Sandia Labs Layoffs: A Financial Action Plan for Employees Losing your job at Sandia Labs doesn’t just affect your income—it affects your healthcare, retirement plan, and family security all at once. I’m Justin Grinstead, a fiduciary financial advisor in New Mexico. I’ve helped many professionals through career transitions like this, and I created this guide specifically for Sandia National Laboratories employees facing layoffs in 2025. Below is your step-by-step layoff action plan—plus a free interactive checklist to help you stay focused and in control. 9 Immediate Steps After a Sandia Layoff Confirm Severance Details: Contact HR to clarify your eligibility for severance, vacation payout, and bonuses. File for Unemployment: Apply ASAP through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Explore Health Insurance Options: Compare COBRA, spouse’s coverage, and ACA marketplace options. Avoid gaps in care. Track Your Spending: Use a free aggregator (like Monarch or Empower) to get a clear picture of where your money goes. Trim Non-Essentials: Focus on awareness, not panic. Cutting discretionary spending buys you time and peace of mind. Review Your Emergency Fund: Aim for 3–6 months of core expenses. As of June 2025, I have access to a money market fund yielding ~4%. Contact Lenders: Ask about hardship options—even if you don’t use them, it’s good to know your levers. Protect Your 401(k): This should be your last-resort account. Avoid taxes, penalties, and emotional investment decisions. Build Momentum: Polish your resume, reach out to your network, and ask Sandia HR about outplacement services. 3 Areas to Get Right 💰 Emergency Savings Emergency funds aren’t “dead money”—they’re insurance against selling your long-term investments at the wrong time. And with money market rates around 4%, you can stay safe and earn something meaningful. 🏥 Health Insurance COBRA keeps your current doctors but can be expensive. The ACA Marketplace may offer subsidies, especially after a job loss. And don’t forget to schedule checkups before your current coverage ends. 📉 401(k) Planning This is the time to stay calm—not reactive. A temporary income drop could actually open the door to smart Roth conversions. Avoid locking in long-term pain for short-term relief. 📋 Action Guide I created a free, action guide that you can walk through on your own terms. It’s the exact process I use with clients—now available to you, no strings attached. Launch Action Guide 📞 Want Expert Eyes on Your Plan? I offer no-cost, no-pressure consults for Sandia employees facing layoffs. If you want a second opinion on your 401(k), emergency fund, or insurance choices—I'm here.

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