Telling my partner I lost my job - 12 months and counting

My spouse does not know yet that I was let go as a mechanic. There are 15 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I want a plan before I speak. What did you say?

Do not wait until a bill surprises them. The longer it goes, the harder it gets.

I told my partner the same evening with a simple plan: what happened, what I was doing and what I needed. It was a relief.