Deal With Financial Hard Times

A difficult national economy is inevitable from time to time. The question is: how do you handle tough times? This article offers some suggestions.

Steps

 * 1) Think about a new job. Consider the possibility that your employer may lay you off. Be always aware of opportunities for other employment. [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Consider couponing. This can be very useful. People who have taken couponing seriously have been known to save a huge amount of money on food and other necessities over time. [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) Review your monthly expenses. Cut out the things you don't really need (eating out, for instance, going to movies, or buying junk food). [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Set aside money every month for savings. As long as you still have a job, maintain a "rainy day" fund for emergencies (e.g., job loss or medical bills). [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Consider getting a part-time job. To augment your regular income (or if you're out of work) look for something part-time or temporary such as holiday help. There are "temp agencies" that find temporary positions for workers. Find such agencies online or in newspaper "help wanted" ads. [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 5.jpg|center]]
 * 6) Buy generic or second-hand. Generic medicine can save you a lot of money. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this. Second-hand clothing can also save you a lot. Visit thrift stores for an occasional good bargain. You could also sell some of your old clothes there. [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 6.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Carpool. This will save you a lot of money on gas, and it can be fun to share a ride with friends. [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 7.jpg|center]]
 * 8) Use the library. If you love to read, borrow books from the local library rather than buying them. If they don't have what you want, consider buying used books at a second-hand store. eBooks are a good deal, too, because they are already discounted and tax-free. Classic eBooks are usually free of charge. [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 8.jpg|center]]
 * 9) Send away for samples in the mail. All you need is a computer. Within two weeks you can be getting free shampoo, conditioner, tea, laundry detergent, or any number of other free items, as well as valuable coupons. [[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 9.jpg|center]]
 * 10) Remember to relax once in a while. The trick is to make small changes periodically rather than big changes suddenly. This will reduce the stress inherent in downsizing your lifestyle in the midst of hard times.[[Image:Deal With the Poor Economical Times Without Getting Stressed Out Step 10.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * If you manage to get gift cards, use them only for necessities (food, basic clothing, home supplies). In any case, use them before they expire.
 * Keep your eyes and ears open. Be ever aware of bargains and good deals that come along.

Warnings

 * Debt is usually your enemy. Do whatever it takes to stay out of debt. The one exception is a mortgage on your primary home. If you are otherwise debt-free, economic hard times won't hurt you as much as they will most people.

Related wikiHows

 * Extreme Coupon
 * Carpool
 * Sell Used Clothing
 * Earn Free Gift Cards
 * Save Money on Gas
 * Get a Job for Which You Are Not Really Qualified