If anyone is still holding onto the hope that we are simply in a financial slump and not a full blown recession, it’s time to accept the facts. The economy of the United States and the world in general is is the dumps. Businesses are still failing every day and the housing bubble is a long way away from recovery. But as is often said, from misfortune and disaster comes hope and opportunity. A financial crisis holds many opportunities for those who know how to find them and use them to the best advantage.

Only the most sociopathic among us are happy to take advantage of the suffering of others. But in a financial crisis, recovery often depends on just such action. Don’t think about it in terms of other people’s misfortune but rather in your good luck. Economic recovery depends on new opportunities arising. By doing everything possible to profit from the recession, you are actually helping the population and the economy in general.

Experts agree that the economic recovery depends on the recovery of the housing market. You can help with this while at the same time getting yourself a great deal on a home. Housing prices are at a near all time low when adjusted for inflation. Banks are desperate to remove these toxic properties from the books. To do so they are willing to offer you outstanding deals on price as well as mortgage interest rates. It’s sad that so many people have lost their homes, but the economy first must recover before these people can ever hope to once again own a home. Do your part by putting yourself into a foreclosed home.

Many Americans lost fortunes in the stock market over the last couple of years. Their loss is literally your gain. If you have the liquid capital available to invest, the deals are simply amazing. The stock market will rebound and those who are able to invest now will be the ones who see a huge return on their investment. 25% or higher annual returns on stock market investments are not farfetched.

Consumer products such as cars are also at a near all time bargain. Car manufacturers are suffering to an even greater degree than other sectors of the economy and have received billions in government loans. They are forced to pass along some great deals to consumers. If you are even considering buying a new auto, do it now. The deals are just too good to pass up.

The recession sucks. It’s that simple. But it doesn’t have to mean the end of our economic structure. For those who are still liquid, this economy represents the best opportunities we have seen in several decades. New wealth is waiting to be made and wise investors can turn this situation into something truly spectacular. We are all sad for those who lost so much due to the bad decisions of others, but that doesn’t mean we are destined to suffer in poverty. Turn misfortune into success and take advantage of a downed economy.