You open your bank statement and notice a string of small charges you barely remember signing up for—a streaming service you signed up for during the pandemic, the meditation app you downloaded during a stressful week, and a digital magazine subscription you haven’t read in months. When you added these on, each charge seemed minor. But over time, these subscriptions can add up.

Undoubtedly, being laid off from your job is one of life’s surprises. But take comfort in knowing there are accessible ways to get back on your feet and regain control of your finances.

Your purchasing power changes as the economy changes, influenced by various economic factors. Inflation and purchasing power are inversely related.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created to eliminate wasteful spending and reduce regulation. In theory, this is a good thing—eliminating unnecessary costs can benefit both taxpayers and the economy. But as always, details matter. What one person sees as wasteful spending, another person may see as a necessary program. Understanding how these changes are implemented is key.