Preparing for the Worst: 3 Things You Can Do Today to Protect Your Finances from a Possible Recession - PaydayVille (2024)

A lot of Americans today are already prone to the financial ruin that a potential emergency situation might bring. Imagine how they’d fare when another recession hits the country’s economy.

While one can never really fully save their finances from losses caused by a recession, people can still benefit from taking some preventive measures they can employ in the present to lessen the blow.

Shift Your Attention on Factors You Can Control

Preparing for the Worst: 3 Things You Can Do Today to Protect Your Finances from a Possible Recession - PaydayVille (1)

It’s not ideal to have to look for a new job during a recession after being laid off

No one person has control over where the economy is going, so it’s better to focus on things that one can actually control. This means taking an honest look at one’s current investments, savings, and even spending habits. But before all that, you should assess your income and its source first. How much job security do you currently have in your current employment?

To address the possibility of losing one’s primary source of income when a recession hits, Caroline Ceniza-Levine, a career expert, suggests that people ‘nurture their network’. What more, one should find ways on how they can be indispensable in their current job.

Another precaution one can start doing in preparation is padding up their savings. This can be done through the reevaluation of one’s spending habits and cutting down on unnecessary expenses to put aside. Unfortunately, this also means needing to put off purchases like a home or a new car.

Get Your Finances In Order

Preparing for the Worst: 3 Things You Can Do Today to Protect Your Finances from a Possible Recession - PaydayVille (2)

Put your saving habits into overdrive to build an emergency fund fast

Aside from saving, one should also set aside some money for an emergency fund. Most financial experts deem having up to six months worth of expenses as a good rule of thumb when determining how much to keep in the fund.

However, one should keep in mind as well that unemployment time lasts longer during recessions. Considering this, experts at the business news publication CNBC suggest padding up the emergency fund to last up to 12 months. This way, you won’t need to sell your things for cash when most of your investments’ value has already gone down.

One may also want to consider accessing their savings to have some cash which would help one in going about recessions and volatile markets. These funds can then be temporarily put into money market and other high-yield bank accounts.

Protect Your Retirement Plan

Preparing for the Worst: 3 Things You Can Do Today to Protect Your Finances from a Possible Recession - PaydayVille (3)

Determine which retirement account would give you more flexibility in the future

Meanwhile, CNBC also says that financial advisors suggest people to think about converting their IRA or 401(k ) into a Roth IRA as the money in this type of account can grow tax-free.

In the end, though, one should still refrain from investing money in anything if that money would be needed during the next five years or so whatever the current economic conditions are.

More in financial advisor

  • `

    How the U.K. Became the Supercar Capital of the World

    Picture the narrow streets of Milan with the roar of a Lamborghini passing by or the Autobahn with a Porsche zipping...

    Sven KramerOctober 13, 2023

  • `

    Fidelity’s Guide to Retirement: How to Join the Millionaire Club

    Picture this: You are lounging on a yacht, the sun’s warm rays are making the turquoise waters shimmer. And the best...

    Sven KramerOctober 6, 2023

  • `

    Unlocking Opportunities in the Age of Automation

    The world is on the brink of a robotic revolution, and it’s not just about the machines taking over. Companies pioneering...

    James WileySeptember 28, 2023

  • `

    Tricks Used By Brands to Make You Shop More

    Have you ever walked into a store to buy a single item and left with an overflowing shopping cart? If so,...

    James WileySeptember 21, 2023

  • `

    Jeff Bezos’ $68 Million Grand Mansion in Indian Creek Island

    When one imagines the abode of one of the world’s most influential figures, it is usually rife with grandeur and exclusivity....

    Sven KramerSeptember 12, 2023

  • `

    How Wall Street Banks Profit Billions through Tax-Free Renewable Energy Bonds

    Renewable energy is now the fastest-growing energy source globally, surpassing coal, oil, and gas in terms of investment and installations. The...

    Sven KramerSeptember 10, 2023

  • `

    The Future of Remote Work

    The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work across the globe. Companies and employees alike have quickly adapted to...

    Junaid RazaSeptember 2, 2023

  • `

    Everything to Know About Apple Pay Later

    As technology continues to transform how we handle our finances, Apple Pay Later is becoming an increasingly popular option for consumers...

    James WileyAugust 27, 2023

  • `

    Vacation in Silicon Valley: Where to Stay

    Silicon Valley, the hub of technology and innovation, is a fascinating place to visit. But with so many options available, finding...

    Sven KramerAugust 20, 2023

Preparing for the Worst: 3 Things You Can Do Today to Protect Your Finances from a Possible Recession - PaydayVille (2024)

FAQs

How can you protect your finances during a recession? ›

How to prepare yourself for a recession
  1. Reassess your budget every month. ...
  2. Contribute more toward your emergency fund. ...
  3. Focus on paying off high-interest debt accounts. ...
  4. Keep up with your usual contributions. ...
  5. Evaluate your investment choices. ...
  6. Build up skills on your resume. ...
  7. Brainstorm innovative ways to make extra cash.
Feb 22, 2024

How can we protect our money from currency collapse? ›

Let's review a list of investments that could safeguard your wealth in an economic meltdown.
  1. Traditional Assets. ...
  2. Gold, Silver, and Other Precious Metals. ...
  3. Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies. ...
  4. Foreign Currencies. ...
  5. Foreign Stocks and Mutual Funds. ...
  6. Real Estate. ...
  7. Food, Water, and Other Supplies. ...
  8. Stability and Trust.
Dec 14, 2023

How to prepare for government collapse? ›

If you want to weather the next storm, there are a few key steps to better prepare for an unexpected crisis.
  1. Maximize liquid savings. ...
  2. Make a budget. ...
  3. Cut back on unneeded expenses. ...
  4. Commit to closely managing your bills. ...
  5. Take inventory of your non-cash assets. ...
  6. Pay down your credit card debt.

What are five money saving tips to survive a recession? ›

Consider these five preemptive strategies that may help protect your finances in a recession.
  • Revisit your budget. Keeping close tabs on your budget is a cornerstone of good financial health, especially when inflation is high. ...
  • Pad your emergency savings. ...
  • Tackle debt. ...
  • Consider staying invested. ...
  • Maintain focus on your goals.

What not to buy during a recession? ›

Don't: Take On High-Interest Debt

It's best to avoid racking up high-interest debt during a recession. In fact, the smart move is to slash high-interest debt so you've got more cash on hand. Chances are your highest-interest debt is credit card debt.

What is the best asset to hold during a recession? ›

Still, here are seven types of investments that could position your portfolio for resilience if recession is on your mind:
  • Defensive sector stocks and funds.
  • Dividend-paying large-cap stocks.
  • Government bonds and top-rated corporate bonds.
  • Treasury bonds.
  • Gold.
  • Real estate.
  • Cash and cash equivalents.
Nov 30, 2023

Will the dollar collapse in 2024? ›

We expect 2024 to be a year of diverging trends for the dollar. It will likely move lower on a broad trade-weighted basis early in the year but stabilize as the year progresses. Although we expect a general downward drift for the dollar, performance of individual currencies will likely vary widely.

What should I own if the dollar collapses? ›

What to Own When the Dollar Collapses. Historically, tangible assets like gold and real estate have been sought after as they tend to retain intrinsic value. Investing in commodities such as precious metals, oil, and agricultural products is also considered a smart choice.

What happens if US dollar collapses? ›

If dollar collapses, foreign investors and central banks stop demanding dollars. U.S. bond prices will fall or U.S. interest rates will rise. Mortgage and credit card rates will soar, sending the U.S. economy back into recession.

What is too big to fail government? ›

“Too big to fail” refers to an entity so important to a financial system that a government would not allow it to go bankrupt due to the seriousness of the economic repercussions.

How can we prepare for a recession at home? ›

Worried about a potential recession? Here's 9 steps to prepare your finances now
  1. Take stock of your finances.
  2. Build your emergency fund.
  3. Create a budget.
  4. Keep your cash where it's rewarded.
  5. Eliminate variable-rate and high-cost debt.
  6. Think twice before eliminating other debt.
  7. Don't change your investing strategy.
Apr 24, 2023

How long does a recession last? ›

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the average length of recessions since World War II has been approximately 11 months. But the exact length of a recession is difficult to predict. In general, a recession lasts anywhere from six to 18 months.

What makes the most money during a recession? ›

Healthcare Providers. If any industry can be said to be recession-proof, it's healthcare. People get sick in good times and bad, so the healthcare industry isn't likely to have the same level of cutbacks or job losses that other less essential businesses may experience.

What should you do with cash during a recession? ›

As you increase your cash reserves, investing more in assets (things that increase in value), like stocks or real estate, will pay off in the long term. The key is to invest with a 10-year outlook. During recessions, you have access to more assets for less money.

Should I take my money out of the bank before a recession? ›

Generally, money kept in a bank account is safe—even during a recession. However, depending on factors such as your balance amount and the type of account, your money might not be completely protected. For instance, Silicon Valley Bank likely had billions of dollars in uninsured deposits at the time of its collapse.

Is it better to have cash or property in a recession? ›

Cash: Offers liquidity, allowing you to cover expenses or seize investment opportunities. Property: Can provide rental income and potential long-term appreciation, but selling might be difficult during an economic downturn.

Where is the safest place to put your money now? ›

Here are some low-risk options.
  • Checking accounts. If you put your savings in a checking account, you'll be able to get to it easily. ...
  • Savings accounts. ...
  • Money market accounts. ...
  • Certificates of deposit. ...
  • Fixed rate annuities. ...
  • Series I and EE savings bonds. ...
  • Treasury securities. ...
  • Municipal bonds.
Oct 18, 2023

Are certificates of deposit safe in a recession? ›

During the Great Recession and its aftermath, the stock market went through turbulent shifts, resulting in great losses for some stockholders. CDs are one option that can help protect your investment from times of turmoil by providing a stable income.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 6119

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.