As companies are laying off personnel and employees are choosing early-out options on retirement, many people are found with a “larger-than-pay-period” check in their hands in the form of severance pay. These compensation payments place large sums of cash in the hands of people after lean financial times and leave the recipient facing tons of options that will have a huge bearing on their immediate and distant financial future. Thoughts of investing in the financial markets, long sought after trips and cars, new businesses, paying past due debts and maybe buying a handful of lottery tickets may cross one’s mind. However, one thing that should come to mind is the security of your financial future and the necessary focus that should be given to it. If the money that is received is a portion (or entirely composed) of retirement funds, then a professional financial planner (or two or three) should be consulted to insure your retirement goals remain addressed. In addition, pay particular attention to an often forgotten, but inevitable aspect of finances, insurance. Insurance protection will stave off the effects of accidents… whether health, employment or finance related. While paying past due debt is of major importance, priority should be placed on various aspects of one’s financial status and attention given to areas that may have been neglected during financially leaner times. Afterall, if the money is received after lost employment, some measures must be taken to care for times when income may not be in existence. Speak with several financial professionals, regardless of your plans, to insure all financial options are discussed and intelligently considered.