What should I actually do with my money during an economic crisis?

Let me be honest: there's no perfect strategy because crises are by definition uncertain. But I can offer something better than certainty—a framework. First, survival comes before optimization. Your immediate needs—shelter, food, medicine—come first. Protect those ruthlessly. Second, understand the difference between fear-based decisions and prudent ones. Panic selling of investments you don't understand, or moving to cash at the worst moment—these are fear. Prudent is asking: do I actually need this money soon? If yes, move it to safety. If no, staying invested might be right despite the noise. Third, think in terms of what economists call your 'margin of safety.' Can you live on less for a period? Do you have skills others need? Can you find community support? These matter more than any financial move. I've watched people survive crises not because they picked the right investment, but because they didn't panic, they adapted their spending, and they helped each other. Money is a tool for maintaining dignity and choice—not a thing to worship or fear. Use it practically. If you need advice specific to your situation, find a trustworthy advisor who charges for time, not commissions. Their incentives will be clearer.