If you haven't heard about the recession of 2009, then you must have been going round with your eyes and ears shut, as it has been the main news story of the year.
Many people are in the dark with how to cope with this financial crisis which is affecting people across the world.
If that sounds like you, then please read on.
If you watch the TV news, then you're bound to see stories of businesses shutting up shop as they can't cope with the recession.
Closing up seems to be the last resort for businesses which are in difficulty.
If a business can't afford to pay their employees and their bills, then the only option open to them is to close.
It came as a great surprise to many people that the recession would take such a hold on the economy, but it has, and it doesn't look to be finishing in the near future.
The economy is so badly hit by recession that many people have no idea where to get help to turn their own finances around.
The effects of the recession are going to be around for a while longer yet.
The government may be telling you that the we will see the end of the recession soon, but it doesn't look likely.
If you're careful with your money and what you spend it on, then you can get through this recession more easily than people who haven't thought about it, and how it will affect them.
Because of many business closures, it is easier to become unemployed than it it has been for many years.
Protect yourself from financial problems in the future by being sensible with your money now.