Tips for Effective Tax and Personal Anti-Recession Steps

Ask an economist to define recession for you and chances are, they'll tell you that it is a state of the economy where it declines for at least 6 months.  But that's just a pretty, picture-book definition.  Recession can affect not just cities and countries, it can also affect individuals and families on a more personal level.  To help you implement tax and personal anti-recession steps, here are things you can do:

Start saving.  Now.

If you have a nest egg stashed somewhere, good for you.  Boost it with more savings.  If you don't, it's time to start immediately.  Implement tax and personal savings steps in order to fight the effects of recession.

Cut back on spending immediately.

If you think you need everything you buy, gather your last few weeks' worth of receipts and rate each item according to necessity.  Chances are, there are a few things there that you'll realize now that you didn't really have to buy.

If you see the same pattern in most of your receipts, that's a sign that you ought to cut back on your expenses and seriously implement a budget or spending plan.  You could, for example, cancel gym memberships and take up running or home exercises instead, buy items on sale instead of at regular prices and put off any large purchases – cars, TVs, video equipment, furniture, etc.

Take big chunks out of your debt.

Your debt can get you down and it will not hesitate to do the same thing to your credit score.  During a recession, a bad credit rating is just not something you want to have.  If you have debts in some form (loans, credit cards, mortgage, etc.), try to pay off as much of your debt as possible.  The earlier you do this, the better it will be for your finances.

Clearing your debts is an excellent anti-recession step because it helps save you money in terms of interest.  It will also give you peace of mind and the personal satisfaction of being in charge.

Consider investing?  Ask a professional.

An experienced financial adviser can help you understand the kind of options you have, given your own resources and the type of risks you are willing to take.  Recession can make investing much more of a challenge, particularly for the uninitiated.  That is why you'll need all the help you can get in order to find the best places where to put your money in.

Know your deductibles.

Review your tax code for the types of items that you can include in your deductibles.  Remember that not all expenses can be used as deductions.  Only if you can prove them 'ordinary and necessary' will the tax man consider them.

Keep all receipts for deductions.

Audit or no audit, it pays to have documents that support your tax claims, especially if they refer to deductions.  Get organized regarding your files, particularly those that pertain to your business or work.  Keep things where you can readily access them and use for reference later.

Consider leasing your business vehicle.

If you want to give yourself better tax performance, a good anti-recession tip to follow is to lease that car of yours.  This will help get you better deductions compared to what you'll receive if you purchased the vehicle.

When in doubt, always refer to a professional.

The personal anti-recession tips you obtain will usually work seamlessly but some steps involving taxes might have certain limitations.  Before implementing these steps, you might want to consult a basic taxation guide or see an accountant or bookkeeper.  They can guide you on what you can and should do based on your own unique circumstances.

Recession’s Effects on Your Business and How to Control them.

The impact of recession can be very damaging not only to households but to businesses as well. Learn about these effects of recession and prevent your business from succumbing into its deadly claws.

1. Customer scarcity

When you have too few customers, consequently, your income suffers as well. The rising prices make customers too picky or less interested in giving you business. Existing customers may also be re-assessing their spending, which results in fewer orders for you. So what do you do? How about changing your customer acquisition techniques? Have you tried online marketing? This may not be suitable to all businesses but there's no harm in considering it. Online marketing has many forms and doing your assignment will prove to be helpful in determining which technique will benefit most your business.

2. Ridiculously high credit card debt

Inflation is likely to happen during inflation, which means your expenses can be higher than normal. If you have been relying on your credit card for payments, you now need to monitor your spending really closely. This is because losing track of your expenses can surprise you one day when you no longer have enough funds to pay off all your debt. You do not want to have problem with your credit card because a bad rating will not be of great help when you are trying to obtain approval for loans.

3. Increase in cost of utilities

The rising price of food, electricity and gas can put a big dent to your business. This can be especially true if you run your business form a physical location. Increase in monthly bills means lower income. So how do you resolve this? There are so many ways to save money on utilities. One is to cut back on non-essentials. It the weather does not need for a full blast AC unit turned on, turn it off. If you can turn off the lights more often without making the business operations suffer, then do so. If you can use less expensive packaging methods or materials, please do take advantage of cheaper alternatives. Re-assess all the nooks of your business. Take a harder look to your books to get deductions. Lessen expenses in every way possible. Make the most out of technology. If you can automate parts of your business, do so. You can also hire contract workers such as virtual assistants to help you be more productive and to allow time for you to brainstorm on how to improve your business.

4. Funds gone kapoot

If you started your business using a loan, you might find yourself out of savings to fall back on if you need funds to survive the recession. To control this, have a suitable savings plan, wherein you can put in some of your income. This allows you to have a backup plan whenever the current downturn happens.

5. Low staff morale.

Slow periods mean sadder employees. Why not add incentives and create contests to boost the morale of your sales team? This is the best time to get your creative juices flowing to help motivate your employees. Having motivated employees means increased sales. So, don’t be too stingy with incentives and praises.

Have you felt any of these yet? If so, what are you waiting for? Try out the suggestions on how to control the effects of recession.

Top 5 Recession-Proof Businesses

In a recent poll involving 1,000 residents of the U.S., 65% said that they think that economic conditions in the country are worsening.  Nearly half have already cut back on their spending and almost 20% are apprehensive about the stability of their jobs.  Now that recession has finally landed, is there hope for businesses to thrive, much less survive?  If starting a business in these tough times is still an option for you, here are the top 5 recession-proof businesses you might want to consider:

Health care

Regardless of the times, someone somewhere will always be in need of good, professional health service.  This is an industry that has experienced some significant growth over the last few years.  And it doesn't show any signs of slowing down any time soon.

If you have the resources – training, manpower and capital – becoming involved in a business that offers health services will assure you of a comfortable market.  Consider businesses that focus on offering affordable preventive solutions to people, alternative health care and home health.

Food and beverages

We're not talking about pooling your hard-earned money and starting a restaurant – although if that seems like a feasible thing to do, it just might work.  However, going into the restaurant business still has its risk – and a very high one at that.

Instead, you might consider going into a food and beverage business by focusing on offering healthier fare.  These days, going into a recession is even a better excuse to eat healthy because it encourages people to cut down on their consumption and to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Consider alternative menus that are tasty and creative or specialized cafes and diners or even vegetarian eateries.  Concept plus good taste are usually the best ingredients to a successful recession-proof business.

Funeral services

Yes, this is a recession-proof business, morbid as it may sound.  It deals with an inevitability, which means you'll never run out of customers.  You could either get involved in selling services or offering related products.  Cremation, which has increased in popularity in the last few years, is also a good option.

Repair services

Repair services are also recession-proof businesses.  There will always be people whose kitchen sinks clog, whose air conditioning breaks down, whose roof starts leaking or whose car suffers from overheating.  What these mean is pure business opportunity, even when economic times seem shaky.  And even if potential clients try to delay much-needed repair, they will still come to you for help eventually.

A caveat: many, if not all, of these businesses require specialized training, skills and equipment.  However, once you have these resources, you'll have access to a recession-proof business that does not only offer a potential for high margins, it's also a venture that won't require you to wait too long for a return on your investment.  Provided your services are tops, it's likely that you could be in business for a very long time.

Personals

It may seem surprising but starting a business involving dating and matchmaking could help you tide the recession over.  Recession or no, people will always be looking for someone special either for dating or marriage.  Already, this business has hit over $650 million in sales.

As a recession-proof business, starting a personals venture could mean good profits and steady work.  And no one even has to leave home.  Some of the most popular companies today are those that offer online dating (Internet speed dating included) to their clients.  With sufficient support, attractive and secure platforms and savvy, targeted marketing, this type of business is set to fly.

Recession-Proof Your Family’s Entertainment: Low Cost Ways to Have Fun

Recession does not mean boredom for your family.  You do not have to slump down at home trying to sleep the recession away when you can still have fun without having to spend too much. Here are some ways to keep your family entertained without putting a big dent to your budget.

Grow a Green Thumb – Low Cost Way to Have Fun and Have Food

Gardening is one of the most productive and yet less-costly ways to entertain oneself. If you have the kids helping, you can double the fun. Just as long as you do not use high-maintenance, which are also usually expensive plants, you can have a ball growing vegetables and fruits that you can also use to make your own meals. This means more savings for your family!

Watch your Local Sports Team – Inexpensive Way to Support your Local Team

Kids enjoy watching sports. Support your local sports team by adding yourself and your kid as part of its seated cheering squad.

Go to community events – Low Cost Activity to Enjoy your Neighborhood’s Events

Your local local colleges, city bulletin boards, newspaper listings, and libraries usually post special entertainment events that you can attend for free.

Host a Garage Sale – Fun and Inexpensive Way to Earn Extra Income

It’s high time to get rid of your old bags that only gather dust in your closet. And what better way to get rid of it than to sell it in a garage sale. A garage sale is not just a way to earn you extra money, it can be highly entertaining, too. Getting the whole family to participate, from gathering the items, pricing and selling them can be a whole bunch of fun.

Backyard Camping – Go Cheap, Local and Fun

You do not need to travel miles to be able to enjoy camping.  Your backyard can be one cheaper and less-stressful place to have camping with your family or friends. Just make sure to make the ambience conducive to camping. If you want, you can even invite your nosy neighbors to join you.

Purchase annual passes – Low Cost Amusement

Amusement and water parks usually offer annual tickets that do not cost much. Take advantage of these offers if your family is into this type of entertainment.

Enjoy YouTube – Free Techie Fun

The Internet technology now offers free entertainment via online videos. YouTube is the most popular source of these videos. You can also watch movies through other free movie sites.

Belt it out – Enjoy and Learn while Saving Money

If you do not have a karaoke microphone, you can borrow from your friends. There is also an online version of karaoke that you can also use as a form of free entertainment.

Play Online Games – Not Just for Kids but for Your Wallet’s Health, too

There are millions of free online games that you can enjoy with your kids. Whether you want to play word games or puzzle games, the variety of online games is endless.

Set a Family Day – Regular Way to Save Money and Have Fun

Whether you play scrabble, go camping in your backyard, or watch online videos, setting a regular family day doing these simple and yet fun activities will condition your family to look forward to less-expensive ways of having fun. It’s a great way to bond with your family members, as well.

Career Shift during Recession

One of the ways to cope with recession is considering a career shift. Not too many likes the idea of changing career plans during a downturn. However, if you have already felt the effect of recession – say you’ve been laid off, why not give a different career path a chance, right? It may not have quickly crossed your mind to prioritize job security when choosing a job. However, whether you are choosing your first job or making a switch, it can be helpful, particularly during our present economic situation. Indeed, no job is 100% secure. But there are some industries that have workers feeling more confident that even if they get fired, the demand is so great that finding another job would be very easy.

So how do you choose a career that’s right for you during a recession? Here are some recession-proof careers that are worthy of consideration:

Education

There is a great shortage of teachers. No matter how down the economy is, teachers will always be in-demand. Children will continue to go to school. Also, lots of unemployed adults may decide to further their education. Although teaching is not one of the highest-paid careers there is, making only about $30,000 to $45,000 a year, people will still settle for a career that does not earn more because they are tired of being unemployed for a long time. This is especially true for those who would want to try something new anyway or those who despise the roller-coaster rid that a corporate life offers.

Healthcare

Job hunters with Information Technology background are said to be a good fit to the healthcare industry – particularly nursing. This is because Nursing is an information-driven career. And, it is one useful career during a recession because healthcare is an industry that does not usually get affected during these times.

Auditing

Auditors are also usually unaffected by downturns. In a recession, individuals and firms are more probably doing their best to get more deductions. More people are monitoring their books, so the demand for auditors or accountants is much greater.

Energy and Utilities

Energy consumers may cut back, but the consumption will not stop. The same with utilities, people will still light their homes. So, jobs like maintenance and utility administration prove to be more stable than others during a recession.

Pharmaceuticals

As long as physicians prescribe drugs, people are still going to take them. This means that if you are working as a pharmacist or as a quality assurance analyst in pharmaceutical laboratory, you are in good hands.

Military

Since the military is always hiring, particularly during wartime, during a recession soldiers will not be that affected.  Serving the military also means that most of your living expenses will be covered.

Security

Recession does not stop crime. With the increase in layoffs, more people are considering robbing banks and doing other crimes. So, the need for security workers becomes greater.

Environmental Sciences

The convenient truth is that the eco-friendly trend is not going anywhere. This means that choosing a career in environment-care-related industries can be a good career choice.

Government

Working for the government can be one of your best choices during this downturn. This is because many stable jobs can be found in the federal government. The government will not cease from functioning even during crisis.

With that variety of career choices, it will not be that difficult to find one that will save you from this economic situation.

Buying Properties During Recession: Do's and Don'ts

Purchasing real estate is no laughing matter - whether the economy's doing well or it's experiencing recession. It’s a well-known fact that buyers are in a better position to purchase real estate during a recession. However, there are still some risks involved. So how do you make sure you're still getting the best real estate deal during the recession times? Here are some tips that you can make use of:

Don't come undone with your own expectations.

Determining whether you have gotten yourself a good deal in buying real estate, or simply just about anything, depends on your priorities. We all differ in priorities, that's a fact. So if you'd like to make sure you satisfy yourself, get your own expectations in check. Creating a checklist can help you here. Finding a property to buy with a checklist handy can greatly facilitate the process.

Don't be too you-you-you.

Sure, you were advised to know your priorities and to create a checklist to boot. However, flexibility can also get you a long way. Be objective with your judgments and take a hard look at the property you are planning to buy. Think hard and see if you are actually being too choosy to the point of being impractical. Would you like fancy or functional? Is it comfy or uber-elegant? How about trying to meet in the middle? Have you asked for suggestions from experts of family or friends with experience? Do they agree with you? Although you do not need to wipe your slate clean and accommodate all their opinions, are your expectations realistic enough and what about your budget? Remember it is recession.

Don’t be over-confident during a real estate recession.

Many think that since it is recession, they can just buy and buy and buy properties. Although many property sellers are usually on the lower part of the scale during these times, not all deals are the best ones. You still need to be as careful as ever in purchasing real estate.

Before pursuing a short sale…

Many would pursue a short sale trying to grab a good deal. However, before you buy a property with a price that seems too low for the location, asking your agent to investigate if it is a short sale won't hurt. This is important since you should not just make an offer on a pre-foreclosure, short sale property.

Beware during recession since there are not too many fish in the sea
Er, properties to buy. Home sellers do know that during a recession, they may not be able to sell their properties for a better price. This means that they would have to wait longer to put their home out on the market. There may be properties for sale, but they get bought quicker, too. It would be helpful if you are prepared enough to make a purchase without dilly-dallying if you really are into it.

Recession or not…

Your decision should not be clouded in buying a property. Always shop for the lowest price, which fortunately is more attainable during recession for buyers. However, do not forget that the lowest-priced property is not necessarily the best one.

In summary, there are some advantages to buying a home during recession. However, if you do not really have the budget or are not that well-educated in the real estate industry, do not feel pressured to jump in.

Saving Money During a Recession: Mission Impossible?

Recession is a word that fills people with dread and bad visions.  It's a time people consider bad for finances, a time capable of magically shrinking a dollar's value overnight.  It also automatically increases the cost of basic living.  And where money is a huge concern, people always ask, 'Can I still save for real during a recession?'  The answer is: of course you can.  You just need to be wise and creative about the whole thing.  Here are ways how:

Plan your purchases.

By planning your purchases, you're effectively planning your expenses.  This will help eliminate the danger of impulse buying and unnecessary spending.  Try to look at the bigger picture when it comes to your basic needs.

Plan for a week's worth of groceries, for example, so you'll have an idea of which items you truly need (and want) and which items you can do away with.  To make sure that you maximize your planning efforts, consider incorporating items on sale into your planning.  If there are foods on sale that week, for example, why not plan your week's menu using what's currently on slashed down prices?

Implement the 'B' word.

Budget, that is.  If you want to be able to save money during a recession, learn to discipline yourself and your family.  Using your plan as a reference, come up with a weekly or monthly budget and then stick to it.  If you must overshoot it, you should have a very good reason to do so.  Otherwise, don't spend.

Keep an eye out for bargains and discounts.

Learn to monitor stores for seasonal sales.  You'll save a lot of money by buying items on sale than in their regular prices.  During a recession, that's considered wise spending.  Check out store or newspaper ads and don't be shy about asking for cheaper alternatives, getting store rebates or using discount coupons.  Consider buying at discount stores as well.  Each dollar you don't pay is a dollar you save.

Buy in bulk.

If there are items in your house that are often in use (paper towels, canned beans, yoghurt, etc.), consider buying in bulk.  Many stores offer items in packs, which means you'll save money in the long run if you buy them instead of paying for individual items.

Put off bigger purchases.

A good rule of thumb is, if you can't afford it, don't buy it.  If, for example, you have enough money for a downpayment on a new LCD TV but will have to borrow money off your credit card just to tide you over for the next few weeks, it would be really insane to make a purchase.  Wait until you can truly, comfortably afford something.  The worst you can do during a recession is not just failing to get money saved but also going into debt.

Practice prevention, not cure.

If you look closely, there are many things you do in your home that are siphoning precious dollars from your wallet.  Simple steps such as repairing and maintaining your home and appliances, using more efficient equipment and cutting down on unnecessary consumption can do wonders for your wallet and piggy bank.  And what better way to treat a recession than to be prudent?

Earn extra money.

If, after all your efforts, the money you have saved is still not enough, don't let recession get the better of you.  There are times when your efforts are just not sufficient – mostly because you don't earn enough.  Instead of asking for a raise that might never occur or waiting for a promotion to drop on your lap, consider finding other means with which to earn (and save) money.

Consider getting a part-time job, work extra hours, do selling on the side or offer your skills as a freelancer.  The extra income you earn, along with your recession-powered money-saving plan, will help you make enough until after the tough times are over.

Anti-Recession Tips for Effectively Shoring Up Your Portfolio

The economy can be hard on your portfolio.  This has happened before and it could happen again.  Now that we're officially in a recession, what better time to pump up your resources and shore up your portfolio than to make it recession-proof now or at least weather the tough economic times?  Here are some anti-recession tips you might want to consider:

Aim for quality.

If there's one thing that markets abhor, it's uncertainty.  This is especially prevalent in the way investors behave when faced with companies that produce predictable figures.  This is also the reason why investors are loathed to take chances on companies that don't perform as expected.  These companies are usually the small ones, ones that need investors' faith the most.

To start shoring up your portfolio, try to avoid companies that will rely heavily on you, the investor.  It will be easier for you (and safer for your investment) to rely on companies that more or less show predictable growth because this points to better earning quality.  Opt for these companies instead – these are usually large firms, big players in an industry that have proven staying power regardless of the economy and have plenty of money to continue to run, do business, pay debtors, produce and make their investors happy.

Invest in health care.

Take your pick: drugs, medicines and pharmaceuticals or health services.  Whichever way you go, you have a better means of shoring up your portfolio if you put your faith on this sector that continues to enjoy a healthy performance.

And it shouldn't surprise you one bit: what the health care industry can offer is a staple among consumers – good health and a means to cure.  Unless someone comes up with a miracle cure soon, the health care industry will continue to thrive.  Until then, this is one more segment of the market that you might consider putting your faith on.

And yes… the fact that certain segments such as pharmaceuticals pay a lot in terms of dividends doesn't hurt.

Stick where the crowds are.

By crowds, we mean consumers.  Consumers are the lifeblood of economies.  Without their support and willingness to spend, economies can crash and burn so easily.  As an investor looking to shore up your portfolio, here's an anti-recession tip for you: invest where consumers bloom.

This means putting your money on industries that cater to the most basic of consumer needs, such as food and beverages, personal care and household needs.  Other than the fact that consumers have been proven to continue spending for basics even during a bad economy, these industries have also performed well during less-than-ideal economic times in the past.  You're less likely to experience disappointment if you go where consumers go.

Diversify.

Recession always brings out the worst – and best – in people, especially investors.  Which way you wish to take is really up to you.  However, wouldn't it be better to view the recession as an opportunity to find other means to make money?

If you want to shore up your portfolio and avoid the negative effects of a recession, consider diversifying.  But do so only by carefully considering the pros and cons of the industries that you wish to invest in.  Focus on industries that have behaved so well under pressure, particularly those that continue to stay steady even during a recession.

Saving Money During a Recession: Mission Impossible?

Recession is a word that fills people with dread and bad visions.  It's a time people consider bad for finances, a time capable of magically shrinking a dollar's value overnight.  It also automatically increases the cost of basic living.  And where money is a huge concern, people always ask, 'Can I still save for real during a recession?'  The answer is: of course you can.  You just need to be wise and creative about the whole thing.  Here are ways how:

Plan your purchases.

By planning your purchases, you're effectively planning your expenses.  This will help eliminate the danger of impulse buying and unnecessary spending.  Try to look at the bigger picture when it comes to your basic needs.

Plan for a week's worth of groceries, for example, so you'll have an idea of which items you truly need (and want) and which items you can do away with.  To make sure that you maximize your planning efforts, consider incorporating items on sale into your planning.  If there are foods on sale that week, for example, why not plan your week's menu using what's currently on slashed down prices?

Implement the 'B' word.

Budget, that is.  If you want to be able to save money during a recession, learn to discipline yourself and your family.  Using your plan as a reference, come up with a weekly or monthly budget and then stick to it.  If you must overshoot it, you should have a very good reason to do so.  Otherwise, don't spend.

Keep an eye out for bargains and discounts.

Learn to monitor stores for seasonal sales.  You'll save a lot of money by buying items on sale than in their regular prices.  During a recession, that's considered wise spending.  Check out store or newspaper ads and don't be shy about asking for cheaper alternatives, getting store rebates or using discount coupons.  Consider buying at discount stores as well.  Each dollar you don't pay is a dollar you save.

Buy in bulk.

If there are items in your house that are often in use (paper towels, canned beans, yoghurt, etc.), consider buying in bulk.  Many stores offer items in packs, which means you'll save money in the long run if you buy them instead of paying for individual items.

Put off bigger purchases.

A good rule of thumb is, if you can't afford it, don't buy it.  If, for example, you have enough money for a downpayment on a new LCD TV but will have to borrow money off your credit card just to tide you over for the next few weeks, it would be really insane to make a purchase.  Wait until you can truly, comfortably afford something.  The worst you can do during a recession is not just failing to get money saved but also going into debt.

Practice prevention, not cure.

If you look closely, there are many things you do in your home that are siphoning precious dollars from your wallet.  Simple steps such as repairing and maintaining your home and appliances, using more efficient equipment and cutting down on unnecessary consumption can do wonders for your wallet and piggy bank.  And what better way to treat a recession than to be prudent?

Earn extra money.

If, after all your efforts, the money you have saved is still not enough, don't let recession get the better of you.  There are times when your efforts are just not sufficient – mostly because you don't earn enough.  Instead of asking for a raise that might never occur or waiting for a promotion to drop on your lap, consider finding other means with which to earn (and save) money.

Consider getting a part-time job, work extra hours, do selling on the side or offer your skills as a freelancer.  The extra income you earn, along with your recession-powered money-saving plan, will help you make enough until after the tough times are over.

6 Top Tips for Finding Recession-Proof Jobs

Recession can be a very stubborn thing.  Once it drops by, it can take a while for it to fade away and disappear.  However, that doesn't mean that we should simply sit back and let it overcome us.  It can, after all, wreck havoc on our finances and personal lives.  In these tough times, finding a job already seems improbable – just imagine being in the market for jobs that are not affected by recession.  But take heart.  There's still hope yet.  Here are top 6 tips for finding recession-proof jobs:

Look for jobs in secure industries.
If you've read the news by now, trying to get a job in an auto plant is like trying to get on an elevator that's going down – and you're trying to go up.  The same is true if you're trying to get a leg in real estate.

Instead of wasting your time trying to join an industry that's experiencing some bad times, try to set your sights on industries that have remained stable or are experiencing growths.  These include:

- Health care (nursing, caregiving, special care, medicine, physical therapy and other support manpower)

- Law enforcement

- Information Technology (network administration, software design and development)

- Support Services (customer service, administrative assistance)

- Sales and business development (product management, retail and wholesale)

- Engineering

- Education (teaching, school administration and other related support services)


Boost your resume.

If an employer sees nothing promising or exciting in your resume, they won't think twice about throwing your piece in the trash bin.  Before you try to hook a recession-proof job, consider revamping your resume right now.  Take a copy of your latest and review it.  If your resume is several months old, there's a high likelihood that it needs a makeover.

Focus on accomplishments.

A common error among jobhunters is detailing their job descriptions in their resumes.  Although this is helpful in establishing their work experience, it may not always give the prospective employer a good idea of what you can do.  Emphasize on the results that you have produced instead.

Adapt your resume.

Typing out and printing a generic resume is a huge mistake.  Generic is average, which means that you have very little to help you stand out from the crowd.  If you want a recession-proof job, make sure your resume is something that your employers will find attractive.

Consider the industry you're targeting.  If the job calls for someone who has a strong sales experience, emphasize your sales background.  If the job calls for someone who had been involved directly in marketing and promotions, show your qualifications in these departments.  The more relevant your resume says you are, the better you'll be at landing a recession-proof job.

Expand your reach.

Other than advertised job vacancies, consider other venues for finding recession-proof jobs.  Look for trade magazines, papers, clubs and associations.  You could also tap your network of professionals in the same field.

Get further education.

In tough times, you ought to arm yourself with tougher credits.  One is by obtaining additional training or education.  Getting certified or expanding your professional qualifications will help make you a more desirable hiree.

Recession-proof jobs are usually the most popular among jobhunters who are probably considering the same strategies as you right now.  It's likely that for every recession-proof job that is available out there, there are thousands of other jobhunters out to get it.  If you have better qualifications courtesy of better training and experience (in case you've had hands-on education or internship), you'll come out as the best, most capable candidate.

Anti-Recession Tips: Simple Ways for Home Makers to Not Feel Recession’s Wrath

Recession, for the uninitiated, is the decline of the economy. It is a widespread decline in the Gross Domestic Product, employment, and trade, which lasts from 6 months to one year. One of its usual effects is running out of funds because of the high prices of commodity and the increase in unemployment rate. So, if you are running a household, how do you make sure the impact of recession will not be too much to bear for your family? Here are some anti-recession tips that you can find useful during these hard times:

Grow Your Own Fresh Produce.

If you have been relying on the supermarkets for your daily meals, it’s high time to consider growing your own food. What can be better than taking advantage of your green thumb to avoid having to buy fruits and vegetables? If you are renting, growing vegetables and herbs in pots, also known as container gardening, can be useful. Mint, sage, rosemary, basil and thyme are great herbs for container gardening. If you do not have enough time, opt for low maintenance vegetables. Examples of low maintenance vegetables include garlic, onions, turnips, cabbage, leeks and kale. Now if you have a bigger backyard, growing your own fruits can be fruitful (pun not intended). Although this might require longer time since fruit trees can take at least about two years to yield crops. You can also do better in keeping a wide variety of your fruits and vegetables through trading with your neighbor’s grown fruit trees, vegetables and herbs.

Make Your Own Meal.

If you have the time, learning how to bake can be one great way to spend your free time. Aside from saving money, it can also be one fun way to relieve your stress. Fast food restaurants can be very tempting but if you have the skills (or not, since you can learn to cook), then why not prepare your own food from your own grown fruits and vegetables and home-baked bread. If you think your skills are too limited, the Internet offers gazillions of simple recipes that even kids can make. Make your own coffee and you can also brew your own beer if you want.

Improve your grocery shopping habits.

With the right shopping attitude, you can reduce unnecessary cost. You can prevent yourself from succumbing into impulse buying. You can do this by creating a list of items to buy before going to the supermarket. One tip is to not go to the grocery to shop when you are hungry. Yes, hunger causes you to buy items you do not need. Buying all the items you need in one go can help avoid using gas for unnecessary trip and also get rids of temptation. Also, before you unloading your cart, check again which items you can do without. You will be surprised that there are just so many of the items that  you picked up that you do not really need.

Cut back on non-essentials.

You like soda? You like steak? But do you like to survive the recession? Then, cut on soda, meat and other non-essentials. You do not have to stop drinking soda or eating meat. But if you will only compute how much you can save without consuming any of these as often as you used to, you will see that it’s enough to tide you over.

What Are Credit Card Debt Relief Programs?

About Credit Card Debt Relief

For people with immense credit card debts, there are relief programs and help options available to alleviate this financial crisis. This relief programs are designed for this specific method wherein financial assistance is provided in order to make debt settlement more manageable. In world ridden with debts, it is quite a common thing to meet people suffering from the same financial burden.

That is why credit card debt relief programs were created to cater to people who have difficulty meeting the monthly debt payment requirements for different types of loan. When you have difficulty being able to make both ends meet, then it is best to consider debt relief solutions to improve your financial condition.

Debt Consolidation

If you are new to the concept of debt or loan consolidation, the idea here is that all of your existing debts are combined into another single loan. The process begins with your new creditor sending out checks to settle any existing debt to your credit card companies in order to have them fully paid. In return, you acquire a new loan in replacement for that. Therefore, you only have one debt payment to make each month.

This method of debt relief is suited best for individuals with more than one existing debts, wherein the high interest rates make it difficult to cope up with the monthly payments for all. One downside to debt consolidation is that it extends the period of payment to make up for the reduced monthly rates. You can secure a nice deal with your debt consolidation if you have good negotiation skills.

Other Debt Relief Options

For more options in providing relief from credit card debt, you can opt for debt settlement. This option offers reduced “payback ratio”, which eventually means you could be paying as low as 40 cents for a dollar you owe.

Credit card balance transfer is another valid option. This method enables you to acquire a low interest credit card. Then, you simply transfer your high interest loans into it. This is advisable only if there aren't any default payments involved with your low interest credit card.

For those individuals who have dilemma with managing their finances as a whole, instead of just dealing with credit card debt problems, then you might want to consider credit counseling as an effective method to gain relief. Here, you will have the aid of credit counselors and professionals who will devise a debt relief solution to get you out of your debt trap. In fact, they can also suggest a few convenient debt relief programs or methods that you can opt for which suits your own financial status and credit history.

Benefits of Debt Relief Programs

Aside from the obvious benefit of having reduced debts and a healthier financial flow, you can enjoy the following benefits if you opt in for any credit card debt relief program:

• Debt relief programs enable you to manage and handle your debts efficiently.
• You can learn a few debt management strategies so you can handle your debts with ease and create a sustainable financial plan.
• This is a valid option for people who debts are way over head.
• It is your first step towards better debt management.
• You are able to settle any existing debt and just focus on a single debt payment.

The Ugly Truth Behind Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt is one of the leading causes of financial crisis in America and for most part of the world. Indeed, lots of focus by economic experts are geared towards analyzing the benefits or disadvantages posed by the use of credit cards. There are also several factors that are involved with credit card use that could impact the way an individual manages his or her finances.

Is Credit Card Important?

Several individuals are enticed to secure their own credit cards because they are lured by the many advertisement claims about how it can make your transactions a lot easier. While credit cards do offer a few benefits, it is outnumbered by the financial discrepancies caused by owning a credit card.

What many people do not realize is that using credit cards to pay for their transactions or bills actually result in them spending more. In fact, the same can be said even if you are religiously paying your bills on time. So you can just imagine what those credit card owners who aren't making punctual payments are going through financially!

Credit cards are beneficial in a few instances such as having convenience of extra finances for emergency situations, or safety during travel. However, the interest rates can be quite a burden on some families who earn only minimal income each month. Also, there is the possibility of misuse since it creates a false sense of financial security that often ends up in people having massive credit card debt.

Cash or Credit Card?

Budgeting is an essential aspect of handling your finances. This is often neglected when people have to rely on credit cards to make their purchases. Therefore, some people are on a toss-up between which is the better means of making financial transactions, either on cash or through credit card. Here's what would help you decide more effectively.

Imagine yourself paying on cash during purchase. There is an emotional attachment to that money, which you have worked hard on earning, that makes you unwilling to let go of it. However, the case is different with using credit cards for purchase. There is none of that emotional attachment and you can simply swipe away without remorse.

Using credit cards to make your purchase instead of paying on cash could end up in you spending about 12 to 18 percent more than the actual value for the item if you paid with actual cash. Imagine how much could have gone onto your savings!

Teenagers and Credit Cards

Credit card companies are targeting teens on their ad campaigns, however it is not a good prospect for parents, especially if you want to teach your kids on how to become responsible with their personal finances. This is more true based on the fact that teenagers have the tendency to be impulsive and with credit card in hand, it creates that false sense of financial security that they can afford anything they desire. Instead, make them work hard to achieve something they want, especially in the material aspects.

Financial Security

If you want to achieve more financial security, credit cards is not the way to go as it exposes you to risks of acquiring credit card debt. But if you are going to opt for one, make sure you have an effective and practical approach at spending. There are a few advantages offered by using credit cards but it does not make an effective replacement for cash whatsoever, unlike most credit card holders believe.

Credit Card Debt Negotiation For Easier Debt Relief

What is Debt Negotiation?

Several people suffer from overlapping credit card debts that make it difficult for them to manage payments for. This is mostly due to the nonchalant nature of spending using your credit card, hence many have started to question about using credit cards as a valid alternative for real cash to make purchases.

When you begin to suffer the same problem with rising debts, debt negotiation is a proven and legal method to figure out a way out of that debt trap. Debt negotiation involves, of course, negotiation to pay off the balance of your debts that is in reality less than your actual balance. For example, you owe your credit card company a given amount for non-payment and you work your way into reducing that amount so you can save on your payments. It is important to clearly discuss terms with your credit card company because they share the same interest with you, which is to settle any remaining balance on your account.

If you have any qualms about debt negotiation process, then you need to know that it is a completely legal process. There are several debt negotiation professionals that you can hire and they are the ones responsible for speaking with credit card companies to do the negotiation for you so you can reach a reduced payoff.

Benefits of Debt Negotiation

If you are having trouble trying to organize all of the credit card debts you need to settle, debt negotiation services is a valid method that can help resolve your debt problems. Some people have difficulty dealing with the staggering amount of phone calls or letters being sent to them by their credit card companies insisting that they settle all of their existing debts. There are a few benefits that you can get from settling with debt negotiation services and they are listed below.

Having Professional Assistance

One obvious benefit that you can derive with debt negotiation on your credit card debts is that you can hire the services of professional debt negotiators. Their expertise on this field would help you gain an advantage in securing the lowest possible payoff. This is helpful for anyone who lacks proper negotiation skills and lack the knowledge when it comes to the twists and turns of the credit industry.

Save Yourself From Stress

For people with huge amounts of credit card debt to settle, you might find that staffs of credit card companies can be really hard on you. As if settling your existing debts do not offer enough stress alone, having staffs to harass and demand from you can be doubly trying. Hiring a debt negotiation service to do the negotiating for you can reduce the amount of stress involved in settling your credit card debt. You do not have to employ your own tactics just to settle with your desired payoff amount. These debt negotiation services have been doing this for a living and they utilize proven strategies that will help you arrive at your desired payoff balance.

You Save Money

In terms of your financial status, debt negotiation offers a few advantages on your part. First off, the reduced payoff balance will enable you to manage your debt settlements a lot better. It also offers some benefits to your credit card company given that they are able to receive a settlement for your debts.

However, the aim of debt negotiation is basically to help people with astounding credit card debts. With a lesser amount to settle, you are able to keep up with your balance and go back to establishing a more solid financial ground that is free of any debt.

Professional Credit Card Debt Management

Personal Financial Management

When it comes to handling and managing finances, most people differ largely. There are those who can effectively do it on their own, while some others require professional help to get organized. Financial management already proves to be a difficult undertaking with the many financial considerations and budgeting involved. This is one of the reasons why debts, specifically credit card debts, is one of the leading problems in the United States alone.

Hence, many opt to seek out professional services in order to straighten out any financial shortcomings or overlapping debts.

Professional Credit Card Debt Management

Seeking the services of professional credit card debt management is a valid option for anyone wishing to get out of debt. The most obvious reason for this is that the people involved in this type of service deal with debts and other financial management services on a regular basis. Hence, their knowledge and expertise on the field can help you deal a more beneficial credit card debt management scheme.

Speaking of expertise, there are different types of professional debt management services that specialize on specific financial issues. Each one are designed in a specific method and objective such that not all types of professional credit card debt management services are suited for all. When you decide to partake in a given professional credit card debt management service company though, you have to subject yourself to the guidelines created by the company in the hopes of providing a limit to your spending.

Benefits of Professional Credit Card Debt Management

Although you expect to settle some fees in accordance with the services provided, some people find it worthy for the set of benefits derived from acquiring professional debt management service. Here are just some of the most prominent benefits you can enjoy:

• With the services of a debt management professional, you can learn helpful tips and tricks when it comes to better financial and debt management. This provides a long-term benefit since you are able to practice healthier financial management methods that will (hopefully) keep you out of debt.

• You can save a large amount of time. You can use the knowledge of the debt management professional to know about the surest methods and techniques that you can employ to find debt relief.

• Depending on the type of service you hire them for, they can either process debt relief for you or provide invaluable advice that will get you out of debt.

• Simply put, hiring a debt management professional will help you secure a better deal.

Tips on Choosing Services Effectively

On top of the difficult decision on whether to hire a professional credit card debt management services comes the more difficult step in this entire process: choosing the service. With the wide array of debt relief companies in the industry and the presence of numerous scams, one could easily fall into committing mistakes.

Outlined below are some of the specific guidelines you need to consider before you can be confident that the professional debt management service you hired is one to take you out of debt.

• Perform a thorough research. This is beneficial not only in terms of comparison but also in ensuring that your debt management service is legitimate.

• Compare what you can gain from the service and the costs charged for that service.

• Opt for a credit card debt management company who has established a good reputation in the business.

Practical Credit Card Debt Solutions

Improving your financial status and becoming free of debt usually only requires practicality on your part. When you learn to become responsible and practical in your use of credit cards, then you would not have had immense debt problems to begin with. However, you can apply the same level of practicality when it comes to paying off or settling debts.

A few companies offer debt elimination programs but you need not jump right into it. You need to consider whether you will end up paying more than you could afford. However, if it saves you time and stress while also reducing the interest rate placed on your debts, then it would make great sense. There are steps that you can take yourself to advance toward your effort of becoming free of any credit card debt.

1. Set a specific time frame for your debt elimination.

Before you determine how much you are going to pay for your debt settlement on a monthly basis, you must come up with a specific time period first. Say for example, you are paying the minimum monthly payment for your debts, which means that you would end up paying your debt for another 5 or 10 years. If you want to shorten the payment period, then you can opt increasing your monthly payments if you do not want to extend your payment period.

2. Be flexible with your debt elimination campaign.

In the middle of paying off your debts, it is not unlikely that some people with encounter financial emergencies. Therefore, it is best to opt for a credit company that allow flexibility or changes in your payment options when these cases should arise. Find a flexible debt payment plan that make room for such changes.

3. Determine your source of cash for purposes outside debt settlement.

There are a few credit company that unable you to have access to your own money during emergency cases. Therefore, make this an important determiner when you look for a debt relief program. When you encounter financial emergencies, the inaccessibility of ready cash bring about more financial stress. Look for a debt settlement plan that will have extra funds available when such emergencies occur in the middle of working towards your goal to eliminate credit card debt.

4. Evaluate its impact on your credit rating.

There are a few debt settlement methods that can impact your credit rating, so you have to find one that will help eliminate any of your existing credit card debts without necessarily hurting your credit status. If there are any negative marks that could tend to pull down your FICO score, look for other alternatives that could make your FICO score quickly increase. Whether it is making on-time payments or paying double the minimum monthly payments, you need to talk with your credit company to not just free yourself of any debts but also to boost your credit rating.

5. Look into associated fees and charges.

Although some credit card debt elimination programs are offered for free, most are charged service. It is therefore important that you understand how much such services cost before you commit on your involvement with them. Some of the most common fees are upfront fees or attorney fees and some other processing charges. If there are any hidden fees, try to talk them out. The idea here is obvious: you are trying to lift off any financial burden and having your credit company charge you with huge amounts would not help at all.

Learning how to work your way around such negotiations involved with settling off credit card debts could help you be debt-free and regain better control over your finances.