How to Get Through Tough Economic Times

Reduce grocery expenses by increased purchases of fruits and vegetables.

High unemployment, slow economic growth and failing businesses are hallmarks of tough economic times. Individuals and families often suffer stress brought on by lack of job security. Tough economic times can render paying bills and enjoying favorite pastimes impossible. Relationships can become strained due to worry and family dynamics can fray under pressure. Getting through such times requires reevaluating spending habits and making adjustments, looking for new ways to enjoy life and spending quality time with one's family.

Instructions

1. Review your monthly financial expenses. Examine each expense to determine whether it is a necessity or whether the expense can be eliminated. Eliminating unnecessary expenses can alleviate the pressure of meeting all expenses on a reduced income or on unemployment insurance payouts. Even expenses that are necessary, such as your home and food, can be reduced: if you are living in a large home, consider downsizing to a smaller home; and shift grocery purchases to include more fresh foods from the supermarket than processed foods.

2. Conduct workout exercises with objects around the house rather than a gym membership. Use canned vegetables, or old milk jugs filled with water, for weight lifting. Use a step stool in place of the elliptical machine at the gym. Take a jog around the neighborhood. Jump rope in your driveway or garage. Playing tag with your kids is an excellent aerobic exercise.

3. Try to focus on positives. For every negative issue that arises as a result of the financial crisis, consider it a personal challenge to find a positive, money-saving solution. Enlist the creative input of your children to help solve problems related to their needs. Doing so will teach your children resourcefulness and resilience.

4. Give more affection to your spouse and children. Reassuring hugs and kind words can help relieve stress within the family. A crisis is easier to deal with if the family is unified and meets it together, rather than allowing it to breed resentment that divides spouses, parents and children. Make plans for having fun that do not require a lot of money, such as camping trips or nature walks through the local hiking trails. Dream together about the things you would like to do once the economy rebounds. Having shared goals can also contribute to building family bonds when times are tough.

References

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Getting Through Tough Economic Times
• SBLI Mutual Life Insurance Company: How to Get Through Tough Economic Times
• University of Hawaii: Raising Resilient Children During Tough Economic Times
• University of Nebraska: Healthy Living in Tough Economic Times

Resources

• Sesame Street: Caring for Your Child During Difficult Economic Times