{"id":2402,"date":"2020-11-12T12:39:44","date_gmt":"2020-11-12T18:39:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northshoretrust.com\/?p=2402"},"modified":"2023-11-06T09:16:59","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T15:16:59","slug":"en-tiempos-dificiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northshoretrust.com\/es\/2020\/11\/12\/when-times-get-tough\/","title":{"rendered":"En tiempos dif\u00edciles"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When emergencies and unexpected situations strike, it\u2019s important to be prepared and make wise decisions.<\/p>\n

CARES Act Expansions<\/strong><\/p>\n

The CARES Act adds additional assistance to those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. First, it expanded availability to unemployment insurance for those who may not usually qualify, such as those diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are caring for someone unable to go to school or regular childcare because of closures. Second, it added an additional $600 on top of regular unemployment benefits until July 31st, 2020 as well as an additional 13 weeks of assistance.<\/p>\n

While tough times can vary, from a sudden job loss to a natural disaster, the steps that you can take to prepare yourself are often the same. There\u2019s an old phrase that says \u201cthe best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.\u201d This certainly holds true when it comes to preparing for an emergency. But no matter what stage of an emergency you\u2019re in, starting now is your best option.<\/p>\n

How to Prepare<\/h2>\n

Get Insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n

The thing that can often make the biggest difference in unexpected situations is insurance. Insurance can be a lifesaver when emergencies hit.<\/p>\n

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While it\u2019s likely that you have some form of basic homeowners, auto, and health insurance, it may be wise to add on additional protection. Some coverage options that may be worth considering include:<\/p>\n

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  • Earthquake insurance: This can help pay for repairs or replacements to your home or items if they\u2019re damaged in an earthquake. This is usually purchased as an add-on to homeowner’s or renter\u2019s insurance.<\/li>\n
  • Flood insurance: Usually purchased from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), this insurance protects your home and possessions in the case of a flood.<\/li>\n
  • Life insurance: This insurance can help your dependents or loved ones if you pass away unexpectedly.\u00a0This article about life insurance<\/a>\u00a0describes the different types of coverage.<\/li>\n
  • Comprehensive auto insurance: If your car is damaged in something other than a collision, such as a natural disaster, or if the car is stolen, this insurance can help. This is usually an add-on to your regular auto insurance.<\/li>\n
  • Disability insurance: This insurance is generally offered through an employer and can help make up for lost income if you become disabled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Build an Emergency Fund<\/strong><\/p>\n

    A healthy emergency fund can help you cover expenses if you\u2019re laid off from work or need to pay for an unexpected situation. Ideally, you would have enough for at least 3-6 months of essential living expenses. Saving up that much money may seem overwhelming at first, but it\u2019s manageable by taking it little by little.<\/p>\n

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    Prepare an Emergency Kit<\/strong><\/p>\n

    An emergency kit is essential for unexpected situations and should be stocked enough to sustain you and your family for 72 hours (3 days). Ideally it will include everything you would need if you had to leave your home or survive without power, water, or heat. You can find a guide for what to include in your emergency kit at\u00a0ready.gov\/kit<\/a>. Some common options include food, water, blankets, sturdy shoes, toilet paper, and flashlights. It\u2019s important to stock up on these items early as you may not be able to get them during an emergency due to shortages or an inability to travel.<\/p>\n

    If tough times are already upon you and you\u2019re feeling underprepared, don\u2019t worry. There are still things that you can do to get you through a crisis.<\/p>\n

    Navigating a Current Crisis<\/h2>\n

    Adjust Your Budget<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The first thing you should do is change your spending habits. Cut back on unnecessary expenses to focus on necessities and unexpected costs. This means making tough decisions about what you need and what you can do without until things get back to normal. If you don\u2019t already have well-funded emergency savings, pull from regular savings, sell unneeded items, and rearrange your regular budget.<\/p>\n

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    Talk to Your Lender<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If you are struggling to make debt payments during a personal or economic crisis, it\u2019s wise to reach out to your lender. It\u2019s likely that they will be willing to work with you. The last thing you want to do is miss payments or hide from your lender, as that could force them to send your debt to collections, which will have a negative impact on your credit score.<\/p>\n

    Get Government Assistance<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If you qualify, there are government programs that can help you get back on your feet. Options like SNAP, CHIP, Medicaid, short-term unemployment benefits, and TANF can make a big difference. To learn more, check out\u00a0this article about government assistance programs.<\/a><\/p>\n

    Don\u2019t Panic<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Jumping to hysteria or mass panic buying isn\u2019t going to help you or anyone else in an emergency situation. Even if everyone insists you need 200 rolls of toilet paper, make sure that you take a step back and do your research before contributing to shortages or maxing out your emergency fund on something that you don\u2019t actually need. Think carefully about the money you have available and how you can manage it effectively in times of crisis.<\/p>\n