I just got layoff two days ago. I'm just looking for any advice you are willing to share. It came in bad timing too, as I have a doctors appointment on Mon. They already told my insurance had stopped but I also heard I have two weeks of coverage because of their policy so I hope that's true. Anyways, I am having some thyroid issues and they took xrays and thank god I was negative for cancer but it was expensive. So any money I had saved went to that. I do have a little bit saved but not enough to get comfortable. Is there any shame into asking for unemployment? Any advice on avoiding bankruptcy? Any healthcare plans you can suggest incase I need to look at some while looking for a job? Any advice on surviving my first layoff? Thank you!

Unemployment insurance is a benefit that you receive for working and losing your job through no fault of your own. There is no "shame" in taking advantage of something you are entitled to.

Most likely your insurance cancels at the end of the month of the last day of employment. If your last day is today (5/1), you would have it through 5/31. It if was 4/28 or 4/29, it would have ended on 4/30. Sorry it's just the luck of the draw.

- If you have an undiagnosed medical condition, your best option is to elect COBRA coverage if it's available. Yes, it can be expensive, but the amount of money you have already spent for the year on medical treatment will be applied to your deductible. Where as if you purchase other insurance or don't have coverage at all, you will lose that benefits.

- If you decide to purchase an individual insurance plan, you should work with an insurance broker in your area. Insurance is state specific, thus we don't know what your options are.

The best way to find a job is through networking. This means talking with everyone you know, have ever know and asking them if they know of a potential job for you. If they say "no" ask them if they know anyone who might know of a job for you.

- Additionally, apply for ALL jobs you know of that you are qualified for. You can't get a job, if you don't apply.

- And finally, apply with temp agencies. You will always make more money working than on unemployment. And many times temp assignments turn into regular jobs.

Apply for jobs, day labor, apply for unemployment, create a budget, focus on room, food and transportation above all other expenses. Sell items you can part with. contact your creditors, many will have short term solutions to lesson the burden (reduced payment plans, interest freezes, deferred payments, etc. Discuss your situation with your doctor, stress affects health, they will also understand only necessary tests are needed. Assistance programs

Immediately apply for unemployment compensation - no shame in that. Update your resume and start applying for a new job.

While I can't diagnose your thryroid condition, if it's just a simple over- or underactive thyroid, that's easily controlled with inexpensive (generic) medications.

Always have a job just to have cash flow. Even if the job is crappy take it just to have the cash flow. Look for a different job at the same time.