Locally, knowing that 30,000 folks in Kansas City could lose their federal jobs doesn’t make anyone want to spend any money. The federal firings and chaos are having a ripple effect.
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My advice to anyone not happy with current events is to not spend a single penny that you absolutely don’t have to in the US. The one thing these guys definitely understand is money
There's definitely a nationwide belt tightening. I used to go out to stores most weekends to just get out of the house, buy a few things. Now it's JUST the midweek grocery trips every few weeks on my way home from work.
Last time it took Trump quite a while to kill the Obama economic recovery, and he rode it long enough for MAGAs to give him credit. This time it's knives out.
Related: civilian Federal payroll <$280B/yr, cost of Trump tax cut $400B/yr
Economic uncertainty is certainly impacting my spending. I’m less inclined to part w my cash right now, certainly not spending on anything that isn’t a necessity.
It’s not just federal jobs. If they succeed in suspending federal funding(even if it means violating court orders) then local government administration and law enforcement will lose jobs too. Much of local government is subsidized by federal funding.
I stopped Amazon, any online shopping, any recreational spending, all streaming services and eating out several months ago. These days it’s gas and a very reduced grocery budget. That’s it. I don’t want to give the oligarchy my cash and with a recession coming I’m saving all I can.
Economic pain will cascade. If Muskrat fires a million people, direct impacts are massive and tragic of course, but impacts on the broader economy will ripple for years.
It is the only way others may get off the sidelines. Pretending the mass firings and other illegal acts won’t create more ripples isn’t going to save them.
The majority of the nation is holding back. The money we are spending are at places like COSTCO. I for one plan to increase my vintage and used purchases - esp at estate sales. Anything to not give Trump any credit.
I will pick up something I need and then put it back because I can survive without. Same with eating out. When I put the item back I always say the same thing, Nope not with
Herr Trump as president, I have to save my money cuz I know what is coming.
And it will continue to fall. Strikes and boycotts of certain stores will have an impact on consumer spending.
As for me, I drastically cut down spending. Right now, I only buy absolute necessities. I expect prices to go up.
Will more people soon be able to connect these dots for themselves? Seems obvious that firing large swaths of workers will depress their spending and have serious ripple effects.
Making lots of money might make you think you know all there is to know. But being able to game a system doesn't mean you have the skills to maintain it.
Having worked for a number of companies- when layoffs were coming people stopped spending&for sure they weren’t focusing on doing their jobs. This was before work from home so people were huddled in cubicles exchanging gossip.
Oh and the best employees- the ones not targeted are always job hunting.
Need to replace a 15 year old car. Torn between doing it soon before 25% tariff puts it out of reach, and not incurring a significant debt in the event the economy tanks. And yes I realize lots of folks have more dire decisions to make
It’s tough! But when it comes to a car I would want to replace that while you can. Tariffs won’t just affect the new car price. It will make repairs more expensive too!
Buy used. Do not buy new as they’re never a good value. Cars at least 7 years old have reached maximum depreciation & taxes will be way less to pay. If it still runs, don’t replace it.
Much to my children’s displeasure , I continue to remind them that they have no idea how expensive life is going to be under 47. I have been urging only bare necessities.
Firing people will increase unemployment, whether folks can file or not, which will impact the overall economy. Also, we are saving our money for a "rainy economy" because who the heck knows what is going to happen. Plus, #eattherich
I'm keeping my eye on it, but I'm also thinking I'm seeing a trend of less eating out. But it's also been really cold, so it could be that. It's hard to tell.
It’s interesting to think that republicans are assuming that private companies will pick up these tasks that federal agencies have been doing but they don’t think about what happens in the interim.
I have several friends doing no buy/low buy right now to save for increased costs due to tariffs and deportations of laborers as well as the fear health insurance coverage will tank if the ACA is rolled back. Spending money you don’t have to spend feels foolish right now.
I’m just buying essentials in case I have to move. What good is stuff? You can’t take it with you out of state, out of country, or to the next plane of existence.
My guiding principle these days is “starve the billionaires.” I’m only spending on necessities and shopping as local as possible. The oligarchs only care about money and power so that is where I aim my protest.
If government workers holding back on spending is enough to hurt the economy like this, doesn’t that prove there are way too many government employees?
Ummmm - they may have stopped spending because they lost their jobs, Sherlock. Or because they fear they might, at any time, and without warning, lose their jobs.
besides the layoffs and general chaos, the list of companies to boycott is very long to the point where just not spending any money is easier. so there’s that too.
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Sadly far to many of the MAGA fascists will blame "woke" for this (somehow) instead of their cult leader.
Prepare folks, things are about to get real bad, real quick.
Related: civilian Federal payroll <$280B/yr, cost of Trump tax cut $400B/yr
Compare how dc area home prices started
https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/01/14/dc-neighborhood-home-price-increases-2024
With how they are trending a month later
https://rocket.com/homes/market-reports/dc/20018
Both personally and corporate.
Anyone sane would given we have no idea what catastrophe will happen tomorrow with these morons in charge.
Herr Trump as president, I have to save my money cuz I know what is coming.
As for me, I drastically cut down spending. Right now, I only buy absolute necessities. I expect prices to go up.
Oh and the best employees- the ones not targeted are always job hunting.
Canadians are PISSED!
Forming a Military Alliance with Europe without the USA.
Trading with new STABLE trading partners!
Selling American 2nd Homes!
Boycotting US Products!
Cancelling US Trips!
Buying Canadian!
Preparing to be invaded by 🇺🇸 American Military.
Your thoughts ?