perfect time to create a budget. The word budget has a negative connotation with many people, but it doesn’t have to. A budget is just a tool, and like all tools, can be wielded for good or for bad. Start by tracking your monthly expenses, and compare that to the amount of income that you have coming in. That income could be from any severance you received, unemployment benefits or part-time work. It’s pretty simple to set up a budget in the Mint app and look at where your money is actually going.

Cut unnecessary expenses (be brutal)

The 50/30/20 rule is a popular budgeting rule that says that 50% of your income should go to essentials (needs), 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. The closer you have been getting to following that rule, the fewer changes that you’ll need to make to your budget after an unexpected job loss. If you are in a 2-income household where one member of the household just lost his job, you may find that you can squeeze things to live on only 50% of the income.

Now is the time to look through your recurring expenses and see how you might be able to simplify your finances. Be brutal – depending on how much money you have coming in, you may need to get rid of most or all of your non-essential spending until you have a new job and new income.

Stop saving and tap your emergency fund

Saving for a rainy day is important and having an emergency fund is one of the key principles of being on sound financial footing. Well, guess what – an unexpected job loss IS the rainy day you’ve been saving for! One of the first steps in reassessing your finances after an unexpected job loss is to stop any non-essential emergency or retirement contributions. You can always pick those back up once you’re back on your feet.

You can also stop contributing to your emergency fund. Now is the time to pull FROM the emergency fund if needed. It’s normal in a situation where you have a sudden loss of income to no longer be living below your means. The best thing that you can do in that situation is to minimize your shortfall each month. Calculate how much money you’ll be losing each month that you’re without an income and determine how many months your emergency fund will last you.

Of course, if you were just hit with an unexpected job loss and don’t have an emergency fund available to help tide you over, it does no good to tell you that now. The time to prepare is BEFORE the unexpected happens. So if you’re reading this article and are in a good financial situation, make sure that you are preparing yourself for an unexpected job loss or other financial misfortune.

Know your benefits (and when they expire)

If you’re facing an unexpected job loss, you’re likely eligible for certain benefits. Depending on your employment situation, you may have received a severance package. You’re possibly also eligible for health care through your former employer or a government agency. You’ll want to make sure to claim your unemployment benefits if you’re eligible as well. Take a look through all of these benefits and find out how much they are worth and most importantly, how long they’re good for.

Look for part-time or gig work

There are only two ways to make up a monthly shortfall. Either you can cut spending or you can increase income. Cutting spending is a good first step, but there are only so many gym memberships or iced cappuccinos that you can remove before you start cutting pretty deep. Once you’ve hit that point, you’ll want to concentrate your time and effort into increasing your income.

You’ll want to spend most of your effort into getting a new job in your field of expertise. No amount of part-time work or side hustles is likely to compensate you as well as returning back to full-time employment in your field of study. But in the meantime, here are a few ways to make extra money quickly:

Sell extra possessions that you no longer use or need
Join the gig economy (Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Airbnb, etc)
Focus on a side hustle

Hopefully, these suggestions will help you reassess your finances after an unexpected job loss and help you survive until you can get back on your feet.

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January 23, 2021

Unemployment Benefits for the Self-Employed [COVID-19 Guide for Gig Workers]

This post can be found en Español here.

This content is for the first stimulus relief package, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (The CARES Act), which was signed into law in March 2020. For information on the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, the stimulus relief package currently pending legislation, please visit the “New Coronavirus Relief Package: What Does it Mean for You and a Second Stimulus Check” blog post

In the past month, COVID-19 has affected businesses of all sizes. As employers are temporarily shutting their doors, many hard-working Americans are out of work.

As of 2019, there were a recorded 16 million self-employed individuals in the United States. Pew Research Center found that self-employed Americans (and the people working for them) account for 30% of the nation’s workforce – that’s 44 million jobs in total.

The problem? Historically, self-employed individuals were excluded from receiving unemployment benefits. However, the government has stepped in, and worked to provide relief for gig workers in the face of coronavirus.

Under new coronavirus laws, self-employed workers are now eligible for unemployment benefits. If you’re an independent contractor and wondering if you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits, check out our guide below.

How COVID-19 is affecting the self-employed

For freelancers, the work impact of COVID-19 can vary significantly based on role, but by and large, many gig workers are facing some type of fallout.

Self-employed photographers are dealing with cancelled sessions, particularly in the events space. Freelance writers may find that their contracts pause or end as companies scramble to reassess budgets for the remainder of the year. Independent aestheticians can no longer help clients with facials or waxing as communities adhere to stay-at-home directives.

The above are just a few select examples, but they illustrate the reality for the millions of Americans that are part of the self-employed community.

Many independent contractors have already lost business, and others expect that trend to continue. According to a recent study from the Freelancer’s Union, 91% of freelancers expect to lose income in the coming weeks. While no one is certain what the future months will look like for employment, there are plenty of freelancers currently hurting financially.

Coronavirus Relief Package: Unemployment Benefits Extended

In March, more than 10 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits. Among them for the first time? Gig workers.

Traditionally, self-employed individuals didn’t qualify for unemployment benefits. Independent contractors and gig workers were also excluded from any kind of unemployment restitution, but the coronavirus outbreak has changed that.

Thanks to the $2 trillion stimulus package signed into law just a few weeks ago, gig workers now qualify for certain unemployment benefits:

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the FFCRA into law. This act offers additional flexibility to state unemployment insurance agencies and funnels extra administrative funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: President Trump signed the CARES Act into law on March 27. 2020. This act expands all states’ abilities to offer unemployment insurance to workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including independent contractors.

What kind of unemployment benefits are available to self-employed workers?

There are several programs under the CARES Act that include benefits for self-employed workers: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC), and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).

These programs are designed to:

Provide unemployment benefits to self-employed workers who don’t traditionally qualify. The amount you recieve is based on your previous income, and may vary based on where you live and your benefit guidelines. The minimum benefit rate is 50% of the average weekly benefit amount available in your state.

Provide supplemental benefits. Eligible workers will receive $600 a week in additional benefits for up to four months, through July 31, 2020, unless extended.
Provide extra weeks of benefits. Individuals who are still unemployed after they run out of state benefits may qualify for an additional 13 weeks of benefits. Length of state benefits vary, but the maximum is 26 weeks.

I’m self-employed. How do I know if I qualify for unemployment benefits?

Under federal law, states are now allowed to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to individuals who are self-employed. However, your eligibility depends on your personal situation and how your state elects to implement the CARES Act.

To qualify for PUA benefits, you must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Something to keep in mind: you must first apply for regular unemployment insurance and be denied to be eligible for PUA. This process can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Contact your state’s unemployment insurance office to learn more about the availability of unemployment benefits in your area.

Tip: The Department of Labor (DOL) offers a comprehensive list of state unemployment insurance contacts to help you find contact information.

How do I apply for unemployment benefits if I’m self-employed?

To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state that you work.

Depending on the state, you may be able to file a claim online, by phone, or in person. Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as you can after becoming unemployed. It can take a while to begin receiving your benefits, so it’s wise to file your claim as soon as possible.

Many jobless individuals haven’t been able to apply for assistance in their states yet due to long call wait times and application eligibility rules, so make every effort to apply now.

While state requirements vary, generally you’ll need to provide the following information when filing an unemployment claim:

Your name, mailing address, and phone number
Social Security number or Alien Registration number
Driver’s license number
Proof of income, such as 1099 tax forms, W2 tax forms, pay stubs, and tax returns
Bank account number and routing number if your state pays unemployment through direct deposit

Note: If your work occured in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency you currently reside can provide more information about how to file your claim.

Other helpful resources for freelancers impacted by COVID-19

If you need additional help outside of unemployment benefits, or you find you don’t qualify for these government relief options, there are other resources to consider.

Key Takeaways

Under the CARES Act, unemployment benefits have been expanded for many American workers, including gig workers and independent contractors
Call wait times are currently very long as unemployment agencies are inundated with file claims
If you’ve lost your job, contact your state’s unemployment insurance agency as soon as possible

At Mint, we’re working hard to bring you the latest COVID-19 information to help you navigate your finances during the coronavirus outbreak. Whether you need advice for managing your student loan payments or you’re not sure how to cover bills during this time, our team is dedicated to providing the important updates you need.

Have COVID-19 tax questions? Check out our related posts on TurboTax to stay up-to-date on the tax impact of coronavirus.

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January 22, 2021

Navigating the Current Job Market and Empowering Workers

We’re four months into our new pandemic-altered reality, and while businesses straddle the line between reopening and shuttering (again), many Americans are finding their jobs no longer exist. Last week, 1.3 million Americans applied for unemployment insurance for the first time. Self-employed, independent contractors and gig economy workers — a vital and burgeoning contingent of today’s workforce — remain especially hard hit.

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? It depends on who you ask and how you approach it.

Nearly 13 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits via the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which aims to help gig economy workers and those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits. PUA recipients make up 41% of the 31.5 million total unemployment benefit recipients nationwide as of June 13, according to recent Labor Department statistics.

Even with these guardrails in place, not everyone is benefitting.

The racial inequality workforce problem

For Black Americans, long-standing racial inequities have made the financial impact of COVID-19 even more extreme. According to the Pew Research Center, 44% of Black Americans reported that they or someone in their household experienced a job or wage loss due to COVID-19, compared to 38% of white Americans. More than two-thirds of Black adults (73%) said they did not have emergency funds to cover three months of expenses, while just 47% of white adults said the same.

What’s more, an analysis of Labor Department data by the University of California, Santa Cruz found that more than 2 out of 5 Black small businesses and self-employed workers have been forced to shutter during the pandemic — well over twice the rate of white businesses.

At Steady, we’ve created a platform that helps people find high demand jobs, increase their income and plan for more financially stable futures. We recently opened up an emergency cash grant program as a result of the pandemic, and so far, 46.5% of our applicants have been Black.

Navigating the new job market and how we’re helping workers

It’s devastating to see American workers hurting and to so clearly witness how racial inequities are compounding that hurt. Steady recognizes how challenging life is right now and we want to serve as an immediate resource for those who need work and/or additional income.

Mint has long supported people in managing and optimizing their finances, so with all of the hardship brought on by COVID-19, it made sense to join forces with Steady to encourage personal financial empowerment for all Americans. On average, Steady members earn more than $4,000 per year in additional income and in response to COVID-19, we’re offering emergency cash grants, telemedicine support and rapid ACH cash deposits.

What will the future hold?

Pre-pandemic, we lived in a world where there were more jobs than job seekers, or at least a healthy 1:1 ratio. Now workers are struggling in a world where there’s maybe 1 job for every 4 job seekers.

Together with Mint, Steady is here to help everyone navigate these difficult times. We’re committed to empowering workers and helping people find jobs that are still in-demand and right for them. To get started and see available work in your area, download the free Steady app, here.

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January 22, 2021

6 Ways to Find Extra Income (video)

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Living within your means is an important component of having strong and healthy finances. Creating a budget can be a great first step to making sure your financial house is in order. As you look through your monthly expenses, there are two different ways that you can improve your monthly cash flow.

The first is to cut your expenses – look for ways that you can spend less each month. When you first start tracking your expenses (like with one of our free monthly budget templates), you’ll likely find a few areas to cut back on. Over time, however, you’ll probably run out of ways to cut your expenses. After all, there are so many extra lattes and gym memberships that you don’t use!

The other way you can increase your savings rate is to find extra income. In this article, we’ll look through a few side hustles and other ways to find extra income.

Sell things you aren’t using and don’t need

Most people always have things lying around the house that they no longer use. Take a look around with a discerning eye and decide which things you could do without. Of course, this is not something that you can do every day, but at the rate that most people gather things, you can probably find $100 or more in items once or twice per year. Look for electronics, clothes, toys or other things and sell on Craigslist, local barter groups or on eBay.

Capitalize on your talent

The first item we’ll talk about is dependent on YOU. What makes you special? What kind of skills do you have that might be able to bring in extra income? Many of the other things on this list are more short-term or one-time ideas. Maybe you can start a blog or online business? Or do you have a skill that you could provide to others as a service? It may take some short-term capital to get your business up and running, but the long-term gains from investing in yourself are usually worth it.

Make sure your savings dollars are working for you

Another way that you can find some additional money each month is by making sure that your savings dollars are invested in the right place. If you have extra money already stored up, you’ll want to make sure it isn’t sitting under your mattress or in a checking account earning next to no interest. For money that you don’t expect to need any time soon, consider opening a retirement account. Historically and with a long-term perspective, the stock market has been one of the best avenues for investments.

If you have an emergency fund or other money, you won’t want to put it in the stock market. Because the stock market can be more volatile, any money that you want to have easier access to should be kept in something that is more liquid. But if you still have your money in a savings account at your local bank, you might be leaving tens to hundreds of dollars on the table each month. Many online savings accounts generally offer savings rates 10 to 20 times as much as the rates you’ll get from your local bank.

Open a new bank account

Speaking of bank accounts, many banks have incentives for opening a new account. And they’re often better gifts than the stereotypical toaster. A typical bank bonus might be between $200 and $500, depending on the requirements involved. You can find these bonuses by either searching online or looking at local and national banks to see what they might be offering.

Three things to keep in mind with bank account bonuses. The first is that many of these bank bonuses have requirements like setting up a direct deposit or keeping your money in for a certain period of time. Another is that many of these accounts have fees, which would offset some of the bonuses. Finally, the bonus you earn from this account is taxable; you’ll get a 1099 tax form at the end of the year. Weigh all these factors to decide if the bonus is worth it to you.

Maximize your credit card rewards

Another way to get some extra income is to make sure that you are maximizing your credit card rewards. Credit card rewards can be a good source of extra income depending on your spending levels. In addition to the cashback or rewards you get from ongoing spending, look at signing up for a new credit card. Many cards offer signup bonuses anywhere from $150 to $500 or more. This can be a great source of additional income.

Join the gig economy

Depending on how much free time you have, there are many companies out there that are looking for workers. Some ideas would be:

Rent out part of your house with Airbnb
Drive for Uber or Lyft
Make deliveries with DoorDash or Postmates

Many of these companies also offer new hire incentives that might make the gig seem more attractive at first.

Hopefully, these ideas to get extra income will help spark you as you look for ways to earn more money, balance your budget and get yourself set on the road to financial success!

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January 21, 2021

5 Ways to Look for a New Job

This post can be found en Español here.

The current coronavirus pandemic has caused a large upheaval across many different areas. In addition to the changes COVID-19 has made in the areas of health and safety (masks, social distancing and quarantines), it has also caused major changes to the economy across all walks to life. The United States has experienced record levels of unemployment, and even many of those who are still employed have experienced disruptions to their unemployment.

If you are recently unemployed or are looking for new work due to changes in your work situation (being furloughed, having hours reduced or changes in the type or location of your work), there are several different ways that you can look for a new job. In this article, we’ll look through some of the best ways to look for a new job.

Networking with friends, family and former colleagues

There’s a reason the saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is so popular – it’s quite true. As it has in most industries, the Internet has disrupted the way that recruiters and HR departments source their open job positions. Since most job applications are available at no cost and with the click of a button, the volume of resumes received for each open position is staggering. You truly have to make sure that your resume stands out.

One way to do this is to have a referral from a friend, family member or former colleague. Talk to your circle of influence and see what jobs are available where they work. A referral from someone who already works where you’re looking to hire on is a great first step. In many cases, a referral from an existing employee can help to short-circuit the HR department and get you directly in front of the hiring manager.

Make sure that your Linkedin profile is up-to-date

Going along with the power of networking and referrals is making sure that your Linkedin profile is accurate and current. Linkedin can be more useful in certain professions and in certain areas, so you’ll have to take a look to see how it might work for you. Generally, you’ll find more people and companies active on Linkedin in more white-collar trades.

Linkedin also has a setting where you can state that you are actively looking for jobs. That setting will bring your Linkedin profile to the attention of recruiters who are looking to hire in your industry. This can be both positive and negative. Most recruiters also cast a wide net, so you may find it to be distracting having to answer calls and emails from recruiters who are hiring for jobs that may be not quite what you’re looking for.

Don’t forget about a solid resume

A traditional (paper) resume is less important than it was 10-20 years ago but still is useful to keep current. Depending on where you’re looking and in what industry, you might find a resume more or less important. The big reason resumes are not nearly as important anymore is that most job applications online are done electronically. So you may fill out an online form rather than uploading a Word document or PDF. Even if you do upload your resume online, it’s likely that it is getting parsed and converted into a different format, so all the time you spent carefully formatting your resume doesn’t tend to matter.

Another great resume tip is to make sure and target your resume and cover letter to the individual company and position you’re applying for. Each job is different, and showing that you took the time to emphasize skills and experience that was directly solicited in the job posting will only help.

Scour the big job boards

All of the traditional job “boards” have also moved online, with big job sites like Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder and Linkedin posting millions of jobs per month. With so many jobs posted, it can be challenging to wade through all of them and find ones that make sense for what you’re looking for. Some good advice is to make sure to narrow down your search as much as possible.

You may be tempted to cast a wide net in the hopes of finding something, but unless you have a ton of time, you may find it more beneficial to focus more narrowly. Most job sites will also let you set up ongoing searches that will immediately alert you if a new job is posted that matches your criteria.

Explore the gig economy

Depending on your household’s financial situation, you may also be looking to pick up some extra income while you’re looking for a new job. Joining the gig economy may make sense as a short-term option while you’re looking for a more stable job. Companies like Uber, Lyft, Doordash or Instacart are generally always hiring people to work through their platforms and offer flexibility that could make it an easier fit on your schedule.

Most of these companies also offer signup bonuses from $200-$500 to incentivize new people to join with them. Taking advantage of these gigs might be a good way to stabilize your budget while looking for that perfect job.

What to do if they say no

Even in high-demand professions, you’re likely to encounter a pretty significant level of rejection. If you’re not getting rejected a lot, you’re probably not applying to enough places! Unfortunately, many companies or HR departments do not typically let you know if you are rejected. If you don’t get the job, one strategy can be to ask when would a good time to follow up. Their answer to the question can help give you an idea for possible next steps with that company.

Again, this is where the power of having a friend or former colleague on the inside – most HR departments are historically tight-lipped because they’re afraid of getting sued. But if you have a connection on the inside, you may be able to get more and better information to help guide your path going forward.

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