{"id":21451,"date":"2022-08-13T12:37:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-13T19:37:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=21451"},"modified":"2024-01-25T22:18:25","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T06:18:25","slug":"what-is-the-us-economic-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/what-is-the-us-economic-system\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the US Economic System &#8211; How to Learn From the Past and Invest In Your Future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the past two centuries, the US economy underwent vast fluctuations, depressions, and recessions. Between bank bailouts and stimulus payments, the government has tried to ease the blow to citizens and businesses at times.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s estimated that the US sees a recession every 6-10 years. Additionally, our national deficit is around $2.2 trillion and the last major decrease it saw was when President Bill Clinton was in office.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good times are easy to manage, but how can we protect ourselves in an economic downturn? Understanding our current system and economic history in the US is a good start and we\u2019ll dive into that in this article. You\u2019ll also discover how to safeguard your finances and make smart investments before and during periods of economic stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Different Types of Economic Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The world operates on two main economic systems, capitalism and socialism. Still, a few countries use hybrid versions of both. Here\u2019s a quick breakdown of how each type of main economic system, and a few hybrid versions, are run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Capitalist Economies<\/strong>: Private entities in addition to state entities, can own assets that allow them to profit and amass individual wealth on a large scale. These assets include land, machinery, buildings, businesses, technology, and anything else used to produce and sell goods and services. Capitalism is associated with the individual pursuit of profit and the benefit of a large competitive market. Generally, the government doesn\u2019t intervene in competition between entities as capitalism promotes a free market. A free market allows buyers and sellers to determine the cost of goods and services. The US and UK have capitalist economic systems.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Socialist Economies<\/strong>: In this economic system the government controls most goods and their production. As a general rule, the goal is for everyone to work and benefit equally. All goods and services produced in a socialist economic system are considered social products. The Government controls property, production, and distribution to keep track of production and ensure that all people in the country receive a fair share of the profits. Armenia and Portugal have socialist economies.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Centralized Socialist Economies<\/strong>: In centralized socialism, the government controls and is the epicenter of the entire economy. Government officials determine what to produce, how much to produce, and how much to sell it for. China and North Korea have centralized socialist economies.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Mixed Economies<\/strong>: A mixed economy uses one or more aspects of both capitalism and socialism to create a more free market while still allowing government intervention on a larger scale. Resource distribution, commerce, and trade have some degree of regular government intervention but supply and demand still determine prices. Businesses can still be considered private property and sellers can take self-interests into account. Denmark is a mixed economy.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/3p691tge-VkouvXRw5hJQYYEoCqzWPw3JUH7c7XHn_UUT4sJPqMWMrqkDJDNnzBq_Vw7aUj-7taybYWG_NYanxdgoHTDtOtuGP3t1m4ddcWdYl8tnPVVZRWSDWXpeYRkyNxqxPHTQu1kBhyZc6BkFJ4\" width=\"542\" height=\"382\"><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Critical Economic Events in the US<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The economic system in the US has been capitalist since the mid-17th century. Some argue that, due to minimal government involvement, it\u2019s a mixed economy. Since it\u2019s predominantly capitalist according to most economists, we\u2019ll say it is to cut out all the gray areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless, the US economic history timeline has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Let\u2019s take a brief look at some major financial and economic events that defined the last two centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>200 Years of History: A Brief US Economic Timeline<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>May 17, 1792 \u2014 Buttonwood Agreement Signed<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">24 New York City stockbrokers and merchants sign the Buttonwood Agreement on 68 Wall Street in New York to create what is now known as the New York Stock Exchange.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>The Panic of 1797<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The US Treasury and First Bank of the US increase the money supply, leading to an economic boom that turned into a series of downturns in credit markets and an eventual bust with far-reaching consequences.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>December 13, 1816 \u2014 The First Savings Bank is Opened<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Provident Institution for Savings opens in Boston Massachusetts.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1850 \u2014 American Express Founded<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Henry Wells, William G. Fargo, and John Butterfield merge their companies to form American Express.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1863 \u2014 Gold Certificates Authorized<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The US Government Authorizes the use of gold certificates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>The Recession of 1873<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The national railway system is created but the stock market in Europe crashes causing a major drop in railroad investment, and the largest US bank crashes. This recession continued until 1879.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1893 \u2014 Reading Railroad Collapses<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Reading Railroad, one of the country\u2019s largest employers, fails and stocks plummet leading to the collapse of several other railroads. Citizens start hoarding money, and the stock market crashes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1908 \u2014 National Association of Realtors Established<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Association of Realtors is established in Chicago to expand real estate opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1913 \u2014 The Federal Reserve is Born<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The central banking system for the US is created.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1929 \u2014 The Great Depression Begins<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caused by the crash of the stock market and a steep drop in consumer spending and investment, the longest and most severe downturn for the US economy begins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>February 1, 1935 \u2014 Savings Bond Created<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Franklin D. Roosevelt allowed the US Department of Treasury to issue a new type of security known as the \u2018savings bond\u2019 to encourage saving among US citizens during the Great Depression. In March of the same year, the first bond sells for $25.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1941 \u2014 The Great Depression Ends<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">US factories began to produce much-needed supplies for WWII, creating jobs and leading to an economic boom. Women enter factories to work and men fight overseas, leading to multi-income households. After more than a decade the Great Depression ends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>July 1944 \u2014 Bretton Woods Agreement Signed\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Delegates of 44 Nations come together to establish an international monetary system, eventually establishing the World Bank Group. The USD becomes the world\u2019s reserve currency.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1946 \u2014 \u201cCharge-It\u201d Card\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brooklyn banker John Biggins invents the first credit card.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1950 \u2014 Diners Club Card<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first multipurpose charge card \u201cDiners Club\u201d is created by accident when Frank McNamara, a well-known businessman, forgets his wallet while dining and pays using a small cardboard card.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1958 \u2014 American Express Charge Card<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">American Express creates the first Amex card, allowing consumers to charge immediately and pay monthly for an annual fee.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1961 \u2014 Certificate of Deposit Introduced<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First National City Bank (now Citibank) in New York, introduces Negotiable certificates of deposit (CDs).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1966 \u2014 First Computerized Trade Occurs<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) switches over to a computer-automated trading system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1971 \u2014 The Collapse of the Gold Standard<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Richard Nixon decided the US would no longer allow foreign banks to turn in USD for gold to address a growing inflation problem in the US.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1973 \u2014 The Collapse of the Bretton Woods System<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The gold standard system that turned the USD into international currency collapses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1980s \u2014 Technological Boom<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Investing in technology, especially computer technology, becomes popular with the advancement of companies like Apple and Microsoft.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1990 \u2014 Corporate Investments<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food, finance, and other companies provide unique investment opportunities, leading to a rise in investments in Coca-Cola, Procter &amp; Gamble, and Phillip Morris.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>1990-1991 \u2014 Real Estate Crash &amp; Recession<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The war in Iraq causes oil prices to soar and the economy slows down, creating a 7% pricing drop for homes. This downward trend continued until 1997.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>2001-2002 \u2014 Dot-com Crash<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over-enthusiastic tech investments skyrocket and create inflation in the stock market. As the bubble bursts, the Nasdaq loses 75% of its value. Later Enron is embroiled in a massive scandal which leads to a further crash in the stock market.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>2008 \u2014 Great Financial Crisis<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Largest crisis since the Great Depression. It hit on a global scale, affecting more than the US economy. Low housing prices and finance options led to individuals buying homes they couldn\u2019t afford. To keep up with the market, lenders of various types sold mortgages on secondary markets so they could continue to finance homebuyers. Those mortgages were repackaged and sold to investors as mortgage-backed securities that weren\u2019t worth the paper they were printed on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>2009 \u2014 Cryptocurrency Makes the Scene<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Partly in response to the Great Financial Crisis, Bitcoin became the first cryptocurrency to offer investment opportunities and a pathway to decentralized finance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>2020 \u2014 Covid Recession<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A global recession begins in February of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses big and small close their doors, workers lose jobs, spending decreases due to the financial crisis, and the world economy takes a hit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>2021 \u2014 Redditors Upset the Market<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GameStop stock skyrockets thanks to Redditors upsetting Wall Street investors who borrowed the stocks with the idea to short-sell them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/6cPWDUgm8okVQ3D_9QxSgMeShYZWd-MLuzZH49ZLH4gXyE_i-F87gqLzqDCraVgzWPHAKfLpA_jHiCb5kSwdGV8Rs3UdNmPNi0x3qoLjDDP2j-a29kL3fOFneCZiA1xJ0Lia1gGWFwEODJdJreXJ7TI\" width=\"604\" height=\"405\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Investing in Your Future<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to saving and creating a budget, a huge part of financial planning is deciding when and if you plan on investing in assets. Investing your money can potentially increase your financial health. Savings accounts gain some interest but essentially the money sits there waiting, growing at a predetermined rate. It\u2019s an excellent way to start securing your financial future but there\u2019s more you can do.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you invest your money it goes to work for you. Investing creates the potential for long-term returns, reinvestment funds, and additional savings deposits. It may even help you beat inflation if you choose assets that exhibit capital growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stable Versus Volatile Investments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stable investments are considered safe to invest in at any time, as they generally don\u2019t undergo much change in the market. Volatile investments fluctuate but that doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t invest, it simply means there\u2019s a risk of a sudden change in value.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a first-time investor you may want to consider stable investments over volatile ones, but it depends on factors like your age and risk tolerance. Also, look for deep value or value stocks \u2014 these stocks and companies have good prospects and sound fundamentals. You can find a list of stable versus volatile investments in the table below, as well as a few options that can be considered if the right conditions exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" id=\"list\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/MQfwkDJ1MkQItW9W1Q2H9s_k5oZd5Rgx1cpzsdCmiqR04crt48WgnSzVOUs-HPTjshrO9dL3iEyN5MojMpiJPa2OmZPE7Kc-XSe3NpqwkhJtQUT0QujUhLdBgvY2JO4nnZGJjyNZ8mBT7uOnoBZyYfc\" alt=\"\"><figcaption>Established business people and entrepreneurs\u00a0with investment know-how can find success in the US. (Side note: Does this even need a caption? Also, this is a massively long one, open to suggestions).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For financial advice at any investor level, take a look at some of the podcast recommendations in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/financial-awareness-day-2022\/\">Understanding and Celebrating Financial Awareness Day<\/a>. There\u2019s something for people of all financial literacy levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Protect Yourself in a Financial Downturn<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fluctuations in your finances and the economy are bound to happen, history has taught us that much. Fortunately, you can prepare yourself before and protect yourself during times of financial crisis using the following tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\">\u2705 <strong>Stick to Your Budget<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A financial crisis isn\u2019t the time to be buying big ticket items or ignoring your budget. If anything you should tighten your budget, cutting out any purchases that aren\u2019t necessary. When wrestling with a big purchase decision, don\u2019t make rash choices. Give yourself time to talk it over with a trusted friend or financial advisor. That way you can make an informed decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\">\u2705 <strong>Mind Your Credit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try to avoid taking out high-interest credit lines with large limits, especially if you\u2019re just starting to try and build your credit. Try to look for credit or store cards (e.g Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart) with $300-$500 limits \u2014 low limit options are a good place to start. Always check interest rates, late fees, and annual fees before committing to a line of credit. As your financial situation and credit score improve, you can increase your spending limit if necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most banks and even some mobile phone providers report to credit agencies, so be mindful of paying these bills on time as they could impact your overall score. It\u2019s also important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online?conversionpoint=us_economic_system\"><strong>protect yourself against identity fraud in the digital age<\/strong><\/a>, where most accounts are accessed via the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online?conversionpoint=us_economic_system\/\"><button class=\"bg-btn-1\"> Try Private Internet Access <\/button><\/a><p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\">\u2705 <strong>Get a Second Source of Income<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for a temp position or pick up a second job if you have the time. An extra 10-30 hours every two weeks won\u2019t put too much of a cramp in your lifestyle and provides additional funds to spend, save, or invest. You can also inquire about picking up additional shifts or hours where you already work, instead of looking to an outside source. The worst they can do is tell you there\u2019s nothing available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\">\u2705 <strong>Start an Emergency Fund<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Determine your monthly expenses, then try to keep at least that much in an emergency fund or savings account. I can tell you from experience, it\u2019s harder than it sounds. Still, any amount that you can squirrel away each month is better than having no backup at all. Besides, by saving little by little you\u2019ll reach your desired emergency fund amount eventually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-left: 30px;\">\u2705 <strong>Investment Diversity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diversifying your investments is the financial equivalent of not putting all of your \u2018eggs\u2019 in one basket. Don\u2019t focus on a singular asset, try spreading your investments across several areas you\u2019re interested in. This helps hedge against a complete investment meltdown if one of your assets tanks in the market.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Secure Your Finances in Any Economy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The US economy frequently undergoes downturns as the nation continues to grow, but this is not characteristic of the US alone. Long periods of growth followed by slowdowns (or even contractions) seem to be a trait of all capitalist economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is there an economic system that would be better for the US than the current one? Possibly. However, until we implement it, free market capitalism that slightly favors those with a lot of capital is what we\u2019ve got.<br><br>While you may not be able to do much to change macroeconomics right now, you can take concrete steps to protect yourself in any market \u2014 all you need is a bit of preemptive planning. Budget accordingly, invest carefully (and only whatever money you can afford to lose), and don\u2019t be afraid of a little hard work. Last, but certainly not least, please do not make investment decisions solely based on what you hear in the media.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online?conversionpoint=us_economic_system\/\"><button class=\"bg-btn-1\"> Get Private Internet Access <\/button><\/a><p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the economic system in the United States?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Capitalism is the current economic system in the US, though the past few years have seen an increased interest in socialism. Most of this interest was increased by a large showing of millennial support for Senator Bernie Sanders during his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. Senator Sanders is the longest-serving Independent party member in congressional history. Some of his views, especially concerning healthcare and education, are considered socialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is capitalism the best economic system?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no way to answer that honestly. Both primary economic systems have pros and cons. Socialism arguably hands over too much control to the government, while capitalism allows a minority of the population to control the bulk of a nation\u2019s wealth. The wrong mix of both can also lead to issues, as seen in some communist countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How many recessions has the US been through?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the US has seen 19 major recessions in the 20th Century. Earlier recessions were not as well recorded, though there were 4 of note between 1797-1893, including the Reading Railroad collapse. Some statistics put the US at an average of one recession every 6-10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are there any safe investments during a financial recession?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CDs and high-value stocks are some of the safest options during a downturn. A good financial advisor can find ways for you to invest in US stocks safely during a financial recession or economic crisis. Our <a href=\"#list\">list of stable and volatile investments<\/a> above also offers ideas for safe investments during any economic period.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding our current system and economic history in the US is a good place to start when you\u2019re building financial literacy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":21454,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[845],"tags":[2649,2647,2644,2331,2648,2643],"class_list":["post-21451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-enonomy","tag-finance","tag-future","tag-investment","tag-market","tag-system"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is the US Economic System: A (Brief) History<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understanding our current system and economic history in the US is a good place to start when you\u2019re building financial literacy.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/what-is-the-us-economic-system\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is the US Economic System - How to Learn From the Past and Invest In Your Future\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understanding our current system and economic history in the US is a good place to start when you\u2019re building financial literacy.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/what-is-the-us-economic-system\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"PIA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-08-13T19:37:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-01-26T06:18:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/economic-history-US-PIA.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1035\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kristin Hassel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@buyvpnservice\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@buyvpnservice\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kristin Hassel\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/what-is-the-us-economic-system\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/what-is-the-us-economic-system\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Kristin Hassel\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/286e5fb351ecd2ce551e5fb44b547dee\"},\"headline\":\"What Is the US Economic System &#8211; 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