Are we looking at a double-dip recession scenario?

Financial markets around the world have been crashing and bon market vigilantes have been stalking sovereign governments, forcing them into cutting back on public spending. Whenever public spending is cut, the economy slows down a little. This doesn't matter much during boom times, it just slows things down and prevents the economy from going white-hot. During period of weak growth, cuts can make things worse, and send you back into recession.

That might be the scenario we are seeing now. How can you protect yourself? Well the only thing we can do is build up emergency savings and pay down debt. That way if the worst occurs, you won't be so badly placed.

It seems I'm not the only one thinking this way. Here are the top most popular articles on this blog this month:

1. How to Survive without any money

2. Losing your job and being made redundant

3. What to do if you can't pay your credit card debt

4. How to survive and prosper in a recession

5. How to increase fuel efficiency when you drive

As you can see, my readers are preoccupied with recession. Number 5 makes a comeback after having slipped in the last six months. I guess increased oil prices are once again putting pressure on family budgets.

Let's hope the worst doesn't happen, but in the meanwhile people should take precautions to protect themselves.