Posted on May 10, 2009 at 10:58 am In this moment now, it is easy to have a situation will never turn for the better idea. But if history has been enlightening for us that things will eventually improve. In fact, according to the criteria used to judge the economic turmoil, the recession has been a long time. After World War II the average duration of a recession for 11 months, the longest was from 1981 to 1982 between the 16 months. The current round of crisis has continued for 15 months. In addition, the bottom is also beginning to show signs. Therefore, the prospects for the future is certainly bright. Prior to that, here are some strategies to help you keep a clear head: In considering how to protect and increase your assets should be determined to achieve "five-to." Let us start with the "five to" the beginning: 1. To reduce the liabilities Many of us in the past 10 years with a credit card and other liabilities have been too many overdrafts. Now that these debts as the same as the sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of people. At present, the most urgent task is to reduce the cost of such liabilities, and in their retirement savings or investment before the stock market. A sensible strategy is to use a lot of down gasoline prices. 1 year ago, U.S. gasoline prices in many areas have more than 4 U.S. dollars per gallon. Today, the price is less than half that time. You should put the money saved to reduce your credit card debt. 2. Economize Time thrifty. This means that careful planning, and seriously ponder your expenses to find ways to save money. Maybe you've exceeded the number of eating out of your idea, or a coffee too much money to spend. There are many free sites can help you identify expenses, where you can find to save money at the problem of feeling. You need to do is upload your credit card password and other account information, such sites will aggregate the data and classification, so you can see you in the food, and movies such as Eating out expenditure situation. Then, some time you can track your spending habits and make some adjustments in order to save money. 3. To guard against inflation Many things are taking place in the specter of inflation likely to occur rapidly. First of all, the U.S. federal government is like a drunken sailor spending as much. Nearly 800 billion U.S. dollars of the stimulus plan, the budget of 4000 billion U.S. dollars plan (higher than the previous year's three trillion U.S. dollars), as well as hundreds of billions of dollars of banks, real estate and credit assistance programs. Most importantly, short-term interest rates set by the Federal Reserve has basically zero, the level of interest rates in other countries is quite low. All of this is like a lot of dry, just waiting to spark flash. Once the spark growth and inflation may quickly come back. Therefore, investment in fixed-income part of the Ministry of Finance holding inflation protected securities (TIPS) as a wise move. Another strategy is to hedge inflation, commodity investment. However, the financial management division recommended that investors in this sector should not exceed the investment portfolio of 5-10%. 4. To have the stock market investment strategy Although in the past 18 months most of us are in the stock market suffered a keenly felt pain, but like the stock market and the economy will not always remain at low ebb. However, this does not mean that children must be old brain into the stock market. Or consider entering the stock market through retirement accounts. For many of us, this account longer, but also have inherent tax advantages, but also often part of another - - This is in fact the money is white. 5. To protect the gains already The challenges in the current period, earnings have been a protection strategy is prudent. In addition to diversification of investment assets (stocks, bonds and cash), the stock market should remain decentralized. Buy a wide range of low-cost index funds, rather than to buy a stock only to reduce the risk of exposure. A good rule of thumb is to set aside a sum equivalent to 6 months income imprest, if unemployment can come in handy.