Now that you’ve built your usual budget, we can start looking at modifications that might be necessary in the current pandemic situation.

If you are still working, your expenses or income may have changed. Some essential workers are receiving hazard pay or increased differentials and the lower gas prices make commuting cheaper. Folks who are working from home have reduced commuting costs (gas, parking, public transportation) and may be saving on things like restaurant meals, entertainment, and leisure travel.

If you are in this situation, here are some ideas of what to do with the little bit extra:

• Support local restaurants that offer delivery or takeout. Tip big.
• Buy gift cards for local businesses that you use. (Even some temporarily closed businesses are selling gift cards online.) Gift cards offer businesses cash flow now and you’ll have lovely treats later. (Yes, there is a risk if the business goes under during the pandemic.)
• Increase your donations to charities that serve those in need and to your faith community.
• If you employ a cleaning service or a yard service or a day care provider or a tutor or music teacher that cannot work at present., consider keeping them on the payroll if you can.
• Keep up with your savings. Give your budget a good review to identify essential expenses (Internet and a cell phone are essential expenses – 4 streaming services are not). Keep building your emergency savings until you can cover a full year of those essential expenses.

If you have lost your job or been furloughed, first, I’m sorry. It’s scary and sad and you have every right to be anxious and angry. But please do use some of that angry and anxious energy to do the following:

• Go through your budget and identify essential expenses: mortgage/rent, food, utilities, medical needs. Everything else is extra.
• Apply for unemployment and every other benefit for which you may be eligible (WIC, SNAP, free lunches for students, etc.). It may take a while to get through online (the phone lines are swamped), so persevere.
• If you have debts, contact your lenders. Many are offering to suspend payments for a few months. Make sure you study the terms though. Giving you six months off now and adding six months to the end of the loan is ok. Continuing to charge interest and adding that to your balance is less attractive but may be necessary.
• Get advice for reputable experts: https://library.nclc.org/sd/0102

I know, you’re thinking, “The kids are home. Having streaming services is necessary.” Look for low cost or free options:

• Many public libraries are offering extensive online resources, including videos and audiobooks. If you don’t have a library card, many are offering online signup.
• Take advantage of free trials. Just make sure that you cancel before they start charging.
• Look at benefits that may come through services that are essential. Perhaps your Internet or cell phone provider offers free access to a particular service.
• Look for “quantity discounts.” Some streaming services offer premium tiers allowing multiple simultaneous logins. Working with others may reduce the monthly cost.