Free Post-Layoff Budget Planner
Know your numbers, kill the panic. This template helps you figure out exactly where you stand financially — in about 15 minutes.
Download the Template
CSV file — open in Google Sheets, Excel, or Numbers. Fill in your numbers and see your runway instantly.
Download Budget TemplateTo use in Google Sheets: Download → Go to Google Sheets → File → Import → Upload the CSV
What's Inside
Step 1: Your Runway
Add up your savings, severance, unemployment benefits, and any other income. This is your fuel tank.
Step 2: The T-Chart
Two columns: “Must Pay” (rent, utilities, groceries) vs “Can Cut” (subscriptions, dining out, gym). See exactly where your money goes and what you can eliminate today.
Step 3: Your Numbers
The template calculates your monthly surplus or shortfall, and tells you exactly how many months of runway you have. Knowledge kills panic.
Step 4: Action Checklist
A checkbox list of everything you should do ASAP — file for unemployment, apply for SNAP, review health insurance, call creditors about hardship programs, and more.
Pro Tips
- 1.Do this with your partner if you have one. Being on the same page financially reduces stress for both of you.
- 2.Call every subscriptionand ask to cancel or pause. Most will let you pause for 1-3 months. That's free money.
- 3.Call your credit card companiesand ask about hardship programs. Most will lower your rate or let you skip payments temporarily. They'd rather work with you than send you to collections.
- 4.Apply for SNAP immediately.If your income just dropped to zero, you almost certainly qualify. That's $200-400/month off your grocery bill. See our Resources page for links.
- 5.You probably have more runway than you think. Once you add unemployment benefits and cut discretionary spending, most people find they have 3-6 months before things get truly tight.
Ready to file for unemployment? Find your state guide:
Find Your State