Recession Prep Is TikTok’s Hottest New Trend

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As the U.S. trade deficit loomed large and President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in March, Kim Casamento found herself in a thrift shop in Wayne, New Jersey, on the hunt for hidden treasures. Little did she know that she would stumble upon a vintage gem that would spark a new trend in the midst of economic uncertainty.

Amidst the aisles of the thrift shop, Casamento came across a 2008 cookbook titled The $7 a Meal Cookbook, a guide to feeding a family of four for $7 or less during the Great Recession. Written by Linda Larsen, the cookbook emphasized the importance of budgeting and controlling expenses as prices soared due to economic challenges.

Fast forward seventeen years, with universal tariffs in effect and a trade war impacting consumer sentiment, the cookbook’s message resonates more than ever. Casamento, also known as saltandvibes on TikTok, decided to bring the cookbook’s recipes to life and share them with her audience.

With the rise of social media influencers focusing on recession preparation, Casamento is part of a growing trend of content creators sharing tips and advice on navigating financial challenges. From avoiding panic buying to predicting job security, these influencers are providing valuable insights to their followers.

Preparing for Economic Uncertainty

Among the influencers, itzettromero and Vivian Tu stand out with their recession-prep videos, offering practical advice and strategies for weathering financial storms. Casamento’s videos, featuring budget-friendly recipes and grocery comparisons between 2008 and 2025, have garnered significant attention and engagement.

Despite the serious topic of recession preparation, Casamento’s videos are anything but dull. With mouth-watering close-ups of dishes like chocolate oatmeal cookies and homemade potato chips, she combines practical advice with visual appeal, making budget cooking a delightful experience.

As discussions about the economy heat up on social media, the hashtag #recession has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, reflecting a growing awareness and concern about economic challenges. While the official declaration of a recession is yet to come, consumer sentiment is shifting, with many expressing worries about job security and financial stability.

The Reality of Economic Sentiment

Although indicators like consumer confidence and recession probabilities are causing unease, the actual economic data paints a more stable picture. Unemployment rates, inflation, and GDP numbers remain within healthy ranges, with discretionary spending showing resilience among younger demographics.

While the fear of a recession looms large, the impact of social media trends on consumer behavior remains uncertain. Influencers like Casamento are providing valuable insights and tips for navigating financial challenges, even if the correlation between online discussions and real economic actions is yet to be seen.

As the economy continues to evolve, the role of social media in shaping financial attitudes and behaviors is becoming increasingly significant. Whether it’s preparing for a potential recession or simply sharing budget-friendly recipes, influencers like Casamento are sparking important conversations and providing a source of support in uncertain times.