Recession-proof investing is the easiest way to prevent your financial portfolio from taking a significant hit when the economy starts contracting. It is also one of the most challenging tasks for the average person to navigate.
Dumping your money into a savings account, gold ETFs, or mutual funds isn’t the best way to go. You are going to want to follow some of the following steps to give yourself some protection.
Stay Calm
The economy goes through different seasons. Cycles of correction occur all over the world at times. Don’t make rash decisions immediately when you’ve got a successful portfolio. A small dip in your net worth isn’t the end of the world, and your value will rise again in time.
Have an Emergency Fund
Did you know that the average American family cannot afford a $500 emergency? If you don’t have a fund in place to manage an unexpected expense, then you are not in a position to invest. Build up some savings so that you have a minimum of six months of living expenses set aside. Even having one month of coverage is better than nothing.
Pay Down Your Credit Card Debt
When times are good, then that is when you want to be aggressive with your debt. If you don’t need to worry about high-interest obligations when the finances get tighter, then you’re going to be in a better position if a recession occurs.
Have a Doomsday Budget as Your Plan B
What would happen if you were to suddenly have a significant reduction in income? Having a separate budget in place when you need a Plan B will save you time if your paycheck isn’t what it used to be. Write out everything that you need to survive, from rent to groceries. Then cut out the non-essentials, including Netflix, to see where you stand.
Diversify Your Portfolio
If you want to be recession-proof with your portfolio, then about 40% of your money should be in cash-equivalent items. You can choose bonds, CDs, and money market accounts for this economic period. It helps to build a “ladder” of these conservative investments over time so that you have some almost-guaranteed returns coming your way. Make sure you also still have some equity stocks and mutual funds in there.
Stay True to Your Retirement Plan
Even if a recession hits, you will want to keep investing in your retirement plan. Contribute to your IRA, 401(k), or equivalent products as much as possible. When others are panicking, that is when your interest gains will become more useful. Investing is more about the long-term experience anyway, instead of any short-term gains that are possible.
Have a Side Hustle in Place
If you have multiple income streams, then it is easier to withstand a recession. Freelancing, babysitting, or selling items online are all possibilities. Grab a seasonal job when the holidays arrive if it fits into your schedule. When you save the cash you earn from this endeavor, then your emergency fund will build up quickly.
If you need help, then ask for it. Drowning in debt during a recession can make it a challenge to recover when the economy gets better. Start this process today by implementing these steps.