Why consider this?
Layoffs are typically communicated with only 60 days notice, leaving a very short window to make critical financial decisions that can affect the rest of a person’s life. Under this kind of time pressure, stress often drives emotional reactions rather than logical analysis—and most costly financial mistakes are made in this moment.

Supporting research highlights how common these missteps are. According to a recent Commonwealth Fund study, 81% of employees who lose health insurance due to layoffs do not enroll in COBRA or their state Health Insurance Marketplace, leaving them uninsured. In addition, research from Pension Bee shows that 63% of American workers with abandoned 401(k) accounts experience erosion of their retirement savings due to inactivity and elevated fees—often turning these accounts into long-term “retirement graveyards.”

These outcomes are largely preventable with proper education. Our classes are designed to provide clear information so participants can make logical, well-reasoned decisions. We also teach practical psychological techniques to help individuals step back from the emotion of the situation and evaluate their options objectively.

Job Separation and Transition Program (Pro Bono)

The Job Separation and Transition Program is a pro bono, virtual educational session designed to support employees during periods of job separation or workforce transition. The program is approximately 1–2 hours in length, depending on participant questions. Optional individual consulting and counseling may be requested following the session.

The program focuses on providing general education and decision-support guidance to help participants understand available options and make informed, non-emotional decisions during a time-sensitive transition.

Program Overview

Module 1: Immediate Financial Considerations

• Cash flow management during transition
• Triage budgeting: distinguishing essential expenses from discretionary spending
• Timing considerations for bill payments
• Access to available funds
• Overview of potential tax ramifications and penalties
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): rights and available options
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): rights and available options
• Employment separation protocols (PA)
• Overview of potential income sources
• Unemployment compensation:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Benefit offsets
  • Appeals process
  • Ongoing filing requirements

Module 2: Benefits and Long-Term Planning Considerations

• Health insurance continuation options (COBRA vs. state health insurance exchange)
• Benefit portability considerations
• Retirement plan vesting
• Pension vesting considerations
• Social Security overview
• Beneficiary designation review considerations
• Retirement accounts and outstanding loan considerations
• Distribution options, including general tax and early-withdrawal penalty rules
• Retirement account rollover options