Tips for protecting yourself during unemployment

The U.S. Department of Labor reported 372,000 applications for unemployment benefits at the end of 2012. Even more unsettling, this year higher taxes on small businesses and individuals will lead to an overall economic slowdown, as there will be less money in circulation for consumers to spend.

Employers may have to cut staff and hours to make up for these shortfalls. The following are a few ways to earn more money and find a new job in case you're unemployed.
Indoor/Outdoor Fish Farming.

One of the main concerns families have when caretakers lose their jobs is how to keep food on the table. Families can take initiative and create their own food source. Fish farming is popular not only to provide food for your loved ones, but because it can even turn into a small business, depending on the size of your operation.

A basic fish farm requires space (a basement or backyard), a pool, filters and fingerlings (baby fish). Fish farming books provide answers to questions that will arise throughout the endeavor. Several colleges, including the University of Hawaii, now offer non-degree courses in aquaponics, which is recommended for anyone serious about fish farming. These programs can generally be completed in a matter of months.

Evaluate Your Gold and Silver Jewelry.

Americans learned the hard way in the past seven years not to invest all of their money into commodities and stocks tied directly to the U.S. dollar. Millions lost everything in the 2000s, including their jobs, pensions and homes, because they failed to hedge their futures with non-dollar-based investments.

A great way to protect your wealth, regardless of economic conditions and prices, is determining the value of all your gold and silver jewelry. Both metals have increased in value more than fivefold since the early 2000s. The price of gold sits at $1554, and silver at $26.95 per ounce as of April 4, according to US Money Reserve.

The prices of both have steadily declined through most of 2013, due to global liberal printing policies by all the major central banks. Many Americans are selling their jewelry to make ends meet, but holding onto it until the end of the currency wars may be the best course of action. The values of both gold and silver are all but certain to skyrocket in value once the market correction with all the currencies inevitably happens (a la 2007-08).

Keep in mind, an 18-karat gold is 75 percent gold; 14-karat gold is 58.5 percent gold. Thus the total weight of your gold items (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) multiplied by these ratios is the melt value of your jewelry. If you decide to sell now, do not take less than 90 percent of the melt value. There are always other buyers you can inquire with.

Get Social.

According to a report by ABC News, 80 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Searching classifieds online and sending resumes to prospective employers just isn't enough. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social networks can connect you with professionals in your field and personalize your job search.

The likelihood of landing an interview increases when you know someone who can inform you of open positions and make a recommendation. Networking events, such as job fairs, are also a great way to sell your personality and skills directly to several companies.

Taken from: Guest Post (article, By Tom Hurdle), Google (images).