Recession Shopping Guide: What Actually Gets Cheaper vs. What Stays Expensive

So recession is coming—great. Here’s the real tea on what you should be eyeing for deals.

What’s actually gonna drop: When people have less cash, they kill demand for luxury stuff—travel, entertainment, dining out. Prices tumble. Homes too: San Francisco down 8.2% from 2022 peaks, Seattle down 7.8%. Some markets could see 20% drops. Housing is literally the biggest bargain play in a recession.

What won’t budge (sadly): Food, utilities, gas—the essentials. Even when money’s tight, people still gotta eat and drive. Gas tanked 60% during 2008 to $1.62/gallon, but don’t bet on it this time. Ukraine situation + global supply issues = prices stay inflated.

Plot twist on cars: Usually car prices crater in recessions. Not now. Supply chain chaos created shortage instead of surplus, so dealers have leverage. Expect car prices to stay stubbornly high through 2023. No negotiating room.

The play: Recessions = buying opportunity, especially real estate and big purchases. Start moving assets into cash now so you’re ready when prices actually drop. Just do your homework on what’s happening in YOUR local market—it’s not all the same.