A recession is an extended period of economic downturn that may last months or years. It often causes businesses to lose money and eventually lead them into bankruptcy.

No matter if you’re an employee or business owner, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re financially prepared for a downturn. Here are a few ideas to get you started on this journey:

1. Pay Off High-Interest Credit Card Debt

Navigating your finances during a recession can be particularly daunting if you have credit card debt that accumulates interest quickly. Fortunately, there are ways to pay off that debt and stay financially healthy.

Before anything else, it’s essential to assess your overall debt load and formulate an effective debt reduction strategy. Do this by writing down all card balances as well as interest rates and monthly minimum payments you are currently making.

If you have the option to reduce your interest rates, it can be a great way to save money and avoid paying more money overall. Call your credit card issuer and inquire if they would be willing to negotiate a lower rate with you; this will enable you to pay off debt more quickly and save yourself more money in the long run.

2. Create an Emergency Fund

Emergency funds are an excellent way to save money that you can use in case of an unexpected expense. They also help you avoid running up debt from high-interest credit cards or loans.

Start building an emergency fund by reviewing your monthly spending and eliminating anything unnecessary. This could include television subscriptions, magazine subscriptions or items not necessary for daily living needs.

If possible, set aside at least three to six months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund. Having this money stored away in an accessible account will give you peace of mind in case a financial emergency arises.

3. Prioritize Your Expenses

A recession can be one of the most financially devastating experiences a person can go through, so it’s essential to be prepared. That means reducing debt, setting up an emergency fund and creating a spending plan.

Financial experts suggest prioritizing your expenses. They advise prioritizing essential costs like rent or mortgage payments and utilities first.

It’s wise to manage your credit card debt responsibly during a recession. You can do this by making timely minimum bill payments and working out payment plans with creditors.

4. Create a Budget

In times of economic difficulty, it’s essential to create a budget and limit your spending. Tracking expenses will help identify areas which can be cut back on, as well as making you aware of whether you’re spending too much money on non-essential items like entertainment or dining out.

Once you have a better grasp on where your money is going, it’s time to start planning for the future. Set objectives that you can realistically reach within the next couple of months and begin building an emergency fund.

5. Keep Track of Your Spending

Tracking your spending is essential for managing money during a recession. Knowing where your funds go allows you to make informed decisions about what and how much to save.

It’s essential to monitor your food spending, which tends to go up when the economy is in a slump. By cutting back on takeout or dining out, you can save money that could otherwise go towards other expenses. Furthermore, staying healthy and prioritizing self-care are two other strategies for dealing with tough economic times.