Economic tough times are facing nearly everyone today. We all feel anxiety stemming from the instability of
the economy and throughout our workplaces. In times like today, it is important to remain positive and learn
what you can and cannot control. Remember to take care of yourself and to ask for help when you need it.
We have compiled some tips and resources to help you manage your work-life during these tough times.
Physical & Mental Health
Ongoing worry about things such as finances and unemployment can cause serious health issues for a
person, both physical and mental. Children are not exempt from this and often pick up on the stress their
parent(s) are going through. They may not speak up about it, but you may recognize it through a change in
their behavior or drop in grades. Despite each of each of us having different resources available, sometimes
we forget or overlook some of them. Here are a few we thought to remind you about. Many offer free or
inexpensive support and counseling
 Faculty & Staff Assistance Program
 Church or Synagogue
 Support Groups
 School Counselors
 Healthy Nutrition
 Adequate Sleep & Exercise
 Peer Support
Financial Hardship
Many in our own Emory community have partners who have lost their jobs or have taken drastic pay
deductions. Concerns about making ends meet and not losing their homes or accumulating too much debt
has become quite common. Below are some resources to help you with financial hard times.
 Emory Credit Union
 Making Home Affordable
 Foreclosure
 Reemployment
 Financial Assistance
 Marta Subsidy
 Consumer Credit Counseling
 Emory WorkLife Resource Center
Dependent Care
Increasing concerns over how to pay for child and elder care have arisen as a result of the instability of our
economy and many people losing their jobs. Child care centers and nursing facilities are finding it difficult to
fill their slots. Families are withdrawing their children from quality centers and adults are caring for aging
and sick family members at a much higher than average rate. Dependent care is an expense that many
cannot afford right now. EWLRC has some suggestions for you to consider with these important matters.
 Discuss the situation with your provider to see if there are any options you are unaware of.
 See if you can work out a temporary plan or alternative pay arrangement with your provider.
 Try to negotiate a sliding rate or discount with your provider.
 Explore the idea of part-time, drop-in, or shared-care with your child care provider.
 Look for programs for that offer less expensive tuition or sliding scales, along with high quality.
 Research alternatives such as family day care providers, nanny share, and co-ops that provide greater flexibility.
 Share care with a friend or neighbor.
 Open a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account during open enrollment.
 Dependent Care Resource & Referral (BrownRichards &Associates)
 Emory WorkLife Resource Center
Tips to Help Save Cash
 Shop consignment for clothing to save money. This is especially good for young children and miscellaneous household items that you may need.
 Wisely used social networking can be way to locate goods and services.
 Trade favors and services with friends.
 Comparison shop and buy online.
 Share in the costs of entertainment with friends and family – pot lucks, game/movie nights, etc.
 Be creative and shop early sales this year for holiday gifts – Be sure to set a budget you can afford.
 Lower costs of heat bills this winter by lowering the temperature a few degrees and dressing a bit warmer in the house.
 Plan a “staycation” this year or share in expenses by going with friends or family.
 Distinguish between wants and needs – downsize what you don’t need.
 Plan your meals, cook at home and take your lunch to work.
 Keep a loose change jar at home.
 Use coupons & review discount sites (Sparkfly, Coupon Mom, Cool Savings, WorkLife Great Deals, etc.)
 Carpool to work.
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