The way you get money is changing as the stock market takes another huge dive and anxiety shoots through the roof.

"We're seeing people losing a lot of money," said UAB professor Stephanie Rauterkus.  "A lot of volatility in the market because we just don't know what's going to happen."

If uncertainty in the market equals risk, consider all financial institutions now playing it safe.

"That's why we talk about financial markets screeching to a halt," said Rauterkus.  "If we can't obtain credit and our economy is built on it, then individuals, businesses, governments have major problems that need to be resolved"

People with even the best credit will now struggle to get banks to hand them more money.  That includes personal loans, car loans and even  credit cards.

"A couple of years ago, I applied and they said 'we'll give you one, no questions asked,'" said Adam Grayson.  "And now it's like, I'm not even going to ask them."

Large banks are less likely to take you on as a lender.  Your best bet is a community bank or credit union where you are more than just a number.

"There are so many lenders that are only going to look at you as a credit score and are not going to be concerned about the qualitative factors," said Rauterkus.

Be warned, people with existing credit could soon see their limits shrink based strictly on market conditions.  That means your borrowing reputation could take a hit through no fault of your own.

"If someone looks at your credit and sees that your credit line was lowered not at your initiation, then that could lower your credit score," Rauterkus said.

Rauterkus advises people to stop using credit cards to extend  their budget.

While there is not much you can do about general market conditions, protect yourself as a borrower as much as possible by paying bills on time and looking at your credit report from time to time.

Rauterkus also suggests closing down unused lines of credit.  It will make you look less risky as a borrower.