How to Manage Your Money in an Uncertain Economy

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The Economy Is Mixed But Holding On

How to Manage Your Money in an Uncertain Economy

The U.S. economy is showing signs of resilience. Economic growth has picked up again in recent months, and job creation remains solid. U.S. Department of the Treasury Inflation has cooled somewhat in certain sectors, though energy and housing costs are still pressuring many wallets. U.S. Department of the Treasury+1

Still, many people feel uneasy. A recent survey found that about 28% of adults expect their financial situation to be worse a year from now — that’s a big jump from past years. Pew Research Center Meanwhile, credit card delinquency (people missing payments) is rising across many income groups. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Many Americans Feel “Stuck” with Their Money

More than half of Americans say they feel “financially frozen”, overwhelmed by the many choices, rising costs, and uncertainty. New York Post Add to that the fact that financial literacy is still low — adults, on average, get only about half the questions right on basic personal finance tests. ASPPA+1

These trends matter because they affect your everyday money: how much you can save, whether you use credit cards, how risky you’re willing to invest, and how prepared you are for surprises.

How These Trends Affect You

When the economy and personal finances are under strain, your money decisions matter more than ever. Here’s the ripple effect:

Higher interest rates and inflation eat into what your paycheck buys.
Credit card debt and missed payments can damage your credit score, making future borrowing more expensive.
Feeling overwhelmed can lead you to avoid planning — which ends up making things worse.
Lack of emergency funds makes you more vulnerable to job loss, health issues, car repairs, or other shocks.

So if you feel squeezed by costs or confused about what to do next, you’re not alone — but you can act to improve your situation.

Smart Moves You Can Make Now (Yes, You)

You don’t have to be an expert to make progress. Here are steps you can take — even small ones — to boost your financial stability today:

1. Build or strengthen your emergency fund

Aim to save 3 to 6 months’ worth of essential expenses (rent, utilities, food). Start small. Even $25 or $50 per week helps build a buffer.

2. Track and trim your spending

Use a simple app or a notebook. Identify recurring costs or subscriptions you don’t use. Sometimes cutting just one or two things frees up cash.

3. Get control of your debt

Focus first on high interest debt (like credit cards).
Try the debt snowball (paying smallest balances first) or debt avalanche (highest interest rate first).
Avoid new debt if possible.

4. Use “extra” money wisely

Whenever you get extra cash (bonus, tax return, gift), put part of it toward debt, part into savings, and part into something meaningful you’ll enjoy but won’t regret.

5. Start (or boost) investing

Even small amounts in a retirement account or low-cost index fund can grow over time. The longer you wait, the harder it is to catch up.

6. Learn more about money

Because financial literacy is low, one of your most powerful tools is education. Read, follow trustworthy blogs, watch video explainers. As schools begin to require more personal finance education, that may help future generations. The Washington Post

7. Use technology but be cautious

There are AI tools, budgeting apps, and robo-advisors that promise to simplify money. They can help — but always double-check their advice. (AI models sometimes make mistakes.) arXiv

What to Watch in the Coming Months

Your money is influenced by national and global trends. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Interest rate changes — The Federal Reserve may cut or raise rates based on inflation and growth.
Economic data — Inflation, unemployment, consumer spending reports will steer markets and policy.
Legislation and tax law changes — The new “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) passed in 2025 includes changes to tax rates and deductions you may want to understand. Wikipedia
Credit trends — Increasing delinquency rates might make lenders stricter or make borrowing more expensive.
Consumer finance regulation — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is planning changes to “open banking” rules, which could affect how easily you share your financial data between banks and fintech apps. Reuters

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What You Should Do Right Now — A Quick Checklist

Action	Why It Matters
Save $10–50 a week for emergencies	Gives you breathing room when surprises hit
Track your spending for 1 month	Helps you see where money leaks are happening
Focus on one high-interest debt	Pay it down fast to reduce financial stress
Automate savings and payments	Helps you stay consistent without thinking about it
Read one good personal finance article or book a month	Boosts your confidence and knowledge steadily
Don’t try to time markets or chase “hot picks”	Stay consistent, stay in for the long run

The Bigger Picture

You don’t control inflation, the Fed, or the economy — but you do control how you respond. In volatile times, your resilience comes from smart habits, consistency, and understanding your own finances clearly.

By building a foundation of emergency savings, managing debt, investing steadily, and learning continuously, you’ll be better equipped to ride the ups and downs. Over time, those small steps add up to real progress.

by Audrey Bell-Kearney
President, Gwinnett Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Empowering entrepreneurs with actionable business blueprints to start, grow, and scale with purpose.
📬 Contact: audrey@gwinnettwomenschamber.com
🌐 www.gwinnettwomenschamber.com
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