Facing a furlough? Six ways to prepare.

Many Americans are starting to feel the pinch of reduced federal spending.Government and even nongovernment workers face furloughs or even layoffs as the budget purse strings tighten. Here are six ways to get ready for a furlough or unexpected layoff:

4. Manage your monthly payments

Don Petersen/AP/File
Medical bills are spread out on the kitchen table of a cancer patient in Salem, Va., in 2011. If you suddenly face a reduction in income, medical providers and other creditors may be willing to work with clients who need more time to pay off their bills.

Some creditors might allow you to pay on an installment plan without a penalty or charging interest. Medical providers often are willing to work with people who can make steady payments on a debt. Additionally, there is the possibility that student loans can be stretched, or one payment can be deferred. Call your cellphone and cable companies to see if they are running any new promotions or offering any plans that might lower monthly costs. In addition, call credit card companies to negotiate a lower annual percentage rate. Reevaluate your insurance plans. Speak with your insurance company to explore the possibility of raising your deductibles. Price competing insurance firms and compare their policies. Consider whether an older vehicle needs full coverage.

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