These are unprecedented times, and we as a community and as a nation are learning to navigate through the hardships of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. As such, here are some tips and tools that may help you and your family, if you are struggling to make ends meet.

If you have lost your job…

1.) You may be able to file for unemployment. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment will answer your FAQ, as well as have the application for unemployment to fill out at their website: https://www.colorado.gov/cdle/unemployment

2.) Find a new job. You can apply at a company that is hiring, such as Amazon, King Soopers, Door Dash, Dominos and CVS Health, just to name a few. Check out this article from USA Today listing the major companies that are mass-hiring right now!

Companies that are mass-hiring.

3.) Know your rights. Go to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for information on mortgage relief options, such as forbearance and the laws on foreclosure moratoriums. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/

4.) Negotiate. Call your financial institutions and negotiate a payment plan or discuss options that may be available. List out all your bills and see what is truly a need or a want, then call those companies and negotiate a better deal. Interest rates are low, and it may be time to re-finance.

5.) Make your money stretch, by selling your old stuff. Decluttr, Mercari and Amazon Marketplace are all great places to sell things you no longer need.

6.) Get creative – market yourself! If you have access to the internet and/or a webcam you may be able to tutor. There are many online jobs. Check out this list of 25+ online jobs that are easy and flexible: Online Job Search