Sad_Smile_4922's journey

I've been thinking a lot about my financial situation lately, especially with all the layoffs happening in various companies. I had planned to make a major purchase, but now I'm reconsidering everything. The common advice seems to be to have at least 6 months of savings, but given the current job market and the experiences of people I know who have been searching for jobs for a long time, I think aiming for 18 months of savings might be a safer bet. I honestly don't know how others manage without that kind of cushion. I feel fortunate that I have in-laws and parents who could take us in if things got really bad, but the thought of losing our house is terrifying. I'm curious about what others are doing to prepare and what their backup plans look like. I read a comment from someone who was laid off in January and is still looking for work. They mentioned having 3-4 years of savings, which sounds like a solid plan. I had actually intended to make a large payment toward my mortgage principal right before I got laid off, which might have helped me financially in the long run. Some people are suggesting that having a 'layoff plan' is just as crucial as having savings. It makes sense—if I were to get laid off tomorrow, would I know the steps to take? Things like figuring out severance, applying for unemployment, managing health insurance, cutting expenses, and starting the job search immediately are all important. It’s a lot to think about, and I want to be prepared.