Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Can I Survive this Economic Recession

By Jan Shimano

There is no question about the fact that we are deep into an economic recession. Many of us are asking how we are going to get through this unscathed.

There are really only three outcomes. We could actually prosper during this time, we might not be affected at all, (or perhaps just a little) and finally, we could be financially devastated. Obviously, our wish is to prosper regardless of the economic conditions. So the question to ask ourselves, is how can we do that?

I think we all realize that there is certainly an ebb and flow to the economy. There are times of great economic growth, times of relative stability and then times when the economy draws back and we find ourselves in a recession, or perhaps even a depression.

We do not have to be frightened by this economic recession. There is so much hype in the media that sometimes it puts people in panic mode. It would be a good idea to get a little education on the causes of recessions and how to cope with them. I highly recommend a book by William Bonner entitled "Financial Reckoning Day: Surviving the Soft Depression of the 21st Century". Perhaps you can find a copy at your local library. Most libraries will order a book if it is not yet part of their inventory.

There are a few common sense things that we can all do. Certainly we would want to minimize our spending and even though it might be difficult, we should attempt to save money for the possibility of even tighter times ahead. Now is not the time to buy anything other than necessities, such as food and gas. We still need to eat and to drive our vehicles to work.

Taking on any new debt would be a very unwise course of action. It is possible that we could afford that monthly payment for that new car, especially as the prices are rock bottom at present, but in such unpredicable times, we do not know what our financial situation might be in just a few short months.

There are numerous way to earn a little extra income. One idea that comes to mind is renting out those few extra rooms in your basement or home. With so many people losing their homes, there would be no trouble at all getting those rooms rented out.

There is a wonderful opportunity during an economic recession to start your own home based business. You might think that is a crazy idea but let me tell you about a study that McGraw-Hill Research did. They found that those companies who maintained or even increased their marketing during the recession in 1981-82 saw a huge increase in sales growth to the tune of 275%. Can you imagine! So how do you think companies made out that didn't do that? Well, those companies who cut their marketing saw an increase of only 19% during the same five year period. Folks, this is the best time in 70 years to start that home based business.

This is really great news!

I am sure we realize that these fluctuations in the economy are inevitable, but they do not have to adversely affect us if we make smart decisions and take a few very specific actions. Internet Marketing is where millionaires are being created right now. People are doing this from the comfort of their own home. Did you know that Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump have both said that if this way of doing business had been available to them earlier on in their lives, they would have definitely made their millions networking over the Internet.

It is my recommendation to you that you take this economic recession that we have found ourselves in and use it to your advantage. I wish you every success.

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