Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
President Donald Trump’s tariff plans have sent shock waves through the stock market, and raised fears that the U.S. could be on the cusp of a significant economic downturn.
These concerns have been heightened by the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as well as the looming threat of a government shutdown.
Newsweek spoke with experts on how individuals and households—both high- and lower-income—can shore up their finances in preparation for any coming fiscal challenges.
Is a Recession Coming?
Certain closely monitored economic indicators suggest that markets and consumers are wary of America’s near-term fiscal outlook.
Last week’s GDP forecast from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta pointed to a contraction in annualized growth to -2.8 percent for the first quarter of 2025.
How to prepare for a recession in 2025. How to prepare for a recession in 2025. Photo Illustration by Newsweek
While this has been viewed by some as an outlier caused by a surge in gold imports, the price of gold itself—a historic hedge against dollar devaluation and weak economic growth—has risen by nearly $300 since the start of the year (11 percent).
Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index, which measures the extent of portfolio protection sought by investors and institutions, climbed from approximately 15 to 24 points last week, where it has remained since.
As a result of these warning signals, as well as measured declines in consumer confidence, financial institutions have raised their predictions for a recession in the near future.
How Can You Prepare for a Recession?
Experts shared insights on how to prepare for a potential recession, providing advice that rings true regardless of the country’s future economic situation.
Jason Schenker, chairman of The Futurist Institute
Former Tennessee state lawmaker says, ‘God used Donald Trump’ to deliver pardon
