Tag Page Economy

#Economy
Dashcamgram

As federal student loan collections restart, many borrowers in default are bracing for a financial hit that could reshape their already tight budgets. Beginning next week, wage garnishment notices are expected to go out, allowing the government to legally take up to 15% of a person’s paycheck after proper notice. While officials say borrowers will have opportunities to act before involuntary collection begins, the reality for many is fear, confusion, and frustration over how quickly missed payments can turn into lost wages. Supporters argue garnishment is necessary to recover taxpayer dollars and bring accountability to the system. Critics say it punishes people who are already struggling, making it harder to cover rent, food, and childcare while pushing them further behind. With thousands expected to be affected in the coming months, the debate is growing louder: does wage garnishment encourage responsibility, or does it deepen a debt crisis that already feels impossible to escape? #StudentLoans #WageGarnishment #StudentDebt #DebtCrisis #FinancialStruggle #MoneyTalk #Economy #PaycheckProblems #Adulting

Kristie Johnson

The exact moment I realized I'm no longer "Middle Class." A breakdown of my depressing grocery trip.

I took the "100 Dollar Challenge" today at Walmart. The goal was simple: Feed a family of four for a week. Healthy meals. No junk. I failed. I failed miserably. I grabbed the basics: Ground beef (the cheap kind), milk, eggs, bread, a bag of apples, some chicken thighs, rice, and frozen veggies. When the cashier rang it up and said "$112.50," I felt that hot flush of embarrassment on my neck. I had to make a choice. I put back the bag of apples ($7?!) and the box of cereal for the kids. We are two working adults with degrees. We shouldn't have to choose between fresh fruit and breakfast cereal. Look at this photo. This pile of food used to cost $60 three years ago. Now, $100 doesn't even fill the bottom of the cart. How are you guys surviving? Are you cutting out meat? skipping meals? Make it make sense. #InflationReality #GroceryPrices #CostOfLivingCrisis #MiddleClassStruggle #Economy #WalmartHaul #FedUp

The exact moment I realized I'm no longer "Middle Class." A breakdown of my depressing grocery trip.