Great Recession Taught Me Lessons That Still Apply Now

For those who’ve been through one, talk of a recession can be triggering. We’re not officially there yet (as of this writing), but it’s natural to be anxious about increased prices due to tariffs and the potential aftermath.

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (85%) have concerns about the tariffs, with one of the top worries being the tariffs resulting in a recession (45%), a NerdWallet survey found.

I recall how the Great Recession demolished jobs across the U.S., including mine. After graduating in 2009, I worked four months as an entry-level executive assistant at a nonprofit before being laid off.

I had limited financial knowledge, a short work history and a lot to prove to break into the field of journalism, my ultimate goal. Along the way, I picked up valuable lessons that might help you manage your finances in a shaky economy.

My short work history disqualified me from receiving unemployment benefits, so I relied on my savings account. Even a small emergency fund of $500 can prevent you from falling into debt, and I had socked away enough to cover a few months of expenses.

If you’re still employed, “pay yourself first,” said Samuel Deane, a financial planner at Rora Wealth, an independent financial advisory firm. “Even if it’s $20 every time you get paid, make sure you put that $20 away first and then live your lifestyle with the remainder.” Automate it with direct deposit if you can.

If you’ve lost your job, saving will obviously be tougher. Apply for unemployment if you qualify, and contact your landlord, creditors, area nonprofits and any options you might have to seek relief. If you’re still employed but have had your salary cut, consider taking on a side gig, downsizing cars, altering your living arrangements, and trimming other expenses.

After many interviews and dead ends, I applied for an administrative role at an accounting firm and got hired in December 2009. It paid about $7,000 less than my previous salary. I knew it wouldn’t put my career on track, but it would cover most of my bills, so I took it.

Amanda Grossman, now a certified financial education instructor based in Virginia, made similar compromises after being laid off as a market researcher in Florida in 2008. She took a career counselor’s advice and relocated to Texas for a lower-paying job in the environmental industry.

“[The counselor] said, ‘Look, the economy is not doing well. You need to take that job, it’s going to keep going down; you’re not going to be able to find work,’” Grossman said.

If your sector is hurting and unemployment benefits or savings are lacking, even a less-than-ideal role can help you ride out a recession.

You’ll find a myriad of financial literacy resources online and at your local library.

I struggled to save money on a lower salary. Credit cards became my emergency fund. I don’t recommend this approach, but times were tough. Had I learned about student loan repayment options and debt consolidation options I would have saved heaps on interest and ditched debt faster.

I wish I had made these financial moves:

• Used a balance transfer credit card. Paying the fee and moving my debt to a new card with a lengthy 0% APR window would have saved lots of money.  

• Met with a credit counselor. A counselor could have reviewed my budget and evaluated whether I qualified for a debt management program that consolidated eligible debts into one single payment with a lower interest rate, for a fee. 

• Called my credit card issuer to understand my options. I could have asked about a financial hardship program early on to keep debts more manageable. Depending on your situation, you can ask for a credit limit increase, negotiate your interest rate, or request a product change to a credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee.

• Financed purchases strategically. Instead of charging purchases at a high interest rate, I might have qualified for a new credit card with a 0% introductory APR. If you can’t qualify for this offer these days, some issuers let you borrow against your credit card’s limit for a fee or a fixed interest rate. 

I still wanted journalism experience and extra income, so on top of my new full-time job, I learned to shoot and edit video. I began freelancing in 2010. A year later, I also launched a small social media consulting business.

Grossman, too, had other goals. “I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I love, love, love talking about money,” she said.

While she was unemployed in Florida, she launched the blog “Frugal Confessions.” She learned new writing skills from books and sought feedback from editors at newspapers. In 2013, she left her environmental job in Texas to run her blog full time.

In a recession or during trying economic times, many normal financial rules don’t apply. You may need to carry a credit card balance to buy groceries or address an emergency. You may need to make only the minimum payment to cover rent.

Even with three jobs, I struggled at times to make the minimum payments on my credit cards due to high balances and interest rates. I never defaulted, but I did stress and scramble over it. I wanted a record of on-time payments and the good credit they build so that I could qualify for the low-interest rate offers I’m eligible for now.

That’s a worthy goal if you can swing it, but in times of emergency prioritize paying for essentials like shelter, food, utilities and expenses that help you work. Eventually, you’ll have time to address your credit scores.

Eventually, I left my apartment and moved in with roommates. I also read the post-recession climate and, in successive jobs, learned how to ask for a raise. Every year that my workload and responsibilities increased, I made a case for a higher salary. Asking is uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier. The extra money eventually paid off my debts.