We've told you before about businesses refunding or covering payments if you lose a job --- hoping to entice some customers to go ahead and make a purchase even if they're feeling insecure about their job situation. Ford, Hyundai and even menswear retailer Jos A. Bank have tossed out those offers with some caveats. The latest to join has been Virgin Mobile, offering to cover up to three months of payments for people on monthly plans (via Consumerist).

This week, Eileen Ambrose covers some practical tips on places to find financial support after losing a job. And remember, you're not alone --- lots of very successful people, including Harry Truman and Walt Disney,  have all found themselves in financial straits at some point in their careers, according to her column.