When the economy shows signs of a looming downturn, having a solid plan can make all the difference. Below you’ll find the top 10 tips that blend practicality with a dash of community spirit, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Top 10 Tips Overview

These ten strategies cover everything from neighborly bonds to financial safeguards, giving you a well‑rounded survival kit. Keep reading to see how each tip can be applied in real life.

10 Get To Know Your Neighbors

Even when the market is humming along, it pays to be friendly with the people next door. A solid neighbor network can watch over your house while you’re away, feed your pets, or lend a cup of sugar in a pinch. In a depression, that network becomes a lifeline – you can share scarce resources, set up community patrols if security gets shaky, and even host potluck meals to stretch food budgets and cut waste.

9 Invest In Precious Metals

If you have a sizable nest egg, consider allocating a portion to gold or silver. These metals have a long history of holding value when paper currencies falter. While the price may already be climbing, a modest investment now could serve as a financial safety net if the national currency collapses, providing a tangible backup that’s stood the test of time.

8 Stockpile Your Medications

Regular prescription users should start hoarding as much as possible. In a severe downturn, drug prices may sky‑rocket or, worst case, manufacturers could cease operations. Keep a reserve of over‑the‑counter staples like aspirin, and rotate stock by using the nearest‑expiry items first, preserving the longer‑lasting supplies for later.

7 Build An Emergency Savings Fund

Now is the moment to tighten your belt and stash every spare penny. Trim non‑essential expenses (but keep paying down debt) and funnel the surplus into a dedicated fund. Should a depression strike, that cash will be essential. Also, consider liquidating non‑essential household items – TVs, DVD players, and stereos can be sold, while a laptop remains a valuable tool for both work and post‑crisis communication.

6 Eliminate Debt As Quickly As Possible

Attack your liabilities head‑on now. Mortgage payments, credit cards, and any other debts could become unmanageable if banks tighten lending or start penalizing missed payments. A debt‑free position before a downturn reduces the risk of losing your home and gives you breathing room to navigate the financial storm.

5 Re‑Align Your Stock Portfolio

If you hold equities, now’s the time to pivot toward companies that thrive in lean times. Think dry‑food manufacturers, diaper and toilet‑paper producers, and any business that supplies essential goods. “Comfort” stocks like cigarettes and alcohol also tend to hold strong, as people seek small escapes from hardship.

4 Develop In‑Demand Trade Skills

Certain trades remain indispensable during economic slumps. Bakers, handymen, electricians, and similar skilled workers are likely to find steady work, whereas more niche professions may dry up. Investing time now to learn a practical trade not only boosts your survival odds but could also spark a rewarding career shift.

3 Accumulate Non‑Perishable Food And Essentials

Begin amassing dried and canned goods, water‑purification tablets, toilet paper, candles, and batteries. Store everything in a dry, clean space. A basic cooking guide can teach you how to turn flour into bread and stretch limited supplies, skills that are priceless whether or not a depression hits.

2 Consider Relocating To Land With Resources

If your current job is vulnerable, think about moving to an area abundant in wildlife and land. Purchasing an RV outright (no credit) gives you mobility to find a safe spot with fresh water and game. This can serve as a mobile sanctuary if you need to abandon your home during a prolonged downturn.

1 Secure A Practical Firearm And Hunting Knowledge

In extreme scenarios where personal safety and food security become concerns, a reliable rifle can protect your family, deter theft, and provide a means to hunt for sustenance. Choose a versatile firearm suitable for both birds and larger game, and pair it with a guide on field‑dressing and preparing wild meat.

Bonus 0 Use Credit Cards Strategically In Crisis

While controversial, judicious use of credit can be a lifeline when cash runs dry. If you face bankruptcy, unemployment, or dire need, maxing out cards to secure food or relocate may be a necessary sacrifice. In a severe depression, unconventional measures become essential for family survival – but remember, this is a last‑resort tactic, not a routine practice.

Stay prepared, stay connected, and remember that a community‑first mindset often proves the most resilient during tough economic times.

When it comes to surviving a pandemic, having a solid game plan is priceless. These top 10 things will give you the confidence to face a coronavirus outbreak head‑on, whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting to think about emergency readiness.

Why These Top 10 Things Matter

10 Stockpile Food And Water

The average human burns anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 calories each day, and without proper nourishment the body begins to break down rapidly.

Starvation is a slow, painful death that can stretch out to 70 days, while dehydration can snuff you out in just three or four days.

Make sure you have at least a couple of months’ worth of canned and dehydrated meals for each person in your household. Military rations pack a massive calorie load and can sit on the shelf for up to five years, so they’re a smart addition.

Plan for a minimum of two weeks’ water supply, though four weeks is ideal. Roughly half a gallon per person per day will keep you hydrated.

If fresh supplies run dry, you can purify questionable water by boiling it or adding a few drops of iodine or bleach.

One of the best tools on the market is the LifeStraw, which filters water as you drink directly from a contaminated source. Stock several of these and keep them within easy reach.

9 Buy Essential Tools

If a pandemic turns deadly enough to rival the Black Death, society will need time to recover after the worst of it passes.

When a large chunk of the population is suddenly out of the picture, you’ll need to fend for yourself, which means having the right tools at your disposal.

Picture scouring abandoned houses for food; a sturdy crowbar will let you get inside without a fuss. Breaking into a deserted home isn’t glamorous, but it’s a realistic survival scenario.

A well‑filled toolbox is a must‑have. Include a hammer, a versatile screwdriver set, an adjustable wrench, and a multitool for those unexpected fixes.

8 Get Yourself Some Weapons

Many survivalists swear by a stash of firearms and ammunition, not only for hunting but also for self‑defense when society collapses.

If the worst unfolds and people start turning on each other, you’ll quickly find yourself in a real‑life post‑apocalyptic movie. Your best bet is to be prepared to protect yourself.

Shotguns excel at close‑range encounters, while a rifle with a good scope is essential for larger game. Pistols provide a compact, high‑impact option for personal defense.

If firearms are off‑limits in your area, a machete or crossbow can still serve as effective hunting and defensive tools. At the very least, a sturdy hunting knife should be part of your kit.

7 Stock Up On Disinfectant

Plague doctors once wore beaked masks filled with herbs, believing foul smells spread disease. While that theory is outdated, the principle of sanitizing surfaces remains vital.

Everyday consumer products that kill pathogens are inexpensive and widely available. Stock up on bleach—it can disinfect surfaces and also make unsafe water potable.

Hand soap works in a pinch, but when airborne bugs are a threat, reach for hand sanitizer. If you’re completely out of sanitizer, pure alcohol can serve as a last‑resort germ killer.

Standard surgical masks won’t protect against coronavirus; instead, consider a CBRN‑rated full‑face mask designed for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

6 Create A Safe Room And House

Securing your home means turning to a timeless hero: duct tape. It’s strong, versatile, and can help you seal every possible entry point.

Don’t rely solely on doors and windows; insects can slip through the tiniest cracks, and so can airborne pathogens.

Cover each window and door with heavy‑duty drop cloths, then seal them tightly with duct tape. Shut the fireplace flue and seal it as well. Designate a quarantine room where anyone showing symptoms can be isolated.

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5 Prep Your Immune System

Your immune system is the body’s frontline defense against infection, so keeping it in top shape is non‑negotiable.

Collect a solid supply of medicines: antibiotics, insulin, and EpiPens for those with allergies. Never wait until the last minute to refill prescriptions—keep at least a month’s worth on hand.

Running out of essential meds can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, especially for antidepressants. Don’t gamble with your health; maintain a generous stockpile.

Also gather cold medicine, multivitamins, antibiotic ointments, and a well‑stocked first‑aid kit. You don’t want to survive a pandemic only to succumb to a simple cut.

4 Create A Bug Out Bag

Governments typically quarantine affected zones, forcing many to stay put. While some are evacuated, others must be ready to flee on short notice.

A well‑prepared bug‑out bag should contain everything from the previous list, but only enough for a 72‑hour window.

Include an emergency radio, flashlight, spare batteries, waterproof matches, and a flint‑and‑steel set. Pack appropriate clothing and feminine hygiene products. Build your bag around personal needs rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all kit.

Don’t forget a copy of your city’s disaster plan, which can guide you on safe travel routes during an emergency.

3 Prepare For A Barter Economy

If a pandemic wipes out a large portion of the population, the survivors will need to rely on barter rather than cash.

History shows that in times of crisis, people trade essential items like medicine, masks, and even basic supplies such as toilet paper.

During the Weimar Republic’s collapse and today’s Venezuelan crisis, bartering kept societies functioning. Stock up on high‑demand goods to ensure you have leverage.

Antiseptic ointments, various medicines, and everyday necessities become valuable currency in a post‑pandemic world.

2 Get Hold Of Some Boredom Busters

When an outbreak forces you into prolonged quarantine, power outages can make streaming services and video games unavailable.

That doesn’t mean you have to succumb to boredom. Even without electricity, you can keep your mind sharp and spirits high.

Amass a variety of books—both entertaining titles and practical survival manuals. You never know when a guide might save your life.

Puzzle books and classic board games provide hours of distraction and mental exercise, keeping morale up when the world outside feels uncertain.

1 Prepare For The Worst

It’s possible that someone in your group will die. When that happens, the body begins decomposing immediately, releasing gases and fluids that can still spread disease.

Ebola, for example, is notorious for transmitting through the bodies of the deceased because of the massive blood loss involved. Even natural deaths can pose a contamination risk.

Disposing of a corpse is a daunting task. Instead of cremation, consider a burial method that neutralizes the remains.

Dig a six‑foot‑deep hole, place the body inside, and cover it with several cups of lye before backfilling with soil. The lye will break down soft tissue, leaving only bones and teeth after a short period.

While this list leans toward the dramatic, it underscores real dangers. Review your city’s disaster plan and ensure you have all necessary supplies. Pandemics rarely give ample warning, so act now.

Good luck! We may all need it.

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Benjamin Franklin famously quipped, “in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While taxes are unavoidable, the fact that we all eventually pass away is equally immutable. The good news? You can take charge of the inevitable and make sure your affairs are in order, sparing the people you love from unnecessary stress. Below are the top 10 things you should tackle now, so when the time comes, everything is neat, legal, and heartfelt.

10 Write A Last Will & Testament

A last will and testament is the cornerstone legal document that spells out who gets what after you kick the bucket. It lets you appoint a guardian for any minor children, name an executor to carry out your wishes, and specify how your assets should be divided. While DIY templates exist online, it’s wise to enlist professional help—especially if you have a sizable estate, complex assets, or need to set up a guardianship.

Online will‑making services can be perfectly adequate for modest estates, but for high‑net‑worth individuals or those with unique family situations, a seasoned attorney is the safest route. Without a valid will, state intestacy laws dictate asset distribution, which often runs counter to your personal preferences.

Why This Is One of the Top 10 Things to Tackle

9 Create A Master File For Your Loved Ones

Imagine the family you leave behind scrambling for passwords, bills, and account numbers when the primary financial manager suddenly disappears. A well‑organized master file eliminates that chaos. Gather every piece of financial data—bank statements, loan documents, retirement account details, and a comprehensive inventory of assets—and store it securely where trusted relatives can retrieve it.

Best practice is to keep both a physical copy in a fire‑proof safe at home and a duplicate in a safety‑deposit box. Include a digital backup on an encrypted USB stick or SD card. Regularly update the file as accounts open or close, ensuring your loved ones never have to hunt for a lost password amidst grief.

8 Ensure Your Funeral Or Memorial Service Desires Are Known

While your will can cover the distribution of assets, it rarely details how you’d like your remains handled. Have an open conversation with your closest confidants about burial versus cremation, and explore the many alternatives beyond those two classic choices. Veterans, for instance, may wish to be interred in a national cemetery with a ceremonial flag presentation.

If you prefer something unconventional—like a sky burial that launches ashes into the stratosphere—make sure those wishes are documented and communicated. Clear, written instructions prevent loved ones from making assumptions that could clash with your personal preferences.

7 Create A Living Will And Designate A Medical Power Of Attorney

A living will, also known as an advance directive, spells out your medical wishes if you become incapacitated. It answers tough questions like whether you’d want to stay on a ventilator after brain death or prefer a dignified end without extraordinary interventions. Pair this with a medical power of attorney—a trusted person who can make real‑time decisions on your behalf.

Both documents must be executed according to state law, typically requiring notarization or witnesses. While you can draft them online, legal counsel ensures they meet all statutory requirements, preventing hospitals from making unwanted assumptions about your care.

6 Don’t Forget About Your Pets

Pets are family too, yet the law treats them as property. If you pass away without making arrangements, your furry companions could be left without a caretaker or, worse, end up in a shelter. To avoid this, include a pet provision in your will or, better yet, establish a pet trust—a legal tool that earmarks funds for a designated caregiver.

A pet trust names a trusted individual to look after your animal and sets aside money to cover food, veterinary care, and other expenses. If you have pet insurance, factor those premiums into the trust. This way, your beloved companion continues to enjoy a comfortable life, even after you’re gone.

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5 Make Plans For Your Digital Life

In today’s world, your digital footprint is as real as your physical one. From social media accounts to online banking and even your favorite pizza‑ordering app, countless bits of personal data sit behind passwords. Without a plan, families may struggle to access cherished photos, important documents, or even close out accounts.

Many platforms offer “inactive account” settings that automatically grant designated contacts access after a period of inactivity. Google, for example, lets you appoint legacy contacts who can retrieve your Google Photos after 90 days of no login. Alternatively, you can securely share usernames and passwords with a trusted person, but be sure to rotate credentials regularly to keep them current.

4 Decide About Organ Donation

Organ donation is typically asked about when you renew your driver’s license, but it’s worth a deeper conversation. By default, medical professionals cannot harvest organs without explicit consent, so you must indicate your wishes on the appropriate form. Options range from donating specific organs to donating your entire body for scientific study.

Religious or moral beliefs may influence your decision, and some faiths define death differently than medical standards, potentially affecting when organs can be retrieved. Discuss your preferences with family, spiritual advisors, and your physician to ensure everyone understands your stance.

3 Ensure Your Spiritual Needs Are Met

Beyond the practicalities, the spiritual side of death deserves attention. If you’re Catholic, you might want a priest to administer the sacrament of Extreme Unction (last rites). Other faiths may have specific rituals for preparing the body, washing, or burial customs. Make these wishes explicit, either within your will or in a separate document.

Providing detailed instructions ensures that your cultural and religious traditions are honored, giving you peace of mind that even in death, your values are respected.

2 Leave A Message To Your Loved Ones

Everyone eventually faces the need to say goodbye, but many postpone this intimate task. Crafting a heartfelt letter—or recording a video—allows you to convey love, gratitude, and final thoughts in your own voice. This personal farewell can be a source of comfort for survivors, offering a tangible piece of you that endures beyond your physical presence.

Store your message alongside your master file, or use a dedicated service that releases it after a set period of inactivity. Update it periodically to reflect changing relationships or new milestones, ensuring the sentiment remains current.

1 Update Your Information Regularly

All the advice above is valuable only if it stays current. Life changes—new children, shifting assets, evolving digital habits—mean that yesterday’s plan may be obsolete tomorrow. Schedule a review of your will, master file, digital access settings, and personal messages every few years, or after any major life event.

Keeping everything up‑to‑date guarantees that your loved ones won’t waste time untangling outdated paperwork, and it ensures that the legacy you intended to leave remains accurate and actionable.