On the heels of learning that 263,000 more jobs were lost in September, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan says to expect unemployment to top 10 percent. However, he notes that despite the fact that unemployment reached 9.8% in September - the highest figure since 1983 - the economy is indeed in the middle of recovery.
Obama, agreeing that we are in the midst of a recovery, says that he plans to place his focus on creating more jobs, a plan Greenspan supports. However, Greenspan doesn't believe that another stimulus package is the answer - at least, not so soon. Instead, he notes that extending jobless benefits is a better short-term solution as we wait out the economy, which is fixing itself.
Senators Charles Schumer and John Cornyn are already calling for extensions to unemployment benefits, health-care benefits, and tax credits to help people buy new homes. Schumer noted that the extension of unemployment benefits should reach the Senate soon and is predicted to pass.
Of course, being in the middle of a "recovery" doesn't mean much to those who have been laid off. So what do you do if you're one of those individuals - or will be soon? Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Check Your Company's COBRA Plan - See how expensive it is and how long you can keep it. If it's too expensive, consider a more affordable plan but try not to go without coverage.
- See If You Qualify For a Severance Package - Check your company manual, talk to other employees, and ask HR to see if you're due some type of departure money.
- Apply for Unemployment Benefits - Unemployment benefits are available for laid-off workers for a minimum of 26 weeks. Take advantage of this benefit.
- Figure Your Budget - Prepare to cut expenses as you determine your budget for an indefinite amount of unemployed weeks.
With unemployment set to rise before it falls, it's good to prepare as much as possible by keeping emergency funds available in case this situation hits your own household.
