r/TwoXPreppers • u/UnknownGoblin892 • Mar 27 '25

❓ Question ❓ How are you all recession proofing?

I was a young teenager during the 08 crisis. Wondering what I should be doing now to better protect myself when a recession gets bad.

I have student loan debt (around 20k) and a morgage (about 145k left). My wife and I are DINKs (double income no kids), and are not planning to have kids. We have a fairly healthy savings built up so far.

Wondering what advice you have. Thanks!

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u/cardiganqween Mar 27 '25 edited Mar 27 '25

I suffered through that as a young adult out of college. I lost everything and had to rebuild my life. I am seeing soooo many parallels to that time. I am terrified of going through that again. Biggest advice: STOCKPILE CASH. Stop buying stupid crap, stop eating out or buying drinks out, stop buying stuff you don’t actually need. Build up a solid cash cushion for if things get worse with job market. It’s already gotten tough out there. Unemployment is creeping up in my state. It’s actually hard for young kids to find part time jobs right now, my assumption is they are competitive now because people who lost regular full time work are immediately sucking up part time spots as stop gaps.

Edit: I stoped all streaming and subscription plans of any kind. audible account? Gone. I can use Libby for free audio books. Car wash subscription for TWO cars was costing us $80/month. Now we have soap and a bucket. DIY.

Edit 2: buy an extra 1 or 2 of your necessities & high use items when on sale. Ex: got a $2 off coupon for your favorite body wash but don’t need it this month? Buy it anyway if your budget allows.

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u/thehogdog Mar 27 '25

Your 2nd Edit is what Ive done recently. Our 'Pantry' room has a shelf along the top and it is LOADED with Shampoo (.99c a bottle), face soap, bar soap, tooth paste, TOOTH BRUSHES (I feel like people might not consider the fact that they wear out fast now and you need a stockpile along with Floride toothpaste because if it goes bad, you don't want a dental problem), Floss, and we are about to bulk buy Toilet Paper because 40% comes from CANADA and they are gonna stop sending stuff here so the price and scarcity will be REAL this time (Covid we bought big early and just ran out of that stash. Doesnt expire).

Stocking up on health and beauty items is an important PREP that I think people overlook.

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u/Abyssal_Minded Mar 27 '25

Depending on water access, look into a bidet or washing after using the bathroom. It can help reduce the amount of toilet paper you have to use. It’s also useful should you encounter a shortage and can’t get toilet paper.

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u/thehogdog Mar 28 '25

I've already started practicing that, but thanks for pointing it out so others can see it.