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In October 2025, some people who get both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may see three payments land in their bank accounts. This isn't a bonus or mistake—it’s just due to how the calendar works. Normally, SSI payments arrive on the first of the month. But since November 1 falls on a Saturday in 2025, the government will send that SSI payment early—on October 31. People may also get their usual Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits sometime in the middle of the month, based on their birthdate. So if someone qualifies for both programs, they could get an SSI payment on October 1, a Social Security payment mid-month, and another SSI payment on October 31. It’s all part of the Social Security Administration’s normal scheduling to avoid weekends.

Many American households are feeling uncertain about the economy, even though inflation has slightly gone down. A recent survey by The Conference Board showed that people expect prices to keep rising by around 5.8% over the next year—much higher than what was normal before the pandemic. As a result, more people are worried about a possible recession, and some even believe the U.S. is already in one. Because of these concerns, fewer people are planning big purchases like cars or vacations. However, interest in buying homes has surprisingly increased, despite continued worries about inflation and the economy. Overall, confidence in personal finances is dropping, and many families are feeling the pressure.

In July 2025, Americans increased their spending by 0.5%, surprising many experts and showing new confidence among wealthier households. This boost in spending came mainly from people who felt more secure thanks to rising home values and gains in the stock market. They spent more on non-essential items like vacations, luxury goods, and private healthcare. While this helped certain parts of the economy grow, it also highlighted a divide—many others are still cautious due to ongoing inflation and uncertainty about future interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve. As a result, Americans are now rethinking how they manage their money, balancing between enjoying life and saving for an uncertain future.

In the fall of 2025, U.S. consumers are still spending money at a steady pace, even though inflation remains high and the job market is starting to slow down. In August, inflation-adjusted spending went up for the third month in a row, rising by 0.4%. Most of that growth came from people buying non-essential items like home furnishings, clothes, and recreational goods. Spending on services also went up, thanks in part to lower prices on products like RVs and major appliances. However, even though wages grew slightly, the growth was slower than in the previous month, making experts question how long consumers can keep spending at this rate. Meanwhile, inflation continues to hover above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, reaching 2.7% in August.