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Financial Planning

Building Financial Confidence, Security, and Peace of Mind

Financial well-being is about understanding your money situation and taking small, manageable steps to stay steady even during uncertain times. Budgeting, planning, and saving at whatever level is possible can help you regain a sense of control and make decisions that support your needs and priorities while you navigate what comes next.

Key Topics in Financial Wellbeing

  • Financial Health and Stress: Job loss can create real financial pressure, which often affects stress and mental health. Understanding this connection can help you take steps that ease some of the strain.
  • Financial Literacy: Learning or refreshing the basics: budgeting, saving, and understanding how money works; can help you make clearer decisions during a difficult transition.
  • Planning for What’s Next: Even if long-term goals feel out of reach right now, preparing for emergencies, future employment, and eventual retirement can help you stay grounded and regain a sense of direction.

Ways to Improve Financial Well-Being

  • Creating a Simple Budget: Focus on essential expenses, understand what resources you have, and set small, realistic goals to help you stay steady during this period.
  • Management Debt Wisely: Knowing your credit situation and exploring options such as payment plans, hardship programs, or talking to lenders can help reduce financial pressure.
  • Plan for the Future When You’re Ready: When things stabilize, learning about basic investing and retirement planning can help rebuild long-term security at your own pace. 
  • Ask for Help:

    Losing a job can create sudden financial pressure, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Reaching out for help can make a big difference. A financial planner can walk you through tough decisions, help you understand your options, and give you a clearer picture of where you stand.

    You don’t need to have everything “figured out” before you talk to someone, many planners are used to working with people in transition. Start by looking for advisors who are fee-only or who offer pro bono or reduced-cost services for federal workers/contractors. Ask whether they understand federal benefits and wether or not they are fiduciary. A good planner will explain things in plain language, focus on your priorities, and help you make a plan that feels manageable rather than overwhelming.

Financial triage and budgeting in times of uncertainty

This FedSupport webinar, offered in partnership with wellfed, provides practical guidance for individuals who have been fired, furloughed, or are navigating financial uncertainty. The session focuses on budgeting fundamentals and introduces the five levels of financial triage to help participants stabilize their finances. Speakers share clear, actionable strategies for budgeting, tracking expenses, managing debt, and setting achievable financial goals.

General Resources