13 Tips On How To Survive An Upcoming Recession

How to Thrive During an Impending Recession

It is likely that the global economy will face a recession in the coming months or years. The prospect of an upcoming recession can be daunting, and many individuals are unsure about how to navigate through such challenging times.

If you find yourself wondering how to thrive during an impending recession, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore what a recession entails and provide essential tips on what to avoid in order to not only survive but also thrive during an upcoming recession.

Understanding a Recession

A recession occurs when the economy experiences a downturn. Businesses struggle to generate profits, leading to financial hardships and potential closures. The stock market and overall market value decline significantly, while job losses and wage reductions become prevalent.

In summary, during a recession, the economy becomes chaotic, and the effects are felt by everyone. Some businesses may permanently close, and individuals may even face the risk of losing their homes. It is undoubtedly a concerning situation.

Is an Upcoming Recession on the Horizon?

There is a high probability of a recession in the near future, partly due to factors such as the impact of Covid-19 and geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine situation. However, it’s important not to panic just yet. The truth is that no one can accurately predict when these events will occur, not even economists. While they can offer insights and predictions, uncertainty remains.

Nonetheless, it is always prudent to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. The good news is that you can plan ahead and take proactive steps to prepare yourself for an impending recession.

Here are 13 strategies for thriving during an upcoming recession:

Plan ahead for economic adversity.

By following the tips we provide, you can ensure the financial stability and well-being of both yourself and your family. Let’s delve into each strategy.

1. Build up your savings.

Begin with the fundamentals. Save enough money to cover at least six months’ worth of expenses. Financial and economic experts recommend having this cushion before venturing into other activities, such as investing in stocks.

The idea of saving up for six months’ expenses might seem overwhelming, but remember that any amount saved is better than none. Accumulating $2,000 instead of $20,000 is still a significant step forward.

2. Keep your resume up to date.

Let’s face the reality that during a recession, many people are at risk of being laid off. Historical data from the 2010 recession indicates that younger individuals were more susceptible to job losses [source: Economic Policy Institute]. Whether it was due to their limited experience or lower profitability, it remains crucial to have an attractive and up-to-date resume on hand. Being prepared to search for new employment will be essential during this challenging period.

3. Acquire new skills.

This advice goes hand in hand with the previous one. If you anticipate the need to change locations or adapt to a changing world, it is crucial to develop new skills. Consider learning programming, data analysis, or personal finance management (a valuable skill during a recession). The specific skill is less important than your ability to implement it effectively in real-life situations.

Employers value proactive individuals who are constantly learning and improving. Furthermore, being equipped with diverse skills will make you better prepared to navigate any challenges that come your way.

4. Listen to your instincts.

Your intuition can provide valuable insights on various matters. If you believe you are spending beyond your means, heed that inner voice. If you identify areas where you can improve, take action. It is better to cut back on discretionary spending now than to find yourself in debt or bankruptcy during an economic crisis.

5. Prioritize debt repayment.

This advice applies not only during a recession but at any time in your life. Lending institutions tend to be more cautious and less likely to extend credit during periods of economic turmoil. If you have existing debts, it is advisable to pay them off as soon as possible. Additionally, reconsider making financed purchases. If you don’t have the funds to buy something outright, it is an indication that you can’t afford it.

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6. Take care of your health.

If you reside in a country with a private healthcare system, it is essential to prioritize medical check-ups now. If your job provides health insurance, waiting until you are laid off may be too late. Given the current state of healthcare, including the ongoing pandemic, medical appointments and treatments can result in exorbitant costs. It is wise to take advantage of available resources while you still have the opportunity.

7. Resist the urge to abandon stock investments.

You might be tempted to think, “Why should I continue investing in stocks when I have no money?” While it is true that the market often crashes before an economic downturn, history has shown that values can eventually rebound significantly.

To reap the benefits, it is crucial to stay invested. This may appear contradictory to the next piece of advice, but it assumes you have followed the cardinal rule of investing: never risk more than you are willing to lose.

During a recession, it is likely that you will experience losses, even if you can potentially recover them later. Hopefully, you were already prepared to accept and withstand such risks.

8. Seize opportunities to buy stocks.

Building upon the previous advice, it is important to note that people tend to act emotionally and become easily frightened during recessions. They may hastily sell their stocks, and you might be tempted to do the same. However, it is precisely during these times that stocks become more affordable than ever before. Once the situation normalizes, substantial profits can be realized.

Nevertheless, it is crucial never to invest money that is needed for essential needs, such as food or education. Prioritizing necessities should always be the primary focus.

9. Avoid touching your retirement accounts.

As tempting as it may be, unless you require the funds for basic necessities, it is advisable not to withdraw money from your retirement accounts. After diligently saving for retirement, it would be disheartening to abandon your dreams due to economic difficulties. Consider your retirement account as a last resort.

10. Sell unnecessary items, including gold.

During a recession, it may become challenging to find buyers for second-hand items or possessions you no longer need. However, it is worth attempting to sell them several months prior to the worsening economic conditions. On the other hand, gold has historically been regarded as a safe investment, with its prices surging during economic crises. If you possess gold jewelry, watches, or other valuable items, a recession may be an opportune time to profit from them.

11. Explore home-based business opportunities.

While it is uncertain whether you will face job loss or not, establishing a home-based business can be a wise move during challenging times. If you have the time and resources, consider learning coding or copywriting. These skills are in demand even during economic disasters.

Have you always harbored an entrepreneurial idea that you never pursued? Perhaps now is the time to act. However, ensure that your business venture does not require significant investment or entail excessive risks, as banks are less likely to provide support during such times.

12. Enhance your passive income sources.

While you have the luxury of time, invest in assets, real estate, or any other form of passive income that aligns with your preferences. If you want to prepare for a recession, the best approach is to accumulate savings. However, earning money can be challenging unless you establish passive income streams.

As mentioned earlier, investing in stocks and holding onto your assets during a recession can have long-term benefits. Despite the unfavorable conditions, it is essential to remember that you have already incurred the initial losses, and it is probable that you will eventually recoup them.

During prosperous times, prioritize passive income over hard-earned income. Invest in stocks that offer decent dividends and save as much as possible.

13. Develop an emergency plan.

By reading this article, you are already taking steps toward preparing for potential economic recessions. Nevertheless, it is recommended to create a comprehensive emergency plan for yourself. Determine which expenses you can reduce if a recession occurs and which debts should be prioritized for repayment to avoid feeling overwhelmed in the future.

Once you have identified the weak spots in your personal finances, take appropriate action. Cut down on expenses, increase your savings, and pay off debts proactively.

It is crucial to remember that the timing of an economic recession is unpredictable. Although being prepared improves your chances of navigating through challenging times, individual behavior can vary when decisions must be made. You might have read and understood all the tips provided, but succumb to panic and sell all your stocks when the market experiences a downturn.

Remain level-headed and act based on the circumstances as they unfold. Never jeopardize the well-being or education of your loved ones. Keep your priorities in order.

In conclusion, these are some of the top tips on how to survive an economic recession:

• Save money while you have the means.
• Pay off debts as soon as possible.
• Resist the urge to sell stocks and assets out of fear.
• Take advantage of opportunities to buy stocks when prices are low.
• Reduce your expenses.
• Create a comprehensive emergency plan.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice.