Martin Lewis has offered his advice on what people need to do now to make sure they get through the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.
Speaking to viewers of a coronavirus special edition of the ITV Martin Lewis Money Show, he didn't pull any punches about the scale of the threat.
"We face an unprecedented challenge to our health, economy, businesses and way of life," he said.
The consumer money expert fielded questions live about everything from mortgages to benefits, but his key message was about how we can all help each other get through it.
"For me there's one word that sums up the way we all need to act right now - forbearance," Martin said.
It means not enforcing legal requirements, Martin explained. So, for example, banks not calling in debts because someone is struggling.
But it's more than just letting consumers off, Martin said, it cuts both ways.
Because while people are struggling, in many cases so are companies - and those companies also employ people.
So if you're lucky enough to be able to reject a refund, or take a voucher instead of cash when you're entitled to money back, you can help them out.
It could save companies and jobs, he pointed out.
"If we all show each other forbearance, right now, while we can, we will all come out of this in the best state we can," Martin said.
On a more practical level, Martin pointed out there are four things to think about that you might not realise yet.
Firstly - you can currently release fixed savings without penalties if you need them.
"I'd only do this if you need to," Martin warned - pointing out that the "unprecedented" cut in the Bank of England base rate means you won't see rates as good as they are now for a while.
Secondly, the collapse in the oil price means there are some "seriously cheap" energy deals about. So if you're able to switch now you could save yourself hundreds of pounds.
Thirdly, you need to be quick to take advantage of 0% credit card deals.
These let you either spend money or transfer existing card debt to a new provider in return for a set period where no interest is charged on that money.
But with the economy looking shakier it's getting harder and harder to be accepted.
The challenging times also mean he's changed his advice when it comes to 0% cards.
"I hate what I'm about to say now," Martin said.
Normally, he would only advise people took them out to save money on interest, never to borrow, but times have changed.
Now, they could offer people a way to pay for the necessities of life without incurring interest on their debt.
"We're in different logical times," Martin explained.
Fourthly, he had a warning about scammers.
"They're using coronavirus to scam vulnerable people," Martin explained. Adding he'd use a lot stronger language about how he felt about them if his show was on after the watershed.
Key tactics involve telling people their bank is struggling and they need to transfer cash, while other post fake news on social media- some even using his face to trick people.
Don't be fooled, Martin said, hang up and check the bank's official site for the real information.
And if you're calling back, try to use a different phone line and the number on the back of your card to make sure they can't trick you.
But his overall message was one of pulling together to help.
"Be kind to each other, have some forbearance," Martin told viewers.
"We need to look after each other, we need to look after our finances, but most of all we need to look after our health... we'll get through it all."
