What’s your burn rate?

Hey Economy? Blink Twice if You’re In a Recession

The economy is like that friend who posts cryptic sad memes, but when you text her to check in, she replies, “Haha, I’m fine!!!!”

So, is the economy OK? Like your friend, it depends on who you ask. But if you ask most Americans, they will say, “lol, not really.” Nearly two-thirds believe a recession is coming. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why the mood is split. On one hand, some people have gotten a lot richer lately, mostly thanks to AI stocks carrying the market like a group project. On the other: The current government shutdown could trigger a wave of federal job cuts, new tariffs are looming, and the word “stagflation” (an unholy trinity of high prices, high unemployment, and slow growth) is being tossed around by economists again.

To make it even less straightforward, how the economy feels totally depends on your zip code. Right now, 22 states are already in or near a recession. Meanwhile, some Sun Belt states are still humming along thanks to population growth and new jobs. 

And if you’re looking to the jobs report for clarity — forget it. It’s delayed thanks to the shutdown. So economists are turning to a surprisingly reliable indicator: the pantry. When Hamburger Helper and ramen start flying off shelves, it’s a sign people are tightening their belts. So, the answer may be right on your plate. 

What you can do:

• Reduce your “burn rate.” This is how quickly you go through cash. Most people cut the wrong things first, and it backfires. There’s a smarter (and way less painful) way to do it.

• Don’t ghost the market. Weirdly enough, downturns are when investors can position for long-term growth. Dollar-cost averaging, aka investing small amounts regularly, keeps you in the game without guessing the timing. The key is knowing when it actually works — and when it doesn’t.

• Stay informed, not panicked. It’s not time to throw money under your mattress. Keep your emergency fund stocked, check in on your portfolio mix, and focus on what you can control,  like boosting savings, paying down high-interest debt, or ramping up a “recession-proof” side hustle. 

— Anna “Diversifying My Pantry With Ramen and Hamburger Helper” Davies, writer 

PS: For more clarity on how prices actually hit your household budget, check out our Skimmdex. It’s our take on the CPI,  built through a women-centric lens. We track actual product prices using SERP API, which pulls live data straight from Google Shopping, then we layer in official CPI numbers to add broader context. We focus on the that fill your cart, including personal care, housewares, toys, electronics, and fashion, not just the usual CPI suspects (sorry, lumber).

Read More

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• Oh, There’s Also a “Crush Recession” Going On

• What Cardboard Box Sales Mean About the Economy

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Listen Up

Part of being money smart is knowing what’s worth the spend. 

Our commerce team tests it all — so you only see the picks that deserve your time and your budget. And because everyone spends differently, we pick three different price points to help you find what works best for you.

This week, we’re talking wireless headphones.

The version to throw in your bag: 

JBL Vibe Beam ($34.95)

Reviews say some users have put them in the washing machine and they still work. While we don’t recommend that, this is a great option if you need a pair of on-the-go headphones. 

The AirPods to pick: 

Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($169.99)

Audiophiles love this version of AirPods Pro for their comfort factor. Plus, the benefits you get from AirPods, including  noise cancellation and up to 30 hours of total listening time.

The choice for music snobs: 

Bose QuietComfort Headphones ($362.99)

Our editors have tested a lot of over-ear headphones (including the AirPods Max), and we always come back to these for comfort on long flights or long walks. The quality is up to Bose standards with insanely good noise cancellation, and we love the “Aware Mode” option to add in ambient noise. 

Make the Most of Your Money With Skimm+

The difference between wealthy people and the rest of us isn’t just their paychecks. It’s how they think. Over on Skimm+, we built a guide to building wealth from scratch — with advice from top financial pros.

Here’s a sneak peek, three mindset shifts experts say help wealthy people keep and grow their money:

• They treat money as a tool, not a stressor. It's less about spending or saving — more about making their money work for them.

• They mix safe bets with smart risks. Along with things like stocks and real estate, they’re willing to take bigger swings (like hedge funds or venture capital) — in ways that can pay off faster.

• They don’t stop at the 401(k). They stack other tools like brokerage accounts, trusts, and insurance to give themselves more options (and tax breaks) later.

To learn more, including tips from other Skimmers and checklists and templates to help you build your wealth, check out Skimm+.

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