CNC.com - It is often in the midst of economic despair that wealth is both made…and lost. While history often focuses only on the financial loss that transpires during recessions, it is also important to point out that these types of market environments have also provided individuals with the opportunity to make money.

Consider, for instance, some of the biggest companies we have today. Microsoft was started during the recession of 1975, Hewlett-Packard was born during the Great Depression, Disney was founded during 1923, and GE started during the panic of 1873. The founders of these companies were all able to thrive during times of economic turmoil.

Not an entrepreneur? No Problem. Recessionary environments also provide investors with investment opportunities. There will be opportunities to buy real-estate at undervalued prices, shares in companies at historically low P/E ratios, and perhaps even invest in start-up or emerging companies that might become the next Microsoft or GE.

But, before you start counting the wealth that you can possibly make during this recession, it is best to first start thinking about how you are going to protect it. Indeed, while a recession provides opportunities, it also creates an environment where many investors are often afraid to invest in value opportunities, or simply do not have the cash to participate. Read More