Recessions are complex, intimidating, and varied. So we look for simple, easy, and general answers on how to deal with them. But broad generalizations have created recession myths that aren’t always true.

Are Recessions Bad for Everyone?

Not necessarily.

Recessions are the result of a downturn in the economy, and yes, that means they are generally bad. But every recession is different with some people being affected more than others. For instance, if you have a fixed mortgage payment, your monthly housing cost is going to stay the same during a recession, while renters might see a hike in their prices.

If a recession hits, do some research on how it is affecting the economy and how that might, in turn, affect you.

Industries that provide essential services and see steady growth typically fare well during a recession. These include industries like healthcare, food, and basic transportation.

Industries that are less essential or rely on investors to stay afloat tend to do poorly during a recession. These include restaurants, bars, retail, leisure, and hospitality.

Should I take drastic action?

Probably not.

Even though recessions can negatively affect your finances, drastic actions can cause more harm than good. It might be tempting to cash out your retirement account to prevent losses, but you’ll often lose more in penalties and future interest than losses caused by a recession.

It’s also a poor idea to pull all your money from financial institutions. They are one of the safest places to keep your money and are insured to cover $250,000 of each account. This protects over 99% of members.

It’s fine to make financial adjustments due to a recession, but there is no need to panic.

Should I avoid big financial decisions?

Not if you’ve done your research and weighed your options.

Recessions should be taken into account before making big financial decisions, but they are one of many factors that need to be considered. You don’t need to put everything on hold because there is a recession.

Maybe that business you want to start could help meet a need caused by the recession, or that new job you’ve been eyeing will make you happier overall. Every decision comes with risk, and you should ask yourself if the recession raises the risk higher than its worth.

Buying a Home
Many people wonder whether they should wait for a recession to be over before buying a home. While interest rates might be higher, you can still find great deals and responsible options. If a good home becomes available and you can afford it, the fact that there’s a current recession should not be something that holds you back. After all, "you marry the house, not the rate" and can look at refinancing options later when rates return to a lower range. 

Can’t you just tell me exactly what to do?

Unfortunately, no.

Everyone's situation is different. When a recession hits, take the time to examine how it might affect your specific situation. Just because the economy is taking a downturn, doesn’t mean you have to as well.