With foreclosures still looming, rising college tuition costs, millions of Americans without health insurance and people forced to put off retirement, it doesn’t seem like you’d be able to save a dime. But that doesn’t have to be you! We asked financial expert Chris Millio for some common-sense tips to ride out the financial storm.

Unemployment can be one of the most trying experiences for your whole family; you need to know how to pull through it. The important thing is, don’t panic. Here are a few tips to take while you’re looking for a new job:

• Contact the state benefit office to apply for unemployment benefits.

• Check out other ways to get health insurance coverage – losing your job might be considered a “triggering event” that could let you join your spouse’s policy. If that doesn’t work, you may be eligible for COBRA, a temporary health insurance coverage program through your previous employer. It’s important to do this quickly – you only have 60 days from the time you’ve lost your job to apply.

• Identify how long your financial reserves will last and create a disciplined budget. Scrutinize every dollar you spend.

• Contact your bank or mortgage lender and explain your situation. Request a temporary suspension of home loan payments, or a loan modification to lower payments.