Recession 101: What Are the Signs?

March 10, 2008 — -- Though the country is not yet officially in a recession, some economists argue the signs are pointing to one.

A dismal job report released Friday added to recession fears. With all the chatter about whether there is or isn't a recession, it can be difficult to determine your next move.

"Good Morning America" financial contributor Mellody Hobson explains what a recession is and what you should do to protect yourself.

We typically don't know we are in a recession until it's over, but all the important indicators point to a recession. The new, dismal jobs report we're hearing so much about, the pullback in consumer spending are signs. Despite all of that, we still can't say with absolute certainty that we are in a recession and that's because the definition of a recession is two quarters of shrinking growth. So, it takes a little while for the experts to look at the numbers and see if economic growth has been shrinking for a full six months. That said, we do know with certainty that the economy is in a serious downturn.

The simple answer is to spend less money. If you have more saved, then you have more money in case you lose your job, or get hit with another financial emergency. But the irony is that a drop in consumer spending will actually keep us from getting out a recession sooner.

The consumer puts us in a recession and gets us out of one, based on how much they spend. And in a typical recession, consumers tap into the equity in their homes to keep spending freely, but the current subprime mess and that sharp downturn in real estate prices have left consumers with very little cushion. The bottom line is people are going to naturally reign in their spending until they start to feel better about the economy.

It's also important to point out that the Federal Reserve is doing its part to help improve the economy. It has cut interest rates five times since September.