Telling my partner I lost my job - 5 months and counting

I have been leaving the house at the same time each day so my kids do not notice. There are 6 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I want a plan before I speak. How did you handle it?

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

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.