6 Great Recession money lessons that still apply this pandemic

The Great Recession demolished jobs across the board, and it eventually came for mine, too. After graduating in 2009, I worked four months as an entry-level executive assistant at a non-profit before being laid off.

I had limited financial knowledge, a short work history and a lot to prove to break into the field of journalism, my ultimate goal. Along the way, I picked up valuable lessons that might help you manage your finances during the coronavirus-related downturn.

Save what you can

My short work history disqualified me from receiving unemployment benefits, so I relied on my savings account. Even a small emergency fund of $500 (about Dh2,000) can prevent you from falling into debt, and I had socked away enough to cover a few months of expenses.

If you're still employed, “pay yourself first,” said Samuel Deane, a financial planner at US-based Deane Financial in New York. “Even if it's $20 (Dh70) every time you get paid, make sure you put that $20 (Dh70) away first and then live your lifestyle with the remainder.” Automate it if you can.

If you've lost your job, saving will obviously be tougher. Contact your landlord, creditors, area nonprofits and family members to seek relief. If you're still employed but have had your salary cut, consider a side gig and work on trimming expenses.

Think twice before rejecting job offers

After many interviews and dead ends, I applied for an administrative role at an accounting firm and got hired in December 2009. It paid about $7,000 (Dh26,000) less than my previous salary. I knew it wouldn't put my career on track, but it would cover most of my bills, so I took it.

Amanda Grossman, another US-based certified financial education instructor, made similar compromises after being laid off as a market researcher in 2008. She took a career counsellor's advice and relocated for a lower-paying job in the environmental industry.

“(The counsellor) said, ‘Look, the economy is not doing well. You need to take that job, or you're not going to be able to find work,” Grossman said.

If your sector is hurting or savings are lacking, even a less-than-ideal role can help you ride out a downturn.

Get smart about money

I struggled to save money on a lower salary. Credit cards became my emergency fund. I don't recommend this approach, but times were tough. Had I learned about financial literacy programs, delayed loan repayment options or balance transfer credit cards, I would have saved heaps on interest and ditched debt faster.

Establish multiple streams of income

I still wanted journalism experience and extra income, so on top of my new full-time job, I learned to shoot and edit video. I began freelancing in 2010. A year later, I also launched a small social media consulting business.

Grossman, too, had other goals. “I've always wanted to be a writer and I love, love, love talking about money,” she said.

While she was unemployed, she launched the blog “Frugal Confessions.” She learned new writing skills from books and sought feedback from editors at newspapers. In 2013, she left her environmental job to run her blog full time.

Protect your credit – but protect yourself first

In a crisis like COVID-19, many normal financial rules don't apply. You may need to carry a credit card balance to buy groceries or address an emergency. You may need to make only the minimum payment to cover rent. You may even need to contact your card issuer and ask for relief options like payment deferrals.

Even with three jobs, I struggled at times to make the minimum payments on my credit cards due to high balances and interest rates. I never defaulted, but I did stress and scramble over it. I wanted a record of on-time payments and the good credit they build, so that I could qualify for future low-interest rate offers.

That's a worthy goal, but in times of emergency, prioritise getting back on your feet first. Once you do, you'll have time to address your credit scores.

Make calculated money moves

Eventually, I left my apartment and moved in with roommates. I also read the post-recession climate and, in successive jobs, learned how to ask for a raise. Every year that my workload and responsibilities increased, I made a case for a higher salary. Asking is uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier. The extra money eventually paid off my debts.

A downturn's impact is largely out of your control, but your reaction isn't. With strategic steps, you can insulate yourself and create new opportunities.