Recession proof your life

Rising prices and shrinking dollars...here's how to recession-proof your life.

1) Tighten your belt

Cut down or reduce spending that isn’t essential. Pay down credit card debt – which can add hundreds to your annual household budget.

2) Protect your job

The economy has shed 438,000 jobs since the beginning of the year. To make sure yours is not one of the next ones to go, make sure your boss knows your value to the organization. Raise your profile with trade groups or professional organizations.

3) Tweak your retirement

Inflation doesn’t just make it tough to meet your household budget, it also hurts your investments. Consider adding TIPS, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities as a hedge against inflation. Your principle is adjusted upward every six months to keep pace with rising prices.

For more of Gerri's Top Tips, watch CNN every day at 10:20 am Eastern Time.