Telling my partner I lost my job - what worked for you?

My spouse does not know yet that I was let go as a graphic designer. Thank you in advance. Bills are coming up and I cannot keep this quiet. 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.