What are Hilary Erickson's top tips for surviving unemployment financially?

Hi, I’m Hilary Erickson from The Pregnancy Nurse.

Here are my top tips for surviving unemployment financially, based on our own experience:

• Find other income sources – Look at skills or hobbies you already have and ask, “How could this make money?” (My blog income was our miracle, but I also actively pushed and networked to grow it.)
• Eat your food storage and pantry down to lower grocery costs.
• Stick to a written, realistic budget; adjust if income changes, but don’t live in constant fear of “next month.”
• Spend a little money to stay connected as a couple (cheap dates or outings) so you can plan and support each other.
• Try not to let your kids carry the financial stress; keep key routines and a few “normal” things.
• Carefully review health insurance options; individual plans were far cheaper for us than COBRA.
• Build savings when you’re employed so you have a cushion if layoffs ever come.

Is there a particular area you’re most worried about—income, budgeting, or your kids?