What Is a Recession and How Do I Prepare for One?

The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) is the organization that decides if the US is in a recession. They define a recession as “a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and lasts more than a few months.” So, what the heck does this mean? In a recession, companies are…

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Should I drain my emergency savings because of coronavirus?

First off, congratulations for having an emergency fund! Approximately 25% of Americans couldn’t cover an unexpected $400 bill, let alone a month of expenses. To answer the question of whether or not you should drain your emergency fund because of coronavirus, that all depends on your situation. Do you need to drain your emergency fund?…

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3 Strategies to Stretch Your Food Dollars

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, you may have to stretch a lower income to cover regular expenses. If your income has been reduced or you have had a lot of unexpected expenses, having enough money to feed yourself and your family may be a challenge. Food is a necessity to maintain a healthy life. But…

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8 Tips for Financial Planning During an Economic Downturn

It’s difficult to create a solid financial plan when the economy is booming. Add an economic downturn and creating a financial plan can seem impossible. Here are eight tips for financial planning during a downturn that can help you stay the course. 1. Be Sure You’re Thinking Clearly It’s easy to give in to panic…

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How can I build my skills while I am unemployed?

There are lots of emerging job opportunities that require specific skills. Building those job skills is necessary to fill numerous types of good-paying jobs, especially jobs in the tech industry. But you also need a specific skillset to be an educator, healthcare worker, financial services professional, plumber, or electrician. So, to answer your question, first…

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How to Apply for SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (otherwise known as SNAP) is a state-run program. Each state has its own process for applying. You can go to your local SNAP office, or some states even allow you to apply online. If you aren’t sure, you can call the SNAP toll-free information number: 1-800-221-5689. Each state has its…

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