Is A Recession Here!? 11 Tips To Prepare

A recent article caught my attention from Finance Buzz on things to do BEFORE a recession hits. Just how many of these actually apply to you and which ones can be used to great effect? Let's dive in to my 11 essential tips for getting ahead of that scary word recession; with this compilation from basic to advanced.

1) Live Frugally; at least for awhile...

Track your usual expenses and figure out where you can cut spending. Have a billion streaming services you pay for? Maybe go to a free service for awhile (you can handle a few ads right?). Commit to meal planning, and stay in instead of dining out. Cancel recurring subscriptions, and curb those unnecessary shopping trips.

2) Get an emergency fund, seriously!

A 2019 Federal Reserve report found about 40 percent of Americans could not cover an unexpected $400 bill/emergency. A stash of $1,000 is a good place to start. Then aim for at least 3 months' regular income. Some savings accounts will even give you extra money just for opening an account with them (plus rewards programs for saving).

3) Stop Overpaying When Shopping Online

Yes, online shopping is supper convenient. Using a keyboard and mouse to parouse aisles at your area supermarket or convenience store; who would have thought we be doing this today. But did you know some helpful tools can help you keep more green in your pocket. Capital One Shopping automatically applies codes that work for your purchases. No searching. No multiple tabs. Easy-peasy. Even adding rewards/coupon aps to your browser like Honey can save you time and earn you cash back on purchases.

4) Pay off debt with the highest interest rates first

No brainer right. Pay off the bills that have the highest rates. These could be student loans, credit cards, houses, or cars. Whatever the debt blast the bills that will cost you the most in the long run and get ahead of those rising interest rates.

5) Do you qualify for National Debt Relief help?

Apply today and find out if National Debt Relief will help pay off your credit card loans. Yup you could get out of credit card debt fast, but you have to go through their assessment first. If you pass, National Debt Relief can help you pay off your credit card debt (possibly with less interest) in one simple monthly payment as opposed to multiple payments across your credit cards.

6) Diversify Your Portfolio With Real Gold

Stock market volatility is financially damaging, especially as you near retirement. Gold values are inversely correlated with the stock market and the dollar. When one goes down, the other usually goes up. If you want to protect your retirement funds; diversify! It helps you weather adverse market swings. Gold Alliance is a good place to start for precious metals. They specialize specifically in precious metals IRAs.

7) Over 50? Join AARP and reap other age based discounts

Does your coffee shop offer a senior discount? Many places actually do offer AARP members discounts. When you start a membership, you can get discounts on things like travel, meals, deliveries, eyeglasses, and prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance. And that's just a few of the things that membership offers. It will only cost you 12 dollars per year if you follow this link. Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership and you'll get a free gift, with your auto-renewal.

8) Invest in a Home Warranty for those BIG Unexpected repairs

Home owners insurance doesn't cover many things; like appliances, HVAC systems, and plumbing. But, you know what can? A home warranty. Richard Karn (you know him as Al from Home Improvement/Tool Time) suggests Choice Home Warranty. They were named one of the "Best Home Warranty Companies" by US News 360 Reviews and were awarded Best Company's 2020 Consumer's Choice Award.

9) Sell your stuff (that you don't need/want)

Yes, the good ole' garage sale. It seems goofy, but online garage sale-ing is easy and can be quite successful on places like Facebook marketplace, eBay, and loads others. Movies, games, jewelry, clothes; you name it, you can probably flip it into some cash reserves.

10) Get your hustle on, with a side gig

I know, no one wants to do more work, but hear me out, loads of companies locally and nationally are seeking part-time workers, some are even looking for people to work from home. Are you really talented at something? You could even make cash as a content creator/provider on Tik-Tok, Instagram, or Meta (Facebook); just don't expect overnight success. Look locally here at Express Employment and see what's available today.

11) Find a support group

This, I think, is the most neglected way people can find help when they are struggling financially or are in a tough situation. If you expect some shortfalls, its always great to have a support group. That could be a backing partner in a business. It could also be places like food pantries, second hand stores, churches, and non-for-profit organizations. Let's be honest many hands make light work, and a group of individuals can conquer big problems easier than a lone person. For more information on services and volunteering opportunities, you can visit Volunteer DBQ and find a list of organizations in the area here.

Here are even more ways you could be putting money away!