Insurance

Protecting Canadians During Economic Downturns or Crises

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July 28, 2024

Canadian economies like many others experience their share of ups and downs, from economic fluctuations to unexpected crises that require preparedness when things seem stable now. Being financially prepared in advance can make all the difference during difficult periods like these.

Here are key measures by Summit Commercial Solutions for Protecting Canadians during economic downturns or crises! By prioritizing financial preparedness, Canadians can weather storms more successfully and emerge stronger afterward. 

Establish a Financial Safety Net

Your first line of defense against financial hardship should be an extensive financial safety net, including:

Emergency Fund

An emergency fund offers protection against life’s exigencies like needing to fix a car or pay for an urgent medical bill; it is advisable to have enough money for half a year’s expenses in an emergency fund. SummitCover can assist in creating your budget with our budgeting tools to identify areas for cuts; even minor tweaks can add up quickly!

Debt Management

Debt can severely impair financial security during times of economic downturn, so prioritize paying down high-interest debt using strategies such as consolidation or the snowball method. Remember, managing debt now will free up resources later!

Government Assistance During Economic Hardship 

To assist Canadian citizens during times of economic difficulty, various programs and resources available through government may help in providing resources such as:

  • Employment Insurance: It offers cash loans to jobless individuals who qualify for it but for a limited period.
  • Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit: This new program offers income support to workers who lost their jobs due to lockouts arranged by the government.
  • Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement: Both of them give minimum living expenses support for seniors/elderly people of low income.

Learning available resources can be invaluable during difficult times. Check the government website to gather more details regarding specific programs.

Protecting Your Employability

Economic downturns can increase job security concerns; here is how you can strengthen your employability:

  • Continuous Learning: Expand your capabilities through online courses or workshops and become even more valuable to employers by investing in your skillset. Browse free or subsidized government training programs!
  • Networking: Foster strong professional relationships by attending industry events or connecting online. A powerful network can open doors to new opportunities.
  • Browse Other Income Sources: Research other potential income streams like freelance jobs, side gigs, or passive incomes since they may offer stability and freedom.

Making Smart Financial Decisions

Economic downturns can often force us into emotional decision-making processes; here is how you can remain objective:

  • Decision-Making informed: Before making significant financial decisions, conduct extensive research. You could consult a financial advisor or use educational resources available through SummitCover.
  • Seek Professional Advice: While not always feasible, when possible it can be beneficial to seek professional financial advice from an advisor qualified enough to create a tailored strategy to address economic obstacles.

Final Thoughts

Economic downturns may be unpredictable, but with proactive preparation for protecting Canadians during economic downturns or crises, you can weather them successfully. By building up a financial safety net, browsing government support opportunities, increasing employability skills, and making informed financial decisions you can protect both yourself and those close to you from economic difficulties. Remember: proactivity is the key - so take charge now so you emerge stronger on the other side!

Visit SummitCover for additional resources and support; our range of tools and information will assist in helping you reach financial security. Summit Commercial Solutions is Canada's go-to provider for affordable small business insurance including commercial liability coverage as well as professional liability Fund!

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