Survival tips: How to prepare for an economic downturn

By maryvillarealdw // 2022-02-10

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The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, inflation and supply chain issues all contribute to the financial problems that the world is experiencing today. While people don't know what will happen next, working toward financial freedom and preparing for an economic downturn are worthy endeavors. Getting hit with a major impediment that could affect finances, such as losing a job or getting sick, can be a burden. However, this could be managed with adequate preparation. Here are some ways to prepare for an economic downturn:

Make every penny count

Start with being debt-free. Put money in savings or a cash fund that is readily available in case it is needed. Cash and money market accounts, as well as short-term government investments, will help most in a crisis. These resources are also more sound because their value does not fluctuate with market conditions, unlike stocks, index funds or other financial instruments that one can invest in. Having ready cash means you don't need to take your money out if there's going to be a financial loss. Make sure to budget properly. If you have major obligations, such as mortgages or tuition payments, you will want to have your expenses saved up with at least a three-month expense cushion. (Related: This must-see interview with James Rickards will make you completely rethink your financial preparedness for the coming collapse.) There is also the process of being frugal now to survive and thrive later. If you don't know exactly how much money you have coming and going, you will not know how much money you will need for your emergency fund. You have to know whether you're living below your means or overextending yourself. A budget is a useful tool that could help you decide where your money is going and know your financial standing. Get bills paid and pay off all credit cards. If you have credit card debt, the interest charges can take up a significant portion of your monthly budget, so make it a point to pay it down to reduce your monthly financial obligations. Start cutting out anything that is not necessary. If you could get your recurring monthly expenses as low as they could be, you will have less difficulty paying your bills when money is tight.

Prioritize food sources

Store at least a month's worth of food products. Sit down and make a meal plan for a month so you can buy groceries and stock up accordingly. This can be expensive so buy ingredients for an extra meal or two every time you go to the store. Canned goods, boxed mixes, packaged dinners and similar items can be stored for a year or more depending on the food, packaging and storage conditions. If possible, find ways to grow food and preserve that food for when SHTF. Many people think that they can't grow food, but there is a way to do it no matter how small your space is. Grow lights are a good alternative for sunlight, making growing plants indoors viable. Grow food from scraps of vegetables in buckets and containers. You can also make raised beds and landscaping outside. (Related: Financial analysts SUSPENDED for criticizing totalitarian lockdowns and vaccine mandates.)

Build relationships

Whether you need help with fixing something, babysitting or more, you will need your friends and family to help you through a tough time, so build relationships when you can. Start by building working relationships with neighbors, co-workers and like-minded people. Start the art of bartering – offer help and get help in return. These relationships are even more important in a crisis when everyone gets affected differently. While you may be prepared to take care of yourself and your family during an economic crisis, you will need help from others to survive due to circumstances beyond your control. Be prepared to reach out and have someone reach out to you. The tables can turn very quickly during a crisis. You never know when you may need help from others. You cannot control all the variables in a crisis, but through deliberate preparation, you can mitigate some of the possible consequences when serious financial challenges arise.

CITIZENS NEWS

Make every penny count

Prioritize food sources

Build relationships

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