For a while I in the first half of 2009 I was unemployed. I'd had to leave my first full time job since I left school due to slow business, and I was out on my own for the first time. I had never been unemployed, so it was a fast learning curve for me to adapt to my new situation; I entered that job straight out of high-school, literally starting leavers week, no time for play.

In that time I learnt a few things which I felt would be important to share, whether they would be of use to someone who was recently put out of a job, or simply tips to be frugal, but not tight-fisted.

Get high value assets in order

If you have a car, and still some savings, take the time to possibly get it serviced, or at least fix the small things, or the neccessary components. Check things such as: windscreen wipers, tyres, tyre pressure, oil level, radiator fluid/coolant and the level of the windscreen spray reservoir. If you have issues with your car, get them fixed while you have the time and the savings. There will be not much worse thing if you are stuck without transport to get to an important interview and you don't want to be stuck later with high value assets depreciating or not working due to not being maintained.

Get organised

You no longer have the excuse that you are too busy to get paperwork filed, and to empty your todo list. Find a GTD app, read the book or use Outlook or your PIM of choice. Personally I use Chandler and sync it to my iPhone through Google Calendar, as well as using the Quick Add application available free in the App Store.

Set up a proper filing system so you won't be surprised by bills which slip through while accumulating on a desk somewhere. Check when insurance and license payments are due and make sure you budget for them. Keep on top of your finances more than ever, cancel unneccessary subscriptions or periodic payments.

Stay home

Going out without having distinct objectives in mind will lead to you spending money which you wouldn't have needed to spend. Lunches on the go, snacks and bottled water all add up unless you take measures to prevent frivolous spending. Find a simple and inexpensive food you like and vary it between days, for example; eggs on toast for breakfasts, well made sandwiches with select fillings for lunches, as well as the bachelors best friend: packet mee goreng. You'd be surprised how cheap good tasting food can be (granted it won't do much for your waistline).

Be prepared

Do such things as keeping a bottle of water and a box of mints in your car, ready for a possible impromptu meeting with a prospective employer. Keep in mind that anyone can be an employer, depending on what work you are looking for. Appearance is everything, keep yourself looking neat and clean; even if you are just ducking down to the shops. Keeping yourself looking neat does wonders for your self-confidence. If you're not into staying neat, at least stay clean-shaven and sharp. I rarely let my dress standards lapse; I put in enough effort that it hardly looked like I was out of a job. It proves to yourself and others that you're not letting this small set back get you down, affect your confidence and degrade your standards.

Hopefully these are some good tips for anyone who is or isn't employed, and keep in mind these are things I found were important, your situation may be completely different. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with set backs; I just hope you get back on your feet as early as possible.