Introduction. In principle, it must be assumed that fate of the family, as well as empirical knowledge of the early period of life have some impact on cultivated habits and methods of conduct manifesting in available and taught consumption patterns. Referring to the experiences of previous generations is particularly important in the event of financial problems. Aim. The goal of this article was an attempt to show the opportunity of using a theoretical concept of trajectory or an analysis of interactive and biographical mechanisms of coping with crisis situations. Particular attention was paid to how people affected by crisis describe and explain these events and whether their developed strategies of coping with crisis use the methods available in the biography of a given family. Materials and methods. The source of research data are interviews with twenty people experiencing a crisis. Results. The coping strategies undertaken by respondents largely focus on minimizing loads, reorganizing expenses, expanding presumption, and protecting available resources. Research shows that experiencing (in the family trajectory) is an important element shaping the ability to deal with problems in the future.