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Use these 3 money tips heading into 2024, economist says

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Economic Outlook: Will 2024 Be Better?

Heading into 2024, consumers should “economize” their budgets, pay down debt and save money, if possible, to boost their personal finances, Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board, said Thursday at CNBC’s Your Money event.

This “three-point action plan” is important for households since there’s “a high risk of recession” in 2024, probably in the first half of the year, Peterson said.

However, that recession likely wouldn’t last long: It would end in the second half of the year, she estimated.

1. Budgeting

Consumers can “economize” by looking at their weekly budgets and trimming expenses where possible, Peterson said.

That might include buying store-branded rather than brand-name items at the grocery store or at clothing retailers, or shifting to different types of entertainment, like streaming movies at home instead of going out to the movie theater, for example, she added.

More from Your Money:

Here’s a look at more stories on how to manage, grow and protect your money for the years ahead.

2. Pay down debt

Consumer's credit scores have held up despite putting on more debt

For example, average credit card rates — known as annual percentage rate, or APR — are at all-time highs, over 20%.

Put any extra money toward paying down debt, Peterson said. Financial experts generally recommend prioritizing the highest-interest debt first, and paying bills on time and in full each month, if possible.

3. Save if you can

Then, consumers might consider building an emergency fund, health savings account (if they have access at work) or individual retirement account, for example. (However, those with high-interest loans should generally prioritize paying down that debt after saving enough for their 401(k) match, experts say.)

One benefit of high interest rates: Savers are getting higher rates on cash than they’ve seen in decades.  

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