Economist warns US is now in a 'hiring recession.' 15 things you should (and shouldn't) do to safeguard your finances

Economic Outlook - Record auto debt and a surge in delinquencies are being interpreted as potential indicators of an impending recession [2] - The U.S. economy is currently experiencing a "hiring recession," with almost no job additions since April and an increase of 710,000 unemployed individuals compared to November 2024 [4] Financial Strategies - Establishing an emergency fund separate from long-term investments is advisable, with high-yield savings accounts offering returns closer to 4% compared to the national average of 0.39% [3] - Budgeting is essential for financial health, with the 50/30/20 rule providing a simplified framework for managing needs, wants, and savings/investments [10] Consumer Behavior - Inflation is impacting grocery prices, which have risen by 3.2% from last year and are predicted to increase by 2.7% in 2026, prompting consumers to stock up on nonperishable items [11] - The trend of Americans working multiple jobs has reached 5.7% of the workforce, indicating a shift towards side hustles for financial security [14] Investment Considerations - Panic selling during market downturns can lock in losses; historically, markets tend to rebound over time [16] - Maintaining a good credit score is crucial, especially during economic downturns, as it affects loan interest rates and approval chances [17][18] Spending Habits - Consumers should be cautious with major purchases during economic uncertainty, ensuring they have the cash set aside to avoid debt [15] - Lifestyle inflation can undermine financial progress; instead of increasing spending with income, focusing on building savings and paying off debt is recommended [28]