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As of October 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially made the switch to fully electronic payments for all Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This means that paper checks are no longer being mailed, and payments are now only sent through direct deposit or prepaid debit cards. The change is part of a federal effort to make benefit delivery faster, safer, and less vulnerable to fraud. This update comes during a time of political tension and economic uncertainty, which has made many people—especially retirees and individuals with disabilities—worried about the stability of their income. For those relying on these benefits, knowing their payments will arrive securely and on time is more important than ever.

In 2025, Americans are planning to spend more during the holiday season, even though the economy is facing some challenges. According to a report by NerdWallet, total gift spending is expected to reach $242 billion, with people spending an average of $182 more than last year. Nearly half of U.S. adults also plan to travel, spending about $2,586 on flights and hotels. This increase in spending is partly due to higher prices caused by tariffs—taxes on imported goods—which drive up the cost of products. In fact, 65% of shoppers say they’re worried about these price increases. At the same time, many families are still feeling the effects of past financial stress, making it harder to balance holiday joy with smart budgeting.

In a recent speech, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave an update on the U.S. economy, pointing out some growing concerns. Although parts of the economy are stronger than expected, the job market is showing signs of weakness. Fewer people are joining the workforce, and immigration has slowed, leading to smaller job gains. This makes it harder for employers to hire and for workers to find new opportunities. At the same time, inflation remains a problem, with prices staying high even as the Fed works to control them. Because of a government shutdown, official jobs data has been delayed, so experts are turning to private sources to track what’s really happening. Powell’s main challenge now is balancing the fight against inflation while also keeping people employed, which is the Fed’s dual mission.

In 2025, many American families are feeling the impact of tariffs that were put in place during Donald Trump's presidency. These tariffs, which are extra taxes on imported goods, were meant to protect U.S. industries by making foreign products more expensive. However, they’ve also caused prices to rise on everyday items like coffee, smartphones, laptops, and toys. For example, laptop prices have jumped by 46% and coffee is nearly 10% more expensive. As a result, the cost of living has gone up, and the average household is now paying around $1,200 more each year. This shows how international politics and trade policies can directly affect what Americans pay at the store.

As of late 2025, inflation in the United States is still a concern despite claims from leaders that the worst is over. President Trump has said that inflation is under control, pointing to lower grocery and mortgage costs and the recent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. However, inflation remains above the Fed’s target, with consumer prices rising by 2.9% in August. Prices have gone up in three of the past four months, showing that rising costs are still affecting everyday life. New tariffs on imported goods, such as furniture, are making things more expensive, and high prices at the gas pump and grocery store remain a problem for many Americans. These economic issues are expected to play a big role in the upcoming 2026 elections.