The struggling economy has hit us all in one way or another. And it could get a little worse before it gets better, which is why the old rules of getting by when you're out of work don't necessarily apply today.

The editors at Good Housekeeping magazine put together some new rules for keeping your head above water when you're unemployed.

In past economic downturns, it might've been enough to cut down on eating out and unlimited texting. But if you lose your job, the rule is you should cut back on everything.

"If it doesn't keep a roof over your head, if it doesn't feed you or keep you insured, you can probably cut back on it," said executive director Janet Siroto.

Here are two easy cuts: replace your home phone with a pre-paid cell phone, and drop or downsize your cable or satellite package.

Web sites like Hulu.com stream thousands of TV shows and movies for free.

"You really need go into almost a financial hibernation to stretch your money out for as long as it will possibly last," said financial planner Dylan L. Ross, CFP.

Today's rules for surviving a layoff say save your cash. Get a 0-percent interest card and use it responsibly.

"So finding a credit card with 0-percent interest for as long a period as possible will help you should an emergency happen, a pipe bursts in your basement, or even if you're having a hard time just week to week," Siroto said.

You can find low-interest cards on Bankrate.com. Remember, keep track of when the low introductory rate runs out because after that, you'll be stuck paying interest on everything you buy.

If you're laid off and need health coverage, look into continuing your old employer's health plan. Under federal law, if the company has 20 or more workers, you must be allowed to get this COBRA coverage, as it's called.

Thanks to the February stimulus passage, you only have to pay 35 percent of the full cost. The federal government will pick up the rest.

To qualify, you must have been laid off between Sept. 1, 2008 and the end of 2009. The government only pays for COBRA coverage for nine months.