Coronavirus (COVID-19): Making the Most of Your Personal Finances During Stressful Times

Given the rapidly changing economic, social, and political environment due to the pandemic, this article has been updated since it was first published to reflect the most up-to-date information.

The year started out strong. With an election cycle in full swing, stocks were trading at all-time highs, unemployment was at historically low levels, and consumer confidence was relatively robust. That quickly changed when the world received news of an unknown coronavirus (COVID-19) pathogen outbreak.

Since then, we’ve witnessed stocks plummet, travel bans, school and business closures, shelter-in-place orders, and hospitals and health care systems in crisis around the world. Despite the rapid passage of the largest economic relief package the U.S. has ever signed into law, it will take some time before we see its full impact. In the meantime, a record-shattering number of Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, and the economy has taken a hard left turn for the worse.

The news around COVID-19 changes daily, sometimes hourly. While we all wait to see what will happen next, here are five things you can proactively do at home right now to tighten up your finances and prepare for what’s ahead.

5 Money Moves You Can Make Now to Prepare for Recession Due to COVID-19

It is completely normal to feel uncertain and worried right now. As we each do our part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the disease, here are five key moves you can make from the comfort of home to help safeguard your personal finances.

1. Look for government relief

The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27 to cushion individuals and businesses from immediate losses, and to help them comply with public health guidelines and mandates. Make sure you know what’s in the CARES Act and how you could benefit from:

• Mortgage forbearance and renter’s relief
• Student debt relief
• Emergency loans for small businesses

2. Preserve cash

Before the pandemic, nearly 28% of adults had no emergency savings and only one in four could cover three months worth of expenses, according to a 2019 Bankrate survey. No matter where you’re at today, you can take steps to conserve cash and build savings.

Avoid panic-buying

When the world feels uncertain and dangerous, people fear shortages of essential supplies and turn to online “retail therapy,” or outright panic-buying, as a way to comfort themselves and regain a sense of control. Stockpiling toilet paper isn’t necessary, and here’s why. Instead, make a list, and only shop for what you really need in your pantry for the next 10-14 days to minimize trips to the grocery store. 

Slash expenses

In addition to rent, lease, and mortgage relief provided by the CARES Act, many public utilities (power, gas, water), phone, and internet service providers have hardship plans in place for customers. But it won’t happen automatically; you need to get them on the phone and ask. Putting gym, spa, music club and other memberships on hold for a spell can trim expenses even further. And look for deals from retailers you regularly frequent to help you cut expenses now, conserving cash you may need for later. Check out our guide to other financial resources and assistance you may need right now.

Build a budget habit

Pandemic or not, creating a budget—and sticking to it—is one of the best things you can do for your financial health. Your budget doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. You can use an app, an Excel spreadsheet, or simply take pencil to paper. The key is understanding what’s coming in, and what’s going out. Then look at ways to cut back where you’re overspending and make quick adjustments to help you build savings. 

3. Get your debt under control

Getting a handle on your debt is another important step in preparing for uncertain times. While supportive measures being put in place by Federal Reserve, government and state officials will (hopefully) make things easier, here’s what else you can do:

Assess your debts

Compile a list of your current debts, including interest rates you’re paying, monthly payment amounts, and due dates. Seeing it all in one place can help you assess your situation and create a game plan.

Look for student loan protection

As part of the CARES Act, all federal student loan payments are suspended through the end of September. Keep tabs on what that could mean for you here.

Reduce your monthly mortgage or auto loan payment

While it’s not clear yet how the recent 1% drop in federal fund rates will impact mortgage rates going forward, if you’re paying high or variable interest rates on your home or auto loan, ask your lenders about refinancing. Rates may be lower now than when you originally applied, and you could save hundreds, or even thousands, over the life of your loan. (Look into refinancing your car loan, too.)

Save interest on credit card debt

If you can afford to do so, paying off your credit card debt now can save in interest costs, which will put more money in your pocket if a recession becomes a reality. But if you can’t afford to pay off your credit cards now, or you’re worried about the future of your income, you can still make moves to lower your overall costs.

A balance transfer credit card allows you to shift existing credit card debt to a new line of credit, often with a lower introductory interest rate. If you can pay off the debt within the introductory period, you’ll save on interest. A debt consolidation personal loan will allow you to pay off high-interest credit card debt with a lump sum, typically at a much lower interest rate. You’ll also be able to consolidate several monthly payments into one single, more manageable payment you can make over several months or years. Learn more about the difference between a balance transfer credit card and a balance transfer loan.

4. Check your credit

According to a recent J.D. Power Coronavirus Financial Health Pulse survey (March 16, 2020), 15% of respondents expect to borrow money in the coming months. Now is a good time to review your credit, understand your credit scores, and be ready should you need to borrow in the future.

Get your credit scores in good shape

Pull your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Due to the pandemic, you can request free copies of your credit report once per week. Look for any mistakes or errors on your reports and file disputes to have those removed. By law, the credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate your claim and you can file all disputes online.

Catch up on any past due bills

If you have any past due accounts, work on getting those current. Even making the minimum payment may be enough to bring your account up to date and improve your credit score.

Pay down debts now if you can

If you can afford to, paying down some of your debt can immediately improve your debt-to-income ratio. DTI is a major factor in your credit score and your ability to borrow funds. Aim to keep your revolving debt at 30% (or less) of your available credit if you can.

5. Don’t panic

The most important thing to remember is not to panic. While the news coming from Wall Street isn’t great lately, stock markets ebb and flow. We’ve survived crashes and recovered from pandemics before, and we will again. If you can, talk to a financial adviser before you make any big moves. They’re ready and willing to help you decide what steps to take.

Keep saving and investing for retirement

If you have an employer-sponsored 401(k), keep socking away those investments. Your 401(k) is taken out pretax, so you’re actually lowering your overall tax burden and building a nest egg for the future.

Dealing With COVID-19: Keep Calm and (Try to) Carry On

While the news continues to be stressful, remember that the pandemic (and economic chaos) will end. By taking some proactive steps today, you can help safeguard your family against a downturn in the economy. In the meantime, wear a mask in public or when around others not in your household, and practice social distancing. We’re all in this together and we’re working to help you in every way we possibly can.