Five ways to shield your money from recession (2024)

FAQs

How do I protect my money in a recession? ›

Investors often gravitate toward Treasurys as a safe haven during recessions, as these are considered risk-free instruments. That's because they are backed by the U.S. government, which is deemed able to ensure that the principal and interest are repaid.

Most stocks and high-yield bonds tend to lose value in a recession, while lower-risk assets—such as gold and U.S. Treasuries—tend to appreciate. Within the stock market, shares of large companies with solid cash flows and dividends tend to outperform in downturns.

Your money is safe in a bank, even during an economic decline like a recession. Up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, is protected by the FDIC or NCUA at a federally insured financial institution.

2) Invest in things that increase in value over time.

As you increase your cash reserves, investing more in assets (things that increase in value), like stocks or real estate, will pay off in the long term. The key is to invest with a 10-year outlook. During recessions, you have access to more assets for less money.

How to thrive in a recession? ›

Shelf stable foods are foods that don't need to be refrigerated or frozen to stay fresh. These are things like canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and jerky. They're great to have on hand because they last a long time, so you can always have something to eat even in an emergency or unexpected situation.

Cash. Cash is an important asset when it comes to a recession. After all, if you do end up in a situation where you need to pull from your assets, it helps to have a dedicated emergency fund to fall back on, especially if you experience a layoff.

A bank account is typically the safest place for your cash, since banks can be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured institution, per ownership category. Banks that are insured by the FDIC often say “Member FDIC” on their websites.

During economic downturns you want to have as much cash on hand as possible. If it is not absolutely necessary, it may be best to delay any big-ticket purchases. Big purchases, such as a car or house, typically require you to either put down a large lump sum of cash or have a hefty ongoing payment.

To help prepare for a recession, job loss or other financial hurdle, aim to build an emergency fund that covers three to six months of living expenses. If you're falling behind in debt payments, reach out to your creditors and ask for hardship concessions.

Your money will be secured in a bank account during a recession, but only if the bank is FDIC-insured. And if you bank with a credit union, your money is secured if the credit union is insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

About Recessions and Ensuring Deposit Insurance

If the United States were to enter a recession, the funds you have saved at a bank aren't at risk of becoming lost or inaccessible the same way they were during the Great Depression.