Ms. Thieu Quynh Anh - Director of Viet Tin Financial and Human Resources Consulting and Solution Supply Joint Stock Company (Dong Da ward, Hanoi) - gives advice for U40 workers to prepare a financial foundation, limit "shock" before the sacking storm, including 3 steps:
Step 1: Establish "Survival Recovery Fund" (6-12 months)
Many young people only need a 3-month salary reserve, but at the age of 40, this number must be 6-12 months of minimum living expenses. The reason is that at this age, the time for you to find a new job equivalent or switch to a private business model is often much longer than for young workers.
You should review all expenses in the last 3 months, immediately eliminate "face-saving" expenses (eating at luxury restaurants, changing new phones, unnecessary service registration packages...). Instead of putting all your money into real estate or long-term securities, keep a portion of your online savings book that can be deducted in installments to cope with emergencies.
Step 2: Debt restructuring and insurance "package
Debt is the "rock" that pulls you down the fastest when income is interrupted. Age 40 is usually the peak period of loans to buy houses and cars.
You are borrowing from a bank, if you see signs that the company is about to cut, proactively contact the bank to learn about debt extension options or switch to loan packages with more preferential interest rates.
Prioritize health and life insurance: Many people when losing their jobs often cut off their insurance contributions to save money. This is a fatal mistake. At the age of 40, the risk to health is much higher. Make sure you and your family have continuous health insurance. If there is no longer insurance paid by the company, buy voluntary health insurance immediately to avoid "bankruptcy" if you unfortunately get sick in the midst of unemployment.
Step 3: Diversifying the "income basket" and closing the social insurance book
Never let 100% of family income depend on a single salary scale. In 2026, the concept of "side jobs" is no longer a hobby but a mandatory requirement for survival.
If you have 15 years of professional knowledge, turn it into online courses, receive freelance project consulting or work as a professional collaborator.
If you lose your job, carefully consider withdrawing one-time social insurance benefits. If your finances are still stable, switch to paying voluntary social insurance to extend the contribution period.
