Copyright 2008, Measure Up Place LLC
Recession Session #2: Start At Home
Cutting costs may seem difficult, but with a bit of planning the benefits certainly outweigh the costs.
In the Kitchen
With grocery prices rising nearly as fast as the dollar is falling it may be tough to keep up with the shopping. Spend a bit of time planning your meals and make a shopping list for the week. Shopping for only necessary items can help to cut the cost of the grocery bill. Another simple way to shed overspending is to avoid prepared foods; it doesn’t hurt to prepare more than you intend to use, the freezer will be running whether you are using it or not… so cook big, spend less, and save for later.
On the Road
Your car could be costing you extra money, but don’t get rid of it, just be smart about it and you might discover some hidden savings. Empty your trunk, keep tires properly inflated, and ease into the the gas. Quit punching it and you could find fuel savings of up to 30%. As well, think about taking advantage of the drop in gas prices— downsize your family vacation, while still having a great time. Hit the road with your family.
Under the Couch
According to Coinstar , America could be $10 billion richer ($90 per household) if it simply cashed in all the loose change lying around. That’s right, $10 billion in change sits idle in American households under couch cushions, in jars, on the dresser. Maybe it’s time to cash in that extra change?
What actions have you found useful while try to weather out the recession?
January 21st, 2009Recession Session #1: Be Prepared
It’s here and we have no choice but to weather the storm.
The deep cuts of the American economic crisis are continuing to hemorrhage jobs at an unmatched pace.
A recent U.S. Labor Department jobs report shows the economy lost 524,000 jobs in December and 1.9 million in the year’s final four months following September’s credit crisis. With the unemployment rate climbing toward 10% and the underemployment rate a staggering 13.5% many people are left wondering— how will we survive?
While I cannot offer a solution, I can hope to provide some tools to educate the recession weatherer.
The first step towards ensuring recession safety is preparing yourself. As so many companies are downsizing, the last place you want to find yourself is looking for a job during this growing period of high unemployment rates… but if you do find yourself in such a situation it is important to be prepared.
Update Your Resume
It’s a new year and a good time to update your resume. A current CV is important to have, and takes a bit of stress out of an unexpected and often unwelcome search for a new job. Below you will find some links to help you get organized:
Monster.com Resume Writing Tips
Associated Content : How to Update Your Resume
Career Management Alliance: Update Your Resume
Keep Your Contacts Close
Now might be a good time to put in a call to some of those dusty contacts. Make a list friends and colleagues to call— see how the new year has been treating them so far, play catch-up, say hello. This list should include not only those that may hire you, but also those that can spread the word and keep a look out for job opportunities.These might just be the same contacts you will find yourself turning to should you find yourself in search of a new position. It never hurts to stay in touch.
Acquaint Yourself With Job Resources
In the digital age opportunities don’t always knock, but they are available to those diligent seekers who refuse to wait passively. Depending on your experience and field of work, you may find job opportunities in any number of places. But just as important as knowing what you are looking for is knowing where to find it; here are a few online resources, including some that specialize in 6 figure income jobs.
Monster
Hot Jobs
Job Hunt
Career Builder
Simply Hired
6FigureJobs
TheLadders
There is nothing certain about what the future may hold, but the first step towards a positive outcome is being prepared.