| How to Survive a Recession Posted: 24 May 2020 05:00 PM PDT The economy always has and always will have its ups and downs. It's easy to coast through the good times, but how do you come out of the tough times unscathed? By preparing adequately, cutting costs, and making sure you still have some income coming in, you can emerge out of a recession just as strong as you were before it. [Edit]Preparing For a Recession - Create an emergency fund. If you don't already have you an adequate emergency fund set aside, specify a goal for how much money you want to add to it every month. Your fund should be kept in a savings account with your bank.
- While normally it's recommended that a two-income couple keep three months' worth of expenses in an emergency fund, during a downturn the recommended amount is six months' worth instead. This is especially important if you're in an industry that gets hit hard by a recession (e.g., construction, financial services, food) and if you're a one-income family.
- Dual-income families may be safe with three or four months' worth of savings.
- If you're self-employed, you should set aside up to a year's worth of expenses.
- Pay off debt. You should always work to be debt free, but when a recession is coming it's even more important to do so. Focus first on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate, which is usually your credit card debt. From here, pay off debts with lower interests rates as you can, working to lower your debt as much as possible. Reducing your debts will lower your monthly expenses and give you a better chance of surviving a recession if you lose your job or need to cut down on spending.
- Money saved from not having to pay debt repayments can then be saved for your emergency fund or otherwise saved. Saved money can be invested in securities when their prices drop during a recession.[1]
- Create additional income streams. In a recession, there's always the chance that you might lose your job. Your primary focuses should be to keep your current job and be ready to enter the market again for a new one if you lose it (keep an updated resume, investigate job opportunities, etc.). However, you can also increase your financial security by creating separate income streams. These can be a second job, an online business, or any form of passive income.
- Even if you can only make an additional $500 or $1,000 per month, this extra income can help you get through tough time if your primary source of income dries up.
- Diversify your investments. During a recession, stock prices will usually fall dramatically, which means your investment accounts could be hit hard. While many companies, and their stock prices, will recover out of the recession, some will enter default and cause you to lose money. You can reduce the risk of this happening by spreading out your investments. Think about buying bonds, investing in securities from other countries, or investing in precious metals. These investments, particularly the last two, may move independently of the market and can protect your assets in a recession.
- You can also look outside the market to invest in real estate, like land or apartments, that will usually appreciate in value over time, sometimes even through recessions.[2]
[Edit]Surviving a Recession - Talk it over. Sit down with every member of your household and go over your finances. How you resolve and differences in your approach to money will have a profound effect on your relationship's chances of succeeding.
- Reduce expenses. There are many ways to cut expenses during a recession. In many cases, you can maintain your same quality of life while focusing on living lean and cutting out extravagant and unnecessary expenses.
- Keep the money flowing in. If you have a job, be an amazing employee. Now is not the time to slack. Show up early, stay late, and volunteer for projects. Pick up the slack for other workers; it's what will happen when people get laid off, anyway, so now is the time to prove yourself. Look for ways to save your employer money, especially if you see your employer doing little things to that effect, like encouraging employees to turn of their computers. Try to quantify your efforts in terms of how you've raised profits and cut costs. Start networking so that in case you still get laid off, you have a safety net of contacts who might be able to help.
- If you don't have a job, find other ways to make money fast. Focus on cutting your expenses, as described in the previous step, and consider volunteering; if you've got the spare time, there are organizations that will need your help, and you could build good karma in your community.
- Keep saving. If you can, fit saving into your budget, even during a recession. You should make every effort to continue contributing to retirement accounts and college funds, if you have them. If you don't have the money to contribute, consider cutting out other expenses to make it work. When you come out of the recession, you'll be glad you kept up with saving and your accounts will reflect the interest you've earned during that time.
- In addition, putting money into the stock market during a recession can be a wise move. If you buy stock in reputable companies when prices are low, you stand to gain a lot of money when they come back up out the recession.
- Enjoy life. In order to avoid recession depression, don't let fear control you. An intense feeling of paranoia can make you an inflexible employee and also strain your relationships. Be thankful for what you have, and make sure to have fun. Instead of not taking a family vacation, for example, take a Staycation or exchange your home for free accommodation instead. Invite your family to think of creative ways to save money without skimping on happiness. Accept difficult times as a challenge for your fortitude and adaptability.
[Edit]Getting Your Business Through a Recession - Develop a risk management plan. If you haven't already done so, create a plan for what to do in the event of a recession. This risk management plan should include a set of actions you plan to take in the event that you lose business or customers due to an economic downturn. After all, it will be easier to think of what to do before a recession that in the heat of the moment as your employees are panicking and unsure of what to do. Make sure to create concrete steps to follow and then transmit the plan to other managers or partners so that they can follow it as well.[5]
- Reduce expenses. Your first course of action when hit by a recession should be to cut expenses where you can. This will help your business stay in operation while you work out a more permanent solution or until the economy recovers. Look around to reduce overhead costs like utilities, administration, and wasted materials. You can also reduce your inventory levels so that your assets aren't so tied up in product that may go unsold for months. If those don't work, consider:
- Cutting your advertising spending. Pull out of traditional advertising like television and radio and instead focus on improving your social media presence. Doing so is free, even though it might take more of your time.
- Downsizing. Your other option to downsize. This can mean either reducing employees or moving to a cheaper location. Your remaining employees may have to work harder, but your business will at least be able to survive.[6]
- Cross-train your employees. If you do end up letting some employees go, you will need others to step into their roles. This is why it is important to cross-train your employees for various roles within the business. This is best if done before it is needed.[7]
- Focus on customers. You should focus all of your efforts on retaining regular customers and maintaining your relationships with them. Make sure that they know that their business is appreciated. In addition, keep your quality just as high as before, even it you've had to make other cuts around the business.
- A recession is also a good opportunity to evaluate your customers. You may have those customers who are not profitable to work with. A recession is the perfect time to sever these relationships and seek new ones.[8]
- Don't cut your prices. Many businesses turn to deals and sales when the recession is hurting them. However, doing so will only make it harder for customers to justify paying your regular prices when the recession is over. In addition, these lower prices can cut into much needed profits. The only exception is that you may want to offer one-time payment extensions or discounts to customers that are also having a hard time. Just be clear to them that you are only extending this service once.[9]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Peach Cobbler Posted: 24 May 2020 09:00 AM PDT Peach cobbler is a Southern classic.It is simple to prepare and bake, making it ideal for beginner and experienced bakers alike. There are lots of ways of making a peach cobblers, and not all of them involve baking. Whichever version you choose to make, you are certain to end up with something truly delicious that will have you craving for more! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Traditional Peach Cobbler[1] Filling - 8 fresh peaches
- ¼ cup (55 grams) white sugar
- ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Topping - 1 cup (100 grams) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (55 grams) white sugar
- ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) boiling water
For Cinnamon-Sugar - 3 tablespoons (45 grams) white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
[Edit]Stovetop Peach Cobbler[2] Filling - 10 peaches
- ½ cup (115 grams) sugar
- ¼ cup (25 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Topping - 2 cups (200 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) sugar, I use organic cane sugar
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup (115 grams) cold, unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk, cold
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
[Edit]Easy Peach Cobbler[3] Filling - 1 29-ounce (822-gram) can sliced peaches, drained (or 3½ cups/790 grams fresh, sliced peaches)
- 1 cup (225 grams) white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Batter - ½ cup (115 grams) butter, cubed
- 1 cup (100 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225 grams) white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) milk, room temperature
- 1 egg, room temperature
[Edit]Making a Traditional Peach Cobbler - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel, pit, and slice the peaches. Some people find it easier to cut the peaches into edges first, then peel the skins off using a knife. Once you have the peaches cut into wedges, you can slice them up thinner.
- Put the peaches into a large bowl, then stir in the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. You can use a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula to do this. Make sure that you are only using ¼ cup (55 grams) of white sugar and ¼ cup (50 grams) of brown sugar; you'll using the rest later. Toss everything together until the peaches are evenly coated with sugar and spices.[4]
- Transfer the peach mixture into a 2-quart (2-liter) baking dish, and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.[5] If you want, you can grease the inside of the baking dish with some butter or cooking spray first; this will prevent the cobbler from sticking.
- Combine the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Put the flour into a large mixing bowl, then add ¼ cup (55 grams) of white sugar and ¼ cup (50 grams) of brown sugar. Add the baking powder and salt, and stir to combine.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture until you get a coarse mixture. You can do this using a pastry blender, a food processor, two knives, or even your fingertips. You want the "grains" to be about the size of small peas.
- Pour in the water, and stir it with a whisk until it is just combined. Do not over-stir the batter. You just want it to be evenly soaked so that it holds together.
- Spoon the batter over the peaches. Using a pair of oven mitts, take the baking dish out of the oven, and set it down on a heat-safe surface. Drop the batter evenly across the peaches with a large spoon.[6]
- Make some cinnamon sugar to sprinkle on top. Stir together 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.[7]
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the cobbler. Use a small teaspoon to do this. This way, you'll have better control over how much cinnamon-sugar you are sprinkling.
- Bake the cobbler for about 30 minutes. It is ready when the top turns golden-brown. If it is still not done, bake it for another 15 minutes or so.
- Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. You can serve it as it is or you can add some cream or vanilla ice cream.
[Edit]Making a Stovetop Peach Cobbler - Wash, peel, and slice the peaches. Some people find it easier to cut the peaches into quarters before peeling them. Cut each peach into 10 slices.
- Put the sliced peaches into a large bowl, then stir in the sugar and salt. You can do this using a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula.
- Place the peach mixture into a skillet, and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can use any type of pan or skillet, but something that is made from cast-iron would be best. Be sure to stir the peaches from time to time so that they don't burn. While the peaches are cooking, you can start preparing the biscuit topping.
- Place the flour into a large bowl, then stir in the sugar and salt. Keep stirring until everything is evenly combined. For a more flavorful cobbler, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom.[8]
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture. If you have not already done so, cut the butter into small cubes first, then add it to the flour mixture. Use your fingers, a pastry blender, a food processor, or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture. Keep cutting the butter until the mixture becomes coarse, with pea-sized crumbs.[9]
- Stir in the buttermilk until the dough just holds together. Do not over-stir the dough. It will be wet, and there will be some clumps of flour.[10] If you over-mix the dough, it may not rise properly.
- Pat the dough into a disk, then use a glass or a 2½-inch (6.35-centimeter) biscuit cutter to cut out 8 to 12 biscuits. Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then turn the dough onto it. Use your hands to pat it into a flat disk, about ½-inch (1.27 centimeters) thick. Next, use a drinking glass or a 2½-inch (6.35-centimeter) biscuit cutter to cut out 8 to 12 biscuits.[11][12]
- Place the biscuits on top of the peaches. Try to arrange them as best as you can in your pan. If you cannot fit all of the biscuits, don't try to cram them. Instead, bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12 minutes, and serve them alongside the cobbler.[13]
- Cover the cobbler with a tight-fitting lid, and cook it over medium heat for about 20 minutes. The cobbler is ready when the biscuits have puffed up and cooked through.
- If you want a more crust-like topping, stick the cobbler under the broiler in your oven for a few minutes. Only do this if your skillet is oven-safe, however.[14]
- Let the cobbler cool for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. You can serve it as it is, or you can garnish it with some ice cream or whipped cream.
- Finished.
[Edit]Making an Easy Peach Cobbler - Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Melt the butter in a 9 by 13-inch (22.86 by 33.02-centimeter) baking dish.[15] You can do this by cutting the butter into small cubes, placing them into the baking dish, and then leaving the dish in the oven as it heats up. The heat of the oven will melt the butter while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Combine the peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.[16] If you cannot find any canned peaches, you can use 3½ cups (790 grams) of fresh, peeled and sliced peaches instead. Set the peaches aside when you are done.
- If you do end up using the canned peaches, make sure that you drain them well. Save the juice for another recipe, or discard it.
- Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Pour everything into a large mixing bowl, then stir briskly until evenly combined.
- Stir in the milk and the egg using a whisk. Keep stirring until the yolk breaks, and everything is evenly mixed together. There should be no streaks or swirls of milk, egg white, or egg yolk.
- Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter. Using some oven mitts, take the baking dish out of the oven, and set it down on a heat-safe surface. Pour the batter over it, but do not stir.
- Pour the peach mixture over the batter, and do not stir. Keep the bowl close to the baking dish, so that the peaches don't splatter when they drop. Once again, do not stir the cobbler.
- For extra texture, sprinkle 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of sugar over the top of the cobbler. The sugar will caramelize, and give the cobbler a nice, crispy texture.[17]
- Bake the cobbler for 35 to 45 minutes. The cobbler is ready when the batter rises and turns golden-brown at top.[18] If the cobbler still is not ready, continue to bake it for 10 more minutes.[19]
- Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm. It tastes great on its own, or alongside some cream or vanilla ice cream.[20]
- The simplest way to peel a peach is to glide a paring knife or vegetable peeler underneath the skin and gradually scrape the peel off.
- Serve the peach cobbler with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Experiment with the spices. Cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg are all great choices for peaches.
- Try adding some other types of fruit to the cobbler; blackberries go especially well with peaches.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge, and eat within 4 days. Keep in mind that the biscuit topping may get soggy.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Making a Traditional Peach Cobbler - 2-quart (2-liter) baking dish
- 2 large mixing bowls
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
- Pastry blender, two knives, or food processor (optional)
- Oven mitts or pot holders
[Edit]Making an Easy Peach Cobbler - 9 by 13-inch (22.86 by 33.02-centimeter) baking dish
- 2 large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
- Oven mitts or pot holders
[Edit]Making a Stovetop Peach Cobbler - Skillet, preferably cast-iron
- 2 large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
- Pastry blender, two knives, or food processor (optional)
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Prepare for Summer Posted: 24 May 2020 01:00 AM PDT Summer is a perfect time to go outside and soak up some sunshine. While it is great to take time for yourself to relax, you should also make time to go on adventures with your friends and family. Before summer arrives, it is important to plan out what you want to do, and what you hope to accomplish. Maybe you want to tackle a summer reading list and attend a concert, or maybe you want to enroll in an art class or pick up a summer job. With just a little preparation, you can set yourself up for a fun and productive summer. [Edit]Updating Your Beauty Routine - Unpack your summer clothing. Bring brightly colored prints and lightweight fabrics to the forefront of your wardrobe. Try on your summer clothes to see what still fits you, and take stock of any key items you might need to replace. If your summer clothing has gone untouched since last summer, make sure to wash anything that smells musty before wearing it out.[1]
- While you are rotating your summer clothing, see what you are willing to part with and donate it to a local thrift store. You may even find some summer clothing at the thrift store to bulk up your wardrobe.[2]
- Purchase a new swimsuit. To get yourself into the summer spirit purchase a new swimsuit that best represents your personality. You don't have to buy a two piece or even what is trending at the moment. Find a swimsuit that you will be comfortable in and will confidently wear out in public.[3]
- If you don't own or can't find your sunglasses, make sure to purchase a new pair of those as well. Look for sunglasses that offer UV protection, or even visit your local ophthalmologist to get prescription sunglasses.
- Pick up a new bottle of sunscreen that is best suited for your skin. There are so many different types of sunscreen, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. Try and look for a sunscreen that has at least an SPF 30 protection. If you have fair skin, you may need a stronger SPF level or a sunscreen that has zinc in it to properly protect your skin.[4]
- Sunscreens can be greasy and clog your pores. If you have acne or sensitive skin, look for sunscreens that are manufactured by your favorite soap companies like Neutrogena or ones that are oil-free.
- Some sunscreens even double as bronzers. If you want to protect your skin, and give it a golden glow, look for sunscreens with bronzer or tanning agents in them.
- Minimize your makeup routine to unclog your pores. When you sweat, your makeup can easily crease, flake off, and even clog your pores. Wearing less makeup will allow your pores to open and naturally produce sweat to keep your body cool.[5]
- If you want to wear makeup, opt for items that are waterproof. Even though it is a little more expensive and harder to take off, wearing waterproof makeup will prevent your mascara or liquid liner from running down your face when you sweat or take a dip in the pool.
- Soak up some sun poolside or in your backyard. Cold winters and rainy springs can seriously deprive you of vitamin D, so grab a towel or a chair and enjoy the sunshine. Just make sure to lather on sunscreen to keep your skin from burning or being damaged. Getting time in the sun can be fun and refreshing, but only if you do not get burned in the process.[6]
- Wear an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect your skin, and re-apply it every 2 to 3 hours.[7]
- If you have particularly sensitive skin, consider sitting under an umbrella or wearing a large, floppy hat to protect your head and face. You can still feel the positive effects of basking outside even if you are not direct in the sunlight.
[Edit]Making Time for Self-Improvement - Write out a personal summer reading list. Summer is a great time for you to unwind, relax, and read a good book. It is an easy activity to bring with you to the beach, to a coffee shop, or even to the park. Grab a pen and a piece of paper, and jot down some book titles that you have been wanting to read, but haven't had the chance to.[8]
- Once you have made that list, visit your local bookstore or go online and purchase your top literature choices. If you have access to a public library, go and check out books from there. This will allow you to catch up on your favorite book series, and save you some cash.
- Enroll in summer courses that are both fun and informative. Instead of lounging in the sun the whole summer, challenge yourself by enrolling in summer courses. These can be strictly education related courses that will get you ahead or catch you up in your schooling, or the courses can be on something fun that you have always wanted to learn.[9]
- Go online or ask an authority figure at your school to see what summer classes are offered. You can retake that history class you did not do so great in, or you can get ahead and enroll in an advanced math class. Some of the classes may even be offered in the evenings, or online.
- Check with your local community center, or newspaper to see what seasonal courses are available. Maybe you want to learn how to play the guitar, brush up on your swimming skills, or even take an art class and learn how to paint beautiful landscapes.[10]
- Apply for a summer job so you have extra spending cash. Having a summer job is an easy way to earn a little cash over the summer, and build up your resume. If you are planning to go on vacation or attend a lot of ticketed events, you may just need the extra summer cash.[11]
- A lot of businesses and companies hire part-time workers during the summer to offset the influx of summertime customers. This is especially true if you live near a popular vacation spot like the shore. Check the classifieds section of your local newspaper, and see what businesses are hiring.
- If you have a friend who is also looking for a summer job, see if you can find a place that is hiring for multiple positions. Working with a friend will help pass the hours, and give you both something to look forward to when heading to work.[12]
- Join a local gym or pick up a physical activity. Summer is a great time to start being more active, and develop a healthier lifestyle. You can join a local gym, or you can pick up a seasonal sport like badminton or volleyball. If gyms and seasonal sports don't seem appealing to you, take a walk or a bike ride through a local park. Do something that will get you moving, and something that you will enjoy.[13]
- Grab a friend or a family member to join you. Developing a healthier lifestyle does not have to be a solo act. You can just as easily go on a walk with a friend as you can alone. Having someone workout with you will also hold you more accountable until you develop the habit.[14]
- Cook some healthy summertime recipes. Instead of just opting for instant meals or junk food, print out some healthy recipes to cook this summer. Find recipes that you think will complement the activities you plan to do throughout the summer.[15]
- Recipes that involve a lot of fruits or vegetables will seem cool and refreshing in contrast the warm weather. Sweet and spicy barbeques will go great with large family gatherings.
- To find some summertime recipes, visit your local library to check out some cookbooks, or go online to popular websites like The Food Network.[16]
[Edit]Planning for Summertime Activities and Events - Search in advance for movies, concerts, or other events. Music festivals and major blockbusters thrive during the summer months. These can be easy and inexpensive experiences to have with family and friends. You can attend a fireworks display, or go and see a concert in the park. Look up the events ahead of time, so you do not miss out.[17]
- A lot of local parks will host early morning or evening music concerts for free. You can mostly likely find a calendar of events with your local community center or through your local newspaper.[18]
- Go on websites like Fandango or Movie Tickets to see what movies are coming out this summer. You may even be able to pre-order tickets to venues you think will sell out quickly.
- Schedule a day-trip to somewhere close by. If you are operating on a tight budget this summer, but still want to get away, plan a day-trip with a couple of friends or family members. Day-trips are great if you want to explore neighboring towns or your entire state, and you really only need a reliable car and a full tank of gas to do this.[19]
- If your friends go with you, have everyone chip in for gas money. This will cut down on traveling costs for you, or for whoever else is driving.
- Budget and schedule a vacation to somewhere special. Sometimes the summer months are not enough of a vacation. Sometimes you need to physically go somewhere and experience something new. Start budgeting and planning your special summer getaway a few months in advance.
- Planning your vacation early will not only save you money on transportation costs and lodging costs, but it might also guarantee that you get to participate in certain activities that need to be booked ahead of time.[20]
- Spend some quality time with your family and friends. Summer is a good time to catch up and make new memories with family and friends. Don't be quick to plan a summer centered on yourself. Spending time with the people you love can enhance an experience.[21]
- Instead of routinely going to the cafe or to the park to read a book, invite a close friend for coffee, or gather some family members in the park for a picnic. These will be memories you can look back on fondly as the summer ends.
- Pencil in some lazy days for yourself. While it is good to make plans ahead of time, do not overbook your summer. Schedule in some personal lazy days for you to stay home, binge-watch television, play video games, or whatever it is that you want to do. The summer can go by extremely fast once you develop a routine, so make sure to take some time to relax as well.[22]
- Your lazy days don't have to just be for yourself if you don't want them to be. Maybe you want to chill at home with some friends and have a movie night, or maybe you want to take your dog to the park to play. Just do something that will give you the needed time to relax.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
No comments:
Post a Comment