Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen) How You Can Get Through A Shutdown (Even If You're Not A Federal Employee)
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Oct 2, 2025 Surviving a government shutdown requires a plan. Key advice includes identifying essential expenses and communicating with creditors for support. Use credit wisely and consider Roth IRA contributions only as a last resort. Take this time as a wake-up call to build an emergency fund of 8-12 months. Prepare legally for worst-case scenarios, and remember that the stock market typically rebounds after crises. Stay disciplined in your investments and focus on long-term goals for financial resilience.
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List Your True Essentials
- Identify your essential expenses: roof, food, utilities, and insurance.
- Cut every nonessential want immediately to conserve cash during a shutdown.
Call Before You Default
- Call lenders and service providers proactively and explain your situation before you miss payments.
- Ask for hardship programs, fee waivers, deferrals, or temporary bill reductions using polite language.
Borrow Smart, Preserve Cash
- Avoid payday loans and cash advances with crippling fees and interest.
- Use the lowest-rate credit card for essentials and save cash in your emergency fund.