How to Survive a Recession
and enjoy yourself at the same time

Learning how to survive a recession is not rocket science. You have already survived recent recessions - just think of the early nineties.

The difference now, is that you are either retired, or looking for ways to retire early, and may have suffered a drop in income.

As with all times of hardship, you need to live within your means. Read on for some ideas that may help.

Buy at the best price you can find

Time to stop buying stuff that you don't need! The trend has come for making things last and it is almost considered vulgar to be buying flash new goods.

If a purchase is necessary, then make sure you shop around - use the internet to compare prices, without wasting petrol and time.

There is also the possibility of buying second-hand goods, of course. Keep an eye on the postcards in your local shop windows, check the local newspaper's free ads section, frequent the charity or goodwill shops or garage sales/car boot sales to keep an eye out for a bargain.

Don't forget to check out Craigslist.org, which is a worldwide free ads Web site where you can find almost anything for sale.

Cut the clutter

Now might be the best time to downsize on your possessions - especially if all your children have left home and you are thinking of moving to a smaller home.

Remember, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Things you no longer need could be just what someone else wants. Advertise your own products for sale and bring in a little extra cash. You will also be helping the environment, by not adding your own unwanted items to the landfill.

Would you like to learn how to sell on eBay? Its a great way to get some money back on things you no longer use, but are still in good condition.

Get financial advice

If you are living on your investments, it will be worth taking financial advice, to ensure you are getting the most for your money. Interest rates are currently low and there is a need to diversify your investment portfolio, in a recession commodities such as gold often do well.

Unemployed?

Perhaps you were not ready to retire, but were recently made redundant or that prospect is looming?

Unemployment is a very real risk and as the demand falls for labour it is worth thinking about what you might do for alternative income. Just as you are doing with your investments, it is a good idea to not put all your eggs in one basket.

You will find many ideas on this site for supplementing or replacing your income, both in the real world and online. Just check out the links on the left hand side of this page.

For example, building your own websites, and making money from them, is not as hard as the experts try to make out. Sure it is not a get rich quick scheme, but it is possible to have a sustainable income from the internet, as long as you get the right advice! Here is how we have done it.

Don't forget to have fun!

Even when you are being careful with your money, you can still go out and have a good time, meet up with friends for walks, have dinner parties and enjoy yourself.

By using the ideas we share with you here on how to survive a recession, you will not only pull through, but come out the other end in a better financial position.