The stock market stumbles, tariffs create uncertainty for US economy — here's what you should do ahead of a recession

When a recession looms, every dollar matters. Prices are rising, markets are wavering and what used to feel like a routine trip to the store now comes with sticker shock.

The S&P 500 has dropped by 10%, erasing trillions in market value, making once-reliable investments feel anything but secure. As inflation chips away at household budgets, smart financial moves become more crucial than ever — including knowing what to stock up on before prices climb even higher.

From pantry staples to pet essentials, here are 10 key things to prioritize during uncertain economic times.

As grocery prices climb to heights no one swiped their Amex for before, stocking up on nonperishable food items is essential. For example, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Producer Price Index for canned dry beans rose from 173.200 in February 2020 to 225.050 in February 2025, reflecting a significant increase over five years.

By stocking up on pantry essentials like canned goods, rice and pasta before a recession hits, you can protect your pantry and your wallet from these escalating costs. Unlike perishable items, these staples boast long shelf lives — allowing you to buy in bulk and sidestep frequent, potentially pricey trips to the store.​

Fresh produce was never supposed to be a luxury item, yet with rising prices, debating whether a bag of spinach is really worth it has become a reality. Between 2020 and 2024, U.S. food prices surged by 23.6%, according to the USDA Economic Research Service — making even a simple bag of greens an increasingly costly purchase.

Growing your own vegetables offers a way to sidestep the rising price tags, while ensuring a steady supply of nutrient-dense food. Unlike a pantry with canned goods, a well-tended plot of produce is the gift that keeps on giving, offering both financial relief and a steady supply of fresh, healthful ingredients.

As the stock market stumbles and recession fears surround the U.S. economy, investors aren’t embracing the age-old adage of buying low. Instead, they’re looking for safer ground and something more tangible.

Jim Rogers, chairman of Beeland Interests and co-founder of the Quantum Fund, is one of them. But rather than eyeing undervalued stocks, he’s turning to a different kind of asset: silver. In a recent interview with MarketWatch, Rogers revealed that he favors silver over gold as a hedge against economic uncertainty.

Pet parents aren’t just splurging on treats — they’re spending billions to keep their furry companions fed. In 2023 alone, U.S. households spent $45.5 billion on pet food, marking a 17.6% increase from the previous year.

With premium ingredients in high demand and supply chain hiccups making certain brands harder to find, stocking up isn’t just for doomsdayers — it’s for anyone who doesn’t want to risk a last-minute grocery aisle scramble for the last bag of organic, grain-free, wild-caught salmon kibble. Add rising fuel prices into the mix, and that 20-pound bag of dog food might start carrying a price tag worthy of a Michelin-starred meal.

Read more: Gold just hit a historic high of $3,000/ounce on Trump’s tariff moves — while US stocks got slaughtered. Here’s 1 simple way to prevent more pain within minutes

Maintaining personal hygiene is nonnegotiable, but the costs associated with it can fluctuate dramatically during economic uncertainty. A new shopping phenomenon, called upflation, is on the rise whereby brands justify steeper prices by marketing everyday essentials as premium, multiuse products.

For example, as reported by the New York Post, Procter & Gamble, the parent company behind brands like Secret, Old Spice and Dove, has also introduced total body deodorant priced at $14 per stick — around double the price of regular underarm deodorant. Not only is upflation causing a rise in price, but supply chain disruptions and higher production costs have also made basic personal care items more expensive. Stocking up on things like soap, toothpaste, deodorant and razors, before costs rise even further, can help save you some cash in the long run.

During the pandemic, toilet paper went from a household staple to a hot commodity, with shortages driving prices to absurd heights. Fast forward to today, inflation is keeping costs elevated.

Between 2020 and 2024, the price of toilet paper increased by more than 20% on average, with some brands doubling in price. At its peak, a 36-roll pack, that had retailed for $30.95, soared to $109.99.

Gas prices are anything but predictable, especially during economic downturns. While demand often drops in a recession (as seen in 2008, when gas prices plunged 60% to $1.62 per gallon), supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions can send prices up just as quickly.

Stocking up on fuel when prices are low, investing in rechargeable batteries or looking into alternative energy sources like solar-powered generators can help you stay ahead of potential cost spikes.

Health care and consumer staples stocks have long been the anchors of a recession-proof portfolio. Unlike flashy tech startups that rise and fall with market sentiment, these companies deal in life’s nonnegotiables — prescription medications, medical care, groceries and household essentials. No matter how turbulent the economy gets, people still need to restock the basics, which is why, when the markets get shaky, health care and consumer staples stand firm.

During a recession, steady cash flow is important, and dividend-yielding stocks provide just that. These companies share a portion of their profits with investors, offering reliable income even in market downturns.

Companies that have a track record of paying and increasing dividends could be a financially stable investment, and a smart way to hedge your portfolio against economic uncertainty. While high-growth stocks may falter, dividend stocks keep money flowing, providing both stability and long-term value.

No matter the state of the economy, keeping a clean home is nonnegotiable, making cleaning supplies a must-have. The pandemic proved just how quickly these essentials can disappear — and get expensive.

In the early months of the COVID-19 crisis, sales of aerosol disinfectants skyrocketed by nearly 400%, leading to shortages and price hikes. While a recession doesn’t mean another pandemic is on the horizon, having a stocked supply of cleaning essentials ensures you’re prepared for anything.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.