Are You There, Economy? We Just Want to Talk
If the 2025 economy were a new coworker, now’s when we’d drag them away from their desk, shove an extra-large sugary coffee in their hand, and ask: Are you holding up OK?
Then, sipping our own, we’d quietly ask ourselves: Am I holding up OK?
The answer to both? It’s complicated. Here’s the latest on the economy’s recent shenanigans and what, if anything, you should do in response:
The stock market
Overall, the market is up since the beginning of the year. But a shockingly cheap (allegedly), surprisingly reliable AI model from Chinese firm DeepSeek led to the biggest one-day US stock plunge for a single company in history. In 24 hours, the US chipmaker Nvidia, which makes the type of chip that the AI industry thought was essential to building sophisticated models, lost 17% of its value — $589 billion. Investors were not happy.
What it means for you: If you’ve got a 401(k) or investment portfolio, this is your reminder that fluctuations are normal, and it’s generally not a good idea to make any panic-based decisions. If AI stocks are a big part of your holdings, consider checking in with an advisor.
Interest rates
President Trump has said he would “demand” lower interest rates, but so far, the Fed is holding them steady.
What it means for you: If you haven’t already, it’s time to tackle high-interest debt. Also make sure your credit score is in good shape, so you’re poised to take advantage of better borrowing opportunities when rates do drop.
Grocery prices
President Trump campaigned on lower prices at the checkout, and Vice President JD Vance recently said they’re “going to come down, but it’s going to take a bit of time.” Mexico and Canada are top agricultural suppliers, which means recently implemented tariffs could raise prices of grocery store staples like avocados, cereal, tropical fruits, dairy, juice and tomatoes. Egg prices are making headlines too, but that’s more about avian flu than overall inflation — which isn’t exactly reassuring.
What it means for you: Shop sales, engage in meal-planning, and swap pricey items for more affordable ingredients.
Gas prices
Canada and Mexico account for 70% of crude oil imports to the US, so fuel prices could climb quickly with new tariffs.
What it means for you: Download a gas rewards app. Also, consider signing up for a gas rewards program.
Student loans
On the campaign trail, President Trump hinted at canceling certain forgiveness initiatives. As for the income-driven repayment program SAVE, it’s been on hold since mid-2024 and its fate remains unclear under the new administration.
What it means for you: If forgiveness programs are axed, borrowers could be on the hook for their entire bill. Using SAVE? Keep a close eye on when — or, more likely, if — the program resumes and prepare for higher monthly payments as a contingency.
All of which is to say: lots could happen. At least it's not January.
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How do I reach out to my network and tell them I’m looking for a job without sounding desperate or triggering the gossip mill that I want to leave my current position? — Job Hunting, But Make it Chill
FEATURED EXPERT:
Sabina Nawaz
C-Suite coach and author of the forthcoming book You’re the Boss: Becoming the Manager You Want to Be (And Others Need)
First things first: Yes, people will talk, and there’s a decent chance your manager could hear whispers that you’re on the job market, says Nawaz. Here’s how she recommends minimizing the gossip and scoring the role you’re after.
Stay in permanent interview mode. Make sure your LinkedIn is updated and keyword-friendly at all times. A sudden profile glow-up could tip off your current org that you’re on the market. Same goes for how you appear at work. If you look like you rolled out of bed on regular days, but show up with a blowdry and tailored blazer on a random Tuesday, it screams “interview!” while also making it clear you’re checked out of the job that’s actually paying you.
Don’t overexplain to your network — they know the drill. You don’t need to turn a quick LinkedIn message into a TED Talk on your upcoming career pivot. A simple “Hey, you’ve been on my mind. Want to grab lunch and catch up?” does the trick. They likely know why you’re getting in touch, and if they have intel on openings, they’ll spill.
Expect to hit a nerve. Managers are human, which means they’ll probably feel some type of way if they find out you’re interviewing. “When I was a manager, if I heard a report was interviewing, I would get a little worked up,” admits Nawaz. “But I also knew: Nothing is forever, and at the end of the day, I want people to reach their goals.” If you get caught, don’t spiral. Be honest, but tactful: “Yes, I’ve been exploring opportunities, and I’m also committed to doing my best work here and am excited about [insert upcoming event.]”
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Can Four Hours a Year Add Up to a Promotion?
What it is: Taking 20 minutes a month to chronicle your work wins.
How it works: Set up a Google Doc or grab a notebook and spend 20 minutes at the end of the month writing down everything you accomplished. Think: projects you led, times you saved the day (or saved the company cash), or occasions you performed duties beyond your job description. Whenever review season rolls around, you’ll have a solid list of data points to prove you’re ready for a raise. BTW, experts say doing this once a month is a sweet spot. Every day or every week is too granular, and every quarter may make you miss out on the smaller wins that still add up to a major impact.
Why we love it:
Also protects you when things aren’t going well. Use it to defend your job performance, or to prove your value if you’re worried about job cuts.
Turns resume updates and LinkedIn posts into a five-minute task instead of a full weekend project.
Helps you spot patterns: Maybe you’re consistently solving the same kind of problems or stepping up for cross-department tasks — aka negotiation leverage.
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