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Tariffs, inflation, market swings—sometimes it can feel like your wallet's taking hits from all sides. And when prices climb with no clear end in sight, it's tough to know how to protect your finances.
With so much uncertainty, now is the time to go beyond basic budgeting. That means finding savvy ways to cut costs, pad your savings and maybe even grow your income—so you can stay steady no matter what life throws at you. Here are some tips to help.
1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation
Creating a financial road map for challenging economic times starts with knowing exactly where you are today.
Review your budget
Whether you already have a budget or you're starting from scratch, now's the time to give it a close look. The goal? Know exactly where your money's going—every dollar in, every dollar out.
You can keep track through a simple spreadsheet, a dedicated notebook or an app like YNAB (You Need a Budget) or Monarch Money. Note that these apps have a fee, so you may prefer to go with a free approach (e.g., Excel) if you're truly watching every dime.
READ MORE: 6 Steps To Create a Basic Budget That Works for You
Analyze cash flow
Look beyond your monthly budget to understand the timing of your income and expenses, as cash flow mismatches can create problems even when your overall budget balances.
For example, much of your compensation may be in the form of quarterly bonuses, or you might face a regular cash crunch in months when large payments (like insurance premiums) are due. Figuring out your rhythm can help ensure your bills are covered.
Also, pay special attention to financial “leaks"—those small recurring charges or forgotten subscription services that drain your wallet.
Evaluate your emergency savings
Conventional wisdom recommends stashing three to six months' worth of living expenses in a safe and accessible account like a high yield savings account. But if your job feels shaky or your industry's in flux, it might be smart to aim higher.
On the flip side, if you share expenses with a partner who has stable income, you might feel OK with a smaller cushion—at least for now.
If you don't have an emergency fund, start building one. Set a small weekly or biweekly savings goal and automate it—consistency builds your buffer faster than you think. Even a small safety net is better than none.
2. Prioritize Essential Spending
When tough times loom, you may need to create a bare-bones budget that strips away everything but the essentials. Identifying your priorities can help you make quick decisions about where every dollar should go when resources become limited.
Separate needs from wants
Go back to your budget and ruthlessly sort must-haves from nice-to-haves.
- Needs are the expenses that keep your life running: housing, groceries, utilities and more.
- Wants are everything else that enhances your lifestyle but isn't critical for survival.
The popular 50/30/20 budget rule can help you frame it: Use 50% of your income for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings. But if hardship hits, those percentages may need to shift. You might temporarily trim wants down to nearly zero so you can focus on covering basics and protecting your financial stability.
Cut back on unnecessary costs
This is where you trim the nice-to-haves—that 30% wants category. Look for conveniences you can live without. (We're looking at you, subscription services and food delivery!)
Then go after your so-called “fixed" expenses. Shop around for better rates on your phone, internet, insurance and more. Even a quick call to your current provider might score you a lower bill. Any money you save here can be funneled straight into your emergency fund.
Focus on fixed obligations
You want to stay current on all your bills, but some are truly nonnegotiable. Rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance and minimum debt payments should be top priority. Falling behind on these can trigger costly fees and damage your credit score—right when you might need it most.
Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to make sure these essentials are covered on time, every time.
3. Diversify Sources of Income
Let's face it—there's only so much you can cut. Sometimes the answer isn't trimming expenses but bringing in more cash. Here's how to start.
Explore side hustles
Tap into the gig economy and online marketplaces to generate extra income. Think freelancing, tutoring, food delivery or selling products on platforms like Etsy. Get creative!
Focus on opportunities that leverage your skills or require minimal startup investment. Then start small. It's helpful to build these income streams before you desperately need them, as establishing a client base or reputation takes time. You can always redirect that extra money to your emergency fund.
READ MORE: Joining the Gig Economy? Take These 8 Financial Steps Now
Invest in skills development
The work world is changing at lightning speed, requiring continuous upskilling. Use any available time and resources to learn marketable skills that can increase your earning potential or make you more employable across different industries.
Try online platforms like LinkedIn Learning or even YouTube to find affordable ways to develop technical skills or earn certifications that will make you more valuable to current or future employers.
Consider passive income
Passive income is money you earn with little ongoing effort—think “set it and forget it" earnings. For instance, you could rent out items you rarely use through peer-to-peer platforms like Yoodlize or Peerby.
Don't forget that you can also earn passive income through compound interest on money in a high yield savings account, money market account or certificate of deposit (CD).
Just a heads-up: Risky investments may look extra tempting when money's tight, but they can backfire fast. Always consider your risk tolerance and long-term goals before putting your cash anywhere uncertain.
4. Use Credit Responsibly
Credit can be a lifeline or a trap during tough times. The goal is to keep access to it without falling into a debt spiral that turns short-term stress into long-term pain.
Avoid overborrowing
If your income drops, don't rely on credit cards or loans to maintain your old lifestyle. That's a fast track to growing balances and snowballing interest.
Yes, credit cards are convenient for everyday expenses—and can be a smart choice when they earn rewards—but only if you pay them off in full each month. Otherwise, that “free money" turns into very expensive debt.
Pay down high-interest debt
Even if your budget feels cut to the bone, you still need to make debt payments. Start with the minimum on each, and then create a plan to attack existing high-interest credit balances aggressively. Every dollar spent on interest is money that could have gone toward building your emergency fund or covering other expenses.
Keep credit available for emergencies
In a real pinch, a credit card might be your backup for covering essentials. To keep that option open, focus on maintaining or improving your credit score. That means:
- Pay bills on time.
- Keep your balances low (ideally under 30% of your limit).
- Avoid closing inactive accounts, since credit cards can help build your credit history.
Treat credit as a last-resort safety net, not a first response.
Practice Smart Day-to-Day Cash Management
In uncertain times, it's often the small everyday choices that help you stay steady. Look for ways to cut costs on groceries, utilities and other routine expenses. Then put those savings to work.
Take a minute to automate your savings so you aren't tempted to spend that money on other bills. Do the same with bill payments to avoid late fees and protect your credit score.
When you do spend, get the most value—whether it's through a cash back credit card or an app like Ibotta that rewards everyday purchases.
Ready to strengthen your financial foundation? Now's the time to explore savings options that can help you build a financial cushion to weather any storm.
READ MORE: 10 Steps Towards Financial Empowerment During Inflation
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