Five Strategies to Help You Become an Economic Survivor

Figuring out what’s happening in the U.S. economy isn’t always easy. Although many economists believe that the worst elements of the economic recession are behind us, there are many areas, notably employment, that have yet to stabilize. But adopting the right mindset and following a few common-sense rules may help you survive regardless of short-term events.

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1. Focus on Long-Term Goals

Building assets for a financially secure retirement, saving to send family members to college, and buying a home are the types of goals that many families pursue regardless of current economic conditions. Remaining focused on longer-term financial goals may make it easier to adopt the perspective that short-term events could be a temporary setback.

2. Manage Your Budget Carefully

Saving more may not necessarily require extreme sacrifice. For instance, could you take a less expensive vacation every year or eliminate two restaurant meals per month and apply the savings to longer-term considerations? With year-end holidays coming up soon, could you purchase thoughtful but economical gifts? Your family may be able to make other trade-offs to free up savings.

3. Enhance Your Job Skills

If you haven’t learned new skills in a while, consider training at work or on your own. By learning something new, you may be in a position to do more than one type of job, be more productive, and potentially earn more in the future.

Paying attention to employability may be important regardless of your age. If you are in your 20s or 30s, possessing marketable skills at a relatively young age could impact your ability to invest for retirement, purchase a home, and pursue other financial goals. But if you are in your 50s and facing a nest egg that is smaller than it used to be because of the recent stock market downturn, many individuals in your situation are considering postponing retirement. Working longer than you had originally planned could be a more realistic objective if your skills are in demand.

4. Review Your Investment Strategy

The stock market volatility of the past two years has caused many investors to rethink their desired exposure to risk and potential return. Although the stock market historically has exhibited volatility over the short term, this volatility may be less of an issue for investors pursuing longer-term goals. Within a portfolio designed to fund a retirement that could last 20 years or more, an allocation to stocks could potentially serve as a source of longer-term growth. In contrast, for assets needed in the short term, such as college tuition payments that are only a few years away, a larger allocation to bonds or cash may increase the likelihood of maintaining your principal.1

5. Adopt a Value-Oriented Mindset

Consider whether economic changes of the past two years could create longer-term opportunities to create value. For example, if you can arrange financing, and real estate values have declined in your area, this situation could present a chance to purchase a first home or buy investment real estate. If a soft real estate market has deterred your plans to sell your home, consider whether you can remodel your residence, which could potentially enhance its longer-term value.

The U.S. economy may continue to experience ups and downs over time. A focus on your long-term financial picture may position you to get through short-term economic challenges and be a true economic survivor.

Important Disclosures

• This was prepared by Standard & Poors Financial Communications. All rights reserved
• Stocks are represented by the annual total return of the S&P 500, bonds by long-term Treasuries (10+ years), cash by 3-month T-bills.
• You cannot invest directly in any index.
• Past performance does not guarantee future results.
• Returns are for the 30-year period ending December 31, 2008.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.