How to improve your financial situation while unemployed in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - As Colorado experiences its highest level of unemployment in years amid the COVID-19 outbreak here, and the regulations that came with it, KRDO found tips on how people without work can better their financial situation.

Of course, you can file an unemployment claim and look for a new job, but what else can you do to ensure your financial stability during this tough time?

We spoke with Dale Payne, a Colorado Springs-based certified financial planner, about what you should do in order to keep some money in your pocket.

Payne said, first and foremost, it's important to take action on your own to manage the situation.

"I would not sit and wait for the government to knock on your door. I would be proactive," Payne said, in regards to the stimulus check. He suggests visiting the government website for more information, rather that just waiting around.

Payne reminded us there are also plenty of resources here in the city, but you need to do your homework. "Unless you look, you won't find them," he told us.

He said a couple good places to start are the county and state's websites.

Payne also suggested talking with your landlord if you rent your home. While it's still legal for landlords to evict you -- despite the governor asking them not to -- your landlord might want to negotiate, rather than find a new tenant.

As for people with mortgages or student loans, Payne said you could contact your provider and see if you qualify for a forbearance program.

When it comes to your budget, he said you need to nix the online shopping ASAP, if you haven't already.

"My new trick is, I put everything in a cart, go back to it two hours later, and discard everything I really didn't need," he said.