The only thing you feel like doing is drowning your angst in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, but get off your butt and lock in health insurance pronto. Here’s how.

Step 1: Talk to your HR department
Find out from your HR department how long the coverage that you’ve already paid for will last. Often they carry you through the month of your termination. Pursue a new insurance plan immediately so you don’t have what’s called a “lapse in coverage.â€� Don’t wait until the day your old policy runs out to apply for a new one.

Sure, you've had it since you were 16, but have you thought about how to maximize your policy and minimize payments?

Renters insurance is a seriously cozy security blanket for your belongings -- plus, it helps cover your living expenses in case an emergency forces you to vacate your place temporarily. Keep reading to find out exactly what renters insurance is, who needs it, how it works, questions you should ask before signing on to a policy, how much it costs, and how to get -- and keep -- your costs down!

1. Think: Location, Location, Location
Homes close to fire hydrants and fire stations cost less to insure.

2. Play Lucky Sevens
How much life insurance coverage do you need? Some experts suggest multiplying your annual salary by seven so your spouse is covered for 5 to 10 years (talk to an agent about your specific situation).

3. Consider Flood Insurance
Almost 25 percent of all flood insurance claims come from lower-risk areas, so consider picking up this extra policy. (We're talking about natural-disaster-type flooding; home insurance policies do cover damage caused by plumbing overflows.) 

Photo by Cooking for Two

Winter has arrived in full force, and it is bitterly cold (please remind us why we haven't relocated to Florida). Why not warm up with a bowl of onion soup topped with melted Gruyere crostinis courtesy of the Cooking for Two cookbook? It's a delicious meal guaranteed to keep you warm and cozy.