When retailers are worried about unemployment, you know it's bad. The median income in Michigan dropped $9,000 over the past decade. If retailers are nervous about surviving financially, what about those who actually unemployed? Here are survival tips for unemployed people living Michigan's depressed economy.
My husband and I have been married for 24 years and have four children. We have survived several periods of unemployment, once when both of us lost jobs. In order to survive bouts of unemployment, it's important to cut back on spending. I know, we're all sick of that song. There are places to cut spending where it doesn't hurt so much.
* Take advantage of all programs available to unemployed residents of Michigan. The UIA (Unemployment Insurance Agency) and Michigan Works! have assistance programs. Our church, St. Patrick's host a job seekers breakfast and networking group. Local libraries help the unemployed too.
* Ask local churches for help. Many have food pantries. Some offer toiletries, health and beauty aids, too. Love, Inc. in Grand Haven distributes day-old bread and other necessities. Gleaners hosts scheduled food giveaways. DHS maintains a food bank database.
* Check out secondhand stores sponsored by area churches. Tell them that you are unemployed. Church thrift stores connect people with resources and can help you find almost anything you need.
* Get resources from local businesses. Staples (partnering with DoSomething) and schools have backpack and school supplies giveaways. One Warm Coat provides winter clothing. The Marines host Toys for Tots. The Lions Club recycles used eyeglasses. Hospitals and doctors host free health screenings. Some distribute prescription samples. Walmart, Target and Kroger sell $4 and $10 prescriptions.
* Reduce spending by nearly 50 percent, depending on the family, by restricting purchases: cable television, catalog sales, digital entertainment and gaming equipment purchases, cell phone upgrades, DVD and video game purchases, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, dining in restaurants and ticket purchases.
* Find cheaper alternatives. Watch movies and read magazines and newspapers online. Check out freebies at your local library. Theaters often have free kids movies. Rent Red Box movies for a dollar. Check venue websites for free events and coupons. Craig's Cruisers has half-price ticket and wristband days.
* Avoid buying canned, prepared, frozen foods packaged for convenience unless it's cheaper. Buy from farmers markets. WIC and Michigan State University provide Project Fresh coupons for use at farmers markets. Buy fresh produce, fish and meat. Start a garden. Visit U-pick orchards and farms. Some areas have community gardens.
Don't be embarrassed if you are unemployed. Help is available and it is possible to survive unemployment.
A life-long resident of "Pure Michigan", Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about people, places, events and issues in the Great Lakes State.
There are no comments yet