It was a sad day to hear the announcement this month of the end of a tradition ? Trimingham Brothers ? in Bermuda. It must certainly have been an agonising decision for the primary shareholders whose name, family, and identity have been synonymous with Front Street shopping for the last century.

Their employees must now draw on their inner resources and step off into new directions, but unlike other company closings that I have seen over the years, they do have a few months to plan for this job loss and to move on. While some may not have the emotional stamina to immediately lay out contingency plans for the next year, it is important to try and at least think about how you will handle the next six months.

The following checklist may help you get started:

lReview your savings. Do you have enough cash for three to six months of rent or mortgage payments? Utilities, phone, gas and food?

lIs your cash cushion fairly small? Start saving as much extra as you can right now. In order to save, you must stop spending on everything that is superfluous and unnecessary, cell phone overage, eating out, snacks, new shoes, leisure clothes & shopping sprees, vacations, little expensive electronic treats. Cut your food costs down to plain practical small portion meals. You'll lose weight in the process.

Set up a strict budget while you are doing a personal finance review. Consider yourself in survivor mode until you are certain that you have been able to obtain another job. It won't hurt, short-term, and may further increase your savings long-term.

lHoard your separation package. Avoid loaning money to anyone, however much they ask. Do not pay down debt, make renovations on your home and other large cash outflows until the way forward is very clear. This package is your safety net.

lEstimate Debt payment schedule. Discuss your mortgage contract with your mortgage officer and see if you can arrange interest only payments for a few months.

lCredit Cards. Stop using credit cards ? do not charge anything during this time frame. If you have a balance, pay the minimum for the next few months until you have normal cash flow (from a new job) coming in. If the balance is uncomfortable, you may be better off reducing it to zero and keep it there. You need, more than ever, your good credit record.

lCar payments. Consider selling that car if there is enough equity in it, then taking the proceeds to purchase a second hand car ? fully paid for. For some, this may seem an appalling choice, but you absolutely must have reliable transportation to interview for a new job. Losing a vehicle due to payment default, won't help.

lHome Equity Line. If you are a two-income earner family and own your home, see if you can arrange to qualify for a home equity line now. You may not be able to borrow if only one of you has a job. Plus, you incur no interest unless you have a financial contingency. It becomes another safety net.

plan for increased personal grooming costs. This is one area where you simply cannot skimp. You must project an impeccable confident, poised, polished professional look at all times. If you generally love (and display) body jewels, radical haircuts, "statement type clothing" and so on, keep them under wraps. I agree that it is your choice to display them all, but for job interviews ? choose a plain well fitting conservative suit. Given two job candidates of equal strength and professional credentials, the one who appears the most businesslike will win the job. Remember, the first impression is the only impression.

lIf it looks as though income will be uneven for quite a while, consider rent a room in your home or moving out to rent your entire house. It might not be comfortable or fun, but it will pay bills while you recoup.

lIncrease your literacy quotient by reading, reading. Use a small amount of your package to develop new interests, take courses, etc. to demonstrate that you are a vital person.

lWatch your body language and work on a positive attitude, no matter how miserable you feel inside. Some days you may actually start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

lGet your C.V. updated immediately. Network with friends, business acquaintances, family contacts, for potential employment.

lDecrease the use of cigarettes and alcohol. Yes, it is hard to do these things, but they all act as depressants when you are emotionally exhausted.

lInstead choose to step up your athletic activities. This is not the time to let yourself go ? work out that frustration on the fastest walk, bike, or run you can ? often.

lBe Proactive ? you can't act like a deer frozen in car headlights, even though no deer live here. Time on your hands during the interview process? Volunteer at your community centre. Really want the job, tell your prospective employer they can test you out free for a week. Don't be reluctant to take a job that has potential, even though not a first good fit. Once hired, you have the power to make it what you want.

You must prepare yourself emotionally and mentally to be strong, because being made redundant is a terrible blow to your psyche. I know exactly how it feels to stand in the unemployment line. It happened to me in the last recession in New Hampshire.

Now is the time to consider reinvention (of yourself) and renewal (of your educational aspirations) and your faith. Resourcefulness (in the face of adversity) promotes resurgence of interest in you and what you can contribute to your employer's bottom line. you will be the employee everyone wants.

You can do it, you will do it, and you must do it. Good luck.