The Game Plan: What Happens If the Paycheck Stops?

July 29, 2025

As I was cutting my kids’ nails the other day, a thought hit me:

No one sees this.

Not even the kids I’m doing it for.

They just get up and run off like I was hold them hostage, until I gently remind them, “Did you forget to say something?” Then I get a quick, “Thank you, Mommy,” and they’re off again.

But it made me pause.

So much of what we do for our families, especially as parents, goes unnoticed.

We:

• Make sure the kids shower, brush their teeth, and floss

• Cook and cut up their food (especially if they’re little like mine)

• Do laundry, shop for clothes, keep track of appointments

• Handle all the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the family healthy and functional

  
  

None of it gets public recognition. But these are the things that keep the wheel turning.

💰The Silent Effort in Our Finances

The same goes for our money.

You work, you get paid – weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly and life keeps moving. But ask yourself this:

What would happen if that paycheck suddenly stopped?

If you’re in a two-income household and one income disappeared, would you panic? Or would you have peace?

Take a moment to think about your savings, what my grandmother used to call your storehouse.

Now imagine the worst-case scenario.

• Would you have to sell your house?

• Move in with family?

• Cut down on expenses immediately?

• What’s your first move?

  
  

We create fire drills for emergencies. We tell our kids what to do in case of a fire.

But we rarely create money drills for financial emergencies.

📝What’s Your Financial Emergency Plan?

This week, I want you to sit down and ask yourself:

What is our family’s game plan if we lose an income?

Not from a place of fear but from a place of wisdom and preparation.

Talk it over with your spouse or partner. Write things down. Make it real.

Here’s what our plan looks like:

If we were to lose an income, I know our emergency fund would carry us for a little while. But that’s not enough. We’d take immediate steps to stay afloat:

✅Cut back on kids’ extracurricular activities

✅Cancel streaming services

✅Focus only on the necessities – food, shelter, utilities

✅We would shift into survival mode without shame, because we have a plan.

🛑Don’t Wait Until It Happens

Most people don’t like to think about losing a job or a source of income. It feels negative. But not having a plan is what causes panic when life throws a curveball.

Start Now:

• Build up your emergency fund

• Talk through your family’s “what if” plan

• Identify what can be cut quickly

• Know how long your savings can last

  
  

Peace of mind comes from preparation – not perfection.

Final Thoughts

Much like trimming tiny fingernails and folding laundry, your financial protection plan may go unnoticed.

But it’s one of the most important things you can do for your family.

Build your budget.

Grow your storehouse.

Create your financial fire drill.

And when life happens, and it will, you’ll be ready.

About Petra-Ann Brown

Petra-Ann Brown is the founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC, a financial coaching practice that empowers individuals to take control of their financial lives. She is also the host of Island Money 365 podcast, where she shares inspiring immigrant stories and provides invaluable financial resources to the community.