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Job Loss Survival Flow

Plan your cash runway and prioritize cuts if income suddenly stops.

Get a survival runway plan with immediate expense-cut targets.

Why this flow matters

When income stops, panic makes bad decisions. Pre-computing your runway in calm times means that if the day comes, you already know exactly how many months you have, what to cut first, and what is non-negotiable.

Diagnosis
On track
Runway: 4.8 months. Optimized: 6.7.
On track

Your diagnosis

Runway: 4.8 months. Optimized: 6.7.

  1. NowCut $900/mo of discretionary spend on day one

    Adds 2.0 months of runway.

  2. NowPay only minimums on debt - never extra during a layoff
  3. SoonFile for unemployment the same week of separation

    Most states have a 1-week waiting period - no reason to delay.

  4. SoonPause investing contributions until reemployed
  5. LaterAvoid 401k withdrawals - 10% penalty + tax destroys long-run wealth
Start with Debt Payoff Calculator View detailed report

Your inputs

Edit any value - the diagnosis above updates instantly.

How the math works

The exact rules and formulas this flow applies - no black box.

  • 1.Severance buffer = essential expenses x severance months (severance pays for essentials, not discretionary).
  • 2.Baseline burn = essentials + discretionary + debt mins - unemployment benefit.
  • 3.Optimized burn = essentials + debt mins - unemployment benefit (discretionary cut to zero).
  • 4.Runway = (savings + severance buffer) / monthly burn.

How to read your result

  • Runway under 3 months: take action now, before the income shock - cut subscriptions, pause investing.
  • Optimized minus current >= 2 months: discretionary spending is the highest-leverage cut. Do it on day 1.
  • Negative-burn scenario (benefit > expenses): you are already on a workable budget. Focus on income search.

Common questions

Should I keep paying minimums on debt?

Yes - non-payment compounds APR and ruins credit, which you will need later. Minimums only, never extra during a layoff.

Do I count 401k as runway?

No. Early withdrawal triggers 10% penalty + tax. Treat retirement accounts as untouchable.

Should I sell investments?

Only after cash + severance + benefits run out. Selling in a downturn locks in losses.