How the Government Shutdown Impacts You & Your Money...

WE’RE BACK FROM OUR BREAK! And Welcome back to another edition of "Rolling in Dough" Newsletter, where we serve up the simplest ways to save more, spend less, and build wealth with regular insights, consumer psychology hacks, and tiny tips to do today. I hope to make your financial journey a little fun, simple, and totally doable, where ever you are on your wealth journey.

🤔  First, what is a Government Shutdown?

Congress has to pass bills to fund the federal government each year. When they can’t agree, certain government operations go dark.

That means no budget = no funding = no workers for non-essential services.

Essential services (like military and Social Security checks) still run. But a lot of the behind-the-scenes things that keep everyday life moving get paused, delayed, or majorly slowed down.

🤷 So What? - Here’s Where You Might Feel It

A shutdown doesn’t mean everything stops overnight, but here’s what could affect you:

✈️ Travel Gets Messy and Delayed

• TSA + air traffic control keep working but without pay, which means:

  • More people calling out sick

  • Longer lines and wait times

  • Flight delays

• Passport renewals and visa processing can be majorly delayed or halted

🏞️ National Parks + Museums + Public Sites May Close

Planning a fall road trip, museum visit, or holiday visit to a monument:

• National parks and federally funded museums (think Smithsonians) may close entirely or operate without staff

• And even though Parks are outdoors, it means no restrooms, no maintenance, and no help if you get lost

💼 Small Business Loans and Permits Can Get Stuck in Limbo

If you’re an entrepreneur, this hits hard.

• SBA loans could be frozen

• Business licenses, construction permits, and grants may be delayed

🥫 Food Assistance Programs Could Be Disrupted

• SNAP (food stamps) and WIC are funded short-term, and if a shutdown drags on, millions could face benefit delays or temporary suspensions

• We are already seeing announcements for a suspension for SNAP for the month of November

💸 IRS Services May Go Quiet

• The IRS may pause things like:

  • Processing amended returns

  • Responding to tax questions

  • Issuing certain refunds

• Filing season could be slower

• And if you want to talk to a real human, good luck if the phones aren’t staffed

🎓 Student Loans and FAFSA Help Could Slow Down

• Loan processing might get delayed

• If you’re trying to fix FAFSA info or appeal aid packages, expect slower timelines

• Some DOE websites and tools may go offline

💰️ What it Means for your Money & the Economy

Even short shutdowns can send ripple effects through the economy:

• Consumer confidence dips: people get anxious, hold onto their money, and hit pause on big purchases

• Government spending slows or stops: local economies (especially ones that rely on federal contracts or workers) feel the squeeze

• Stock markets may fluctuate: especially in industries like defense, travel, healthcare, and government contracting

Translation: Even if you don’t work for the government, you’ll still feel it, especially the longer it drags on. Less spending → slower business → more cautious hiring → tighter money across the board.

If you’re job hunting, running a business, or thinking about making a big money move soon, this kind of slowdown can impact timing, approvals, or even demand. So it’s not panic time, but it is worth paying attention.

✅ So, What Should You Do?

You don’t need to panic, but if you're in the middle of anything time-sensitive, it helps to be strategic:

1. Work Around Delays

• Passport offices, IRS support lines, SBA loan offices, federally-backed museums, and national park services may already be operating with fewer staff or paused operations.

• Check the status of parks, public sites, or museums before going

• If your request isn’t urgent, consider holding off until full funding resumes, or get started early knowing there are major delays.

• If your request is urgent, submit it, but expect processing delays and limited customer service.

For Example: If you’re planning international travel soon, check if your passport is valid for at least 6 months. If not, start early and expect delays in getting it renewed.

2. Stack a Tiny Buffer Fund

While ideally we'd have a couple of months saved up, even $100-$500 can help give you peace of mind.

• Helps cover a gap if benefits or services get delayed

• Great time to revisit your emergency fund goals

3. Plan for Delays in Assistance Programs

If you or someone you know uses SNAP, WIC, or federal benefits:

• Look up how long your state’s funding lasts

• Explore local food banks or assistance options early if needed

• Consider community-based services that aren’t federally funded

4. Track Economic Impact If You’re an Investor

• Watch how the market reacts to shutdown news

• Sectors to watch: airlines, defense, finance, and consumer spending

• Stocks may dip (aka go on sale) in some areas or become more volatile

• Often, markets bounce back quickly after shutdowns resolve, but the ride can get bumpy

5. Prepare for Flight Delays

TSA Agents and Air Traffic Controllers are all impacted by the shutdown, they’re working without pay - many not working at all, and airports are struggling with staffing issues as a result.

This may mean more flight delays, longer times to get through security, and impacts to flight paths, take-offs, and landings, as staff schedules are stretched and shifted around.

We’ve already seen flight delays in Los Angeles, Washington DC, Atlanta and more, with no end in site.

🍩 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Ask Yourself:

• Do I need to fly anywhere soon? Should I book an earlier flight / have a backup plan?

• What would happen if I couldn’t reach the IRS or student loan help for a few weeks?

• Are any of my plans (travel, business, benefits) tied to federal timelines?

• Is my passport good for the next few months?

• Am I planning on visiting a National park, museum, or public site soon?

• If I had to wait for money I expected, what’s my backup plan?

• How are stocks doing in impacted industries?