During the global economic downturn in 2009, many people were forced to reassess their financial futures. While some weathered the storm better than others, few came out of the recession in better shape than they entered it.

Perhaps no group of people was more hurt than baby boomers or senior citizens. While some senior citizens were savvy enough to see the economic downturn coming and therefore minimize the damage done to their nest eggs, many more witnessed their retirement savings take a big hit.

In many cases, the children of those baby boomers and senior citizens are left wondering what they can do to help. Adults themselves, these children have likely also taken a financial hit as a result of the recession and might be puzzled as to how they can help their parents or in-laws cope with financial loss. The following tips may help do just that.

• Avoid using credit cards. Credit cards are not the solution to solving any current debt or financial problems. Credit cards are only adding more debt or, for those without any current debt, creating a bigger financial problem than the one that currently exists. While recent legislation in the United States has placed restrictions on creditors and interest rates, that does not mean credit cards are now a viable crutch for those struggling financially.