If you are one of the more than half a million people who have lost or are about to lose their jobs you need to start planning to put yourself in the best financial position you can ,while you are laid off. The first step starts the minute you hear the news that you are being laid off. Go straight to the human resource department and find out about your severance packages and your benefits. Make sure you ask about all unused time such as vacation,holidays and sick time. Second find out about extending your health benefits .See what is available. The last thing you want is another bill. Manage your severance pay wisely. Remember that needs to last you. Take out the money weekly as if t was you regular check. Deposit money in your savings account Slash spending. If you don't use coupons, Start now. Learn how to bargain shop. Make a budget. Cut out luxuries . Reduce withholding taxes if you have any time left at the end of the year. Reduce the amount of taxes taken from your remaining checks to maximize you take home pay. Use the web to post your resume . Make sure your resume is up to date. Learn how to self promote.Post your resume on job boards such as Monster.com and Careerbuilders.com. Update your Facebook and Linkedin profile.Employers are now looking for people who they can google on the internet. Start networking.Some 65 % percent of people get jobs through personal contact.Keep working .Look for contract work. Even volunteer work .You never know who you might meet. Take advantage of Free help.The Labor Department funds more than 2,900 CareerOneStop centers nationwide where you can get resume writing assistance,speak with career counselors,and get information. The center can be found by visiting www. careeronestop.org or by calling USA-JOBS 877-872-5672. Look into starting a home based business. There are so many opportunities. The sky is the limit. Don't panic. Give yourself time to think about your future. Think about what you really want to do. Maybe it is time for a career change ? Getting laid off may be devastating but you can turn it around . Stay positive. A good attitude will take you a long way.