Topic 10 of 10

Preparing for and Recovering from Financial Shocks

What to do in the first 30 days after income stops, and a family emergency plan for disasters, illness, and sudden changes.

Lessons: 2 About 30 min in total

A money shock can happen to anyone: a layoff, a cut in hours, a federal shutdown, an illness, a fire, or a flood. These lessons help you act quickly when income stops and prepare your family before an emergency. They build on the Money Smart for Adults modules on spending plans, insurance and records, and disasters that Dollar Scholars teaches in its free classes, with rules and places to get help in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Builds on Money Smart for Adults

  • Module 4: Your Spending and Saving Plan (Section 2, When Money Is Short)
  • Module 14: Disasters: Financial Preparation and Recovery
  • Module 11: Protecting Your Identity and Other Assets (Section 3, Insurance and Record-Keeping)

Start the first lesson

Lessons in this topic

  1. When Income Stops: Your First 30 Days

    A 30-day plan for a layoff, cut hours, or a government shutdown: decide which bills come first, apply for help, and avoid costly traps.

    About 15 min Quiz questions: 6

  2. Your Family's Financial Emergency Plan

    Build a document kit you can take in minutes, check that your insurance fits your risks, and choose who can manage your money and care for your children if you suddenly cannot.

    About 15 min Quiz questions: 6