Recession Toolbox

How Do I Handle My Money in a Recession?

That’s a question on everyone’s mind at the economy continues to endlessly pump out bad news, and it becomes difficult to find a glimmer of hope in this recession. I’ve written extensively about ways to stay positive when times are bad, handling unemployment and job security issues, curbing expenses when money is tight, and answering the tough questions many people have during these uncertain times.

The following is a list of reading from my archives you may find useful as you navigate the rough waters of the recession:

Unemployment/Job Security/Income

• Why Freelancing Benefits Your Day Job – While most employers look at moonlighting as a negative, here are some reasons why it may help you.
• 17 Tips for Recession Job Hunting – When times are tough, looking for a job is even tougher. Here are some tips for securing a job, tailored for a recession.
• 6 More Job-Hunting Techniques for New Graduates – If you’re a recent grad, this is a must-read of things you should watch out for when applying for jobs.
• How to Find Cash Fast When Unemployed – Maintaining a flow of cash is difficult after a sudden layoff. Here are some alternative income sources.
• Layoff Checklist – A quick rundown of the items that need to be taken care of quickly after you’re laid off.
• The Emotional Impact of a Layoff – Layoffs are not all about resumes and COBRA. You need to tend to your own emotional needs as well.
• How to Handle a Pay Cut (Financially Speaking) – If a pay cut is in your future, or you’re already earning less, cope using these quick tips.
• Don’t Play the Recession Victim at Work – Boost Your Productivity – Stop moping around at work, and focus your energy on getting the job done and maintaining employment.
• Building Passive Income With Cows – No, I’m not planning on becoming a farmer, but instead want to show you how a passive income strategy can help during times like these.
• 7 Tips for Turning a Hobby Into a Side Income – Ways you can take what is currently just a side passion and turn it into a little bit of extra cash that we could all use these days.
• Forget Business – Do YOU Need a Business Plan? – It’s of ultimate importance to define what you’re about, particularly in a recession, so that you know how to market yourself in the best light.

Tightening Up

• How to Stay Frugal and Focused in a Recovery – If the recession is getting better, here are a few strategies for keeping your new-found frugal ways alive.
• Using a Wish List to Curb Impulse Spending – An easy way to save for and prevent large, impulse purchases in your family.
• 5 Ways to Get Ready For Worse Times Ahead – If the recession is to get any worse, there are a few things you should consider for getting ready.
• Ideas for Vacations in a Bad Economy – If you really need a vacation, but really don’t have the money to go, read my ideas for trips on the cheap.
• Using Adult Allowance to Cut Back on Expenses – Use this system of “fun money” to curb resentment spending and let off a little steam.
• The Value of Affordable Entertainment – Why local or younger talent may be a good alternative for entertainment in a recession.
• Ideas for Cheap Dates – Just because the economy is bad doesn’t mean you can stop being romantic and spending time with your sweetheart. Here’s how to do it without breaking the bank.
• Hungry for Spending? 8 Reasons to Try a Cash-Only Diet – If your spending is out of control and you need a reality check, look no further than this post.
• Make Brown-Bagging Efficient and Fun – Ideas for brown-bagging efficiency, preparation techniques, and ways to make it more fun!

Tough Questions

• Should You Take Vacations in a Bad Economy? – A challenging choice and one with a number of perspectives you may not have considered.
• 7 Ways to Find Your Financial Heart – If you’re lost and looking for guidance, searching inside yourself may be just what the doctor ordered.
• Is It Better for One or Both Parents to Work? – My readers weighed in on this important topic, which is of particular interest during a recession – when job security and income are not stable.

Staying Positive

• How to Take Advantage of a Crappy Economy – A few simple ways the recession has changed our world, and how to cash in on each of them.
• 11 Ways to Stay Positive in a Bad Economy – Easy tips you can implement right away to maintain a positive attitude in a recession.
• Recession Buster: A Collection of Positive Quotations – A collection of motivational quotes about money and the recession.
• The Positive Side of Unemployment – If you think unemployment is a tough place to be, you’re right – but read this to look at it from a different perspective.
• More Motivational Quotes for a Bad Economy – My second collection of quotes for the recession.