Alright, folks, here we go again, another government shutdown. Seems like just yesterday (okay, maybe a few years ago) I was scrambling for ways to stretch my grocery budget and avoid those awkward “I can’t pay you right now” conversations. Sigh.

For those of you not steeped in the bureaucratic swamp (and lucky you!), the US government is currently shut down because Congress can’t agree on a budget. Translation: a whole lot of federal employees are stuck at home, twiddling their thumbs and worrying about how to pay the bills. Only “essential” employees are keeping the lights on, and nobody – nobody – is getting paid.

Now, I’ve been there, done that, got the “I Survived the Shutdown” t-shirt (which I probably couldn’t afford at the time). I’m a retired federal employee now, and I remember those shutdowns with a mix of frustration and a strangely nostalgic feeling of shared misery. So, from one fed to another (or to any federal employee’s family member frantically Googling for help), here’s my hard-earned, slightly cynical, and hopefully helpful guide to surviving – and maybe even thriving – during this furlough.

First, Breathe. Just Breathe.

Seriously. Panic isn’t going to pay your mortgage. It’s easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom, but try taking a few deep breaths and reminding yourself that this will end. Shutdowns are disruptive, anxiety-inducing, and frankly, completely ridiculous, but they are usually temporary. Remember past shutdowns? You survived them. You’ll survive this one, too.

Money, Money, Money: Let’s Talk Finances

This is where things get real. No paycheck means tough choices. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

• Inventory and Assess: Take a good, hard look at your financial situation. How much do you have in savings? What bills are coming up? What are essential, and what can be put on hold? Create a realistic budget based on what you do have, not what you expect to have.
• Contact Your Creditors – Now!: This is crucial. Call your mortgage company, your car loan provider, your credit card companies – anyone you owe money to. Explain the situation and see if they offer any hardship programs or payment deferrals. Many companies understand government shutdowns and will work with you. Don’t wait until you’re late on a payment! Proactive communication is key.
• Trim the Fat: Now is the time to get ruthless with your spending. Identify anything you can cut back on. Streaming services? Eating out? That gym membership you haven’t used since January? Put them on pause. Every little bit helps.
• Tap Into Your Emergency Fund (If You Have One): This is what it’s for! Don’t be afraid to dip into your emergency savings. Remember, the goal is to weather the storm, and this is precisely the kind of storm it was designed for.
• Explore Short-Term Loan Options (But Be Careful!): If you’re really in a bind, you might consider a short-term loan. But proceed with extreme caution! Avoid payday loans like the plague. Look for reputable lenders and thoroughly understand the terms and interest rates. Credit unions, especially those serving federal employees, often offer special loan programs during shutdowns.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: This is a tough one for many people, but pride won’t pay the bills. Talk to your family and friends. Explain your situation and see if they can offer any assistance, even if it’s just a loan to tide you over. Remember, you’re not alone in this.

Food, Glorious Food (on a Budget)

Eating healthy and affordably during a shutdown is an art form. Here are some tips from a seasoned practitioner:

• Meal Planning is Your New Best Friend: Plan your meals for the week based on what you already have in your pantry and freezer. Make a grocery list and stick to it. Impulse purchases are the enemy!
• Embrace the Power of Pantry Staples: Rice, beans, pasta, canned goods – these are your allies. They’re cheap, versatile, and can be turned into a variety of delicious meals.
• Cook in Bulk: Prepare large batches of food that can be eaten over several days. Soups, stews, chili – these are perfect for stretching your food budget.
• Don’t Waste Food!: Get creative with leftovers. Transform yesterday’s roasted chicken into chicken salad sandwiches. Use vegetable scraps to make broth.
• Check Local Food Banks: Don’t be ashamed to seek help from your local food bank. They’re there to support people in need, and they can provide essential groceries to help you get through the shutdown.

Beyond the Bills: Keeping Your Sanity

Being stuck at home without a paycheck is stressful. It’s essential to take care of your mental and emotional well-being.

• Maintain a Routine: Even though you’re not going to work, try to stick to a regular schedule. Wake up at the same time, eat meals at regular intervals, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. This will help you maintain a sense of normalcy and prevent you from feeling completely adrift.
• Stay Active: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Go for a walk, run, bike ride, or do some yoga at home.
• Connect with Others: Don’t isolate yourself. Talk to your family, friends, and colleagues. Share your experiences and offer support to others. Misery loves company, and knowing you’re not alone can make a big difference.
• Learn a New Skill: Now’s the perfect time to learn that new language, take an online course, or finally master that guitar you bought years ago. Distract yourself and invest in yourself.
• Volunteer: Helping others is a great way to take your mind off your own problems and make a positive impact on your community.
• Limit Your News Consumption: It’s essential to stay informed about the shutdown, but don’t obsess over the news. Constant updates and speculation can increase your anxiety. Set aside specific times to check the news and then disconnect.

Remember Your Rights (and the Promises Made)

• Keep Track of Your Time: Even though you’re not working, keep a record of your time. You may be entitled to back pay for the duration of the shutdown.
• Understand Your Unemployment Benefits: While federal employees aren’t usually eligible for unemployment during a shutdown (because you’re expected to be paid retroactively), it’s worth checking with your state unemployment office to see if there are any exceptions or special programs available.
• Advocate for Yourself and Others: Contact your elected officials and let them know how the shutdown is affecting you and your family. Encourage them to find a solution and end the shutdown as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts: We’ll Get Through This (Again)

Shutdowns are frustrating, unfair, and frankly, a massive waste of time and resources. But they are temporary. Remember that you’re not alone. Lean on your support network, take care of yourself, and stay informed. And, most importantly, remember that this, too, shall pass.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to check my pantry and see if I can whip up some gourmet black bean burgers. Stay strong, fellow feds! We’ll get through this – again. And hopefully, someday, they’ll learn to run the government like grown-ups. Until then, we’ll keep surviving. And maybe, just maybe, even thriving. Good luck out there! And may the odds be ever in your favor (especially when it comes to finding affordable groceries).

Tom Rooney