 TITLE: How to Protect Your Credit During a Recession CONTENT: 5\\. Stick to a Budget\n---------------------\nThough it's always a good idea to maintain a responsible budget, this strategy is increasingly important during an economic downturn. Budgets help you allocate your income, portioning your funds in a way to help you save and spend efficiently.\nWhen a recession hits, having a budget in place will help you quickly adjust your spending should your income be reduced. Use your budget to figure out which expenditures you can live without and which you absolutely need. Revising your budget to cut out non-essential purchases and limit your spending to essentials can help you get through a difficult financial period.\nEven if your income isn't affected during a recession, following a budget will help ensure that you're living within your means. When your finances aren't overextended and you've created an emergency fund, you'll be in better shape should the economy begin to suffer. END