As the federal government shutdown drags on and thousands of federal workers are going without paychecks, we thought it would be a great time to check in with Peter Dunn about what to do if you’re suddenly laid off or facing a loss of income.

Peter writes the Pete the Planner column and hosts the Pete the Planner podcast where he talks about money. He’s also the founder and CEO of Your Money Line, which provides workplace financial advice for companies across the country.

He talked with IBJ Editor Lesley Weidenbener about the challenges facing federal workers for whom the future remains murky. And they discuss what those and other laid off or furloughed workers can do – and what they shouldn’t do – to address the situation.