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Shutdown delays jobs report as hiring slows: 3 moves to protect your wallet
Yahia Barakah October 3, 2025 at 5:39 PM
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Shutdown delays jobs report as hiring slows: 3 moves to protect your wallet (Andy Sacks via Getty Images)
Today should've been "jobs Friday" — the first Friday of the month when the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases critical employment data. Instead, the agency sits dark due to the government shutdown that began on Wednesday. The September jobs report is delayed indefinitely until Congress reaches a funding deal.
Without official government numbers, we're left piecing together clues. Payroll processor ADP reported Wednesday that the U.S. economy lost 32,000 jobs in September — far below the 45,000 jobs economists expected it to add. August's numbers were revised down, too, from 54,000 jobs added to 3,000 jobs lost.
The job market was already struggling before the shutdown. In early September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that 911,000 jobs previously reported never actually materialized — the largest revision since records began in 2000. August hiring was the weakest since 2010, and long-term unemployment jumped by 385,000 compared to last year.
This economic data is more than just numbers, as it can impact your everyday life and finances in various ways. Let's take a closer look at why they matter and what they mean for you.
Why employment numbers matter
Jobs reports serve as one of the economy's report cards. When companies hire consistently, it means they're confident about future growth. When hiring slows or stops, trouble often follows — think recessions, business closures and widespread unemployment.
These numbers drive major economic decisions, especially at the Federal Reserve. Congress gave the Fed two main jobs: keep people employed and keep inflation under control. When job growth stalls, the Fed typically cuts interest rates to encourage more hiring.
But the Fed faces a tricky situation right now. The central bank already cut rates in September and is expected to cut again at its October meeting. However, continuing to slash rates to boost hiring could make inflation worse by making borrowing cheaper and increasing spending. With inflation still hovering above the Fed's 2% target, the central bank has to walk a tightrope — and they're doing it without one of its most important data points due to the shutdown.
How the jobs data gets collected and revised
The monthly jobs numbers you hear about aren't set in stone. They go through multiple rounds of revisions as the Bureau of Labor Statistics gets more complete information. Here's how the process works:
Monthly surveys. The BLS surveys about 60,000 businesses each month, but only 43% respond by the deadline. They use statistical models to estimate what non-responders might report.
Regular revisions. Numbers get twice more as additional responses come in over the following months.
Annual benchmark. Once a year, the BLS checks its estimates against unemployment insurance tax records from 11 million workplaces — nearly every employer in the U.S.. This comprehensive review often reveals some gaps.
In simple terms, the monthly approach gives faster information, but the annual review provides the complete picture.
Learn more: The Fed rate cut: 5 ways lower rates will affect your wallet
What a jobs slowdown means for you
A weakening labor market can influence your job, everyday expenses and overall finances in several ways.
1. It could be harder to find a job (or get a raise)
Weak hiring could mean fewer opportunities for you to switch jobs or negotiate a higher salary or better employment terms. The number of people who've been out of work for six months climbed by 385,000 over the past year — a sign that finding work is taking longer than usual.
2. Gas and groceries cost more
Rising inflation hits your wallet directly as higher prices at the grocery store, gas station and everywhere else you spend money. The most recent inflation reading revealed a 0.3% increase in prices in June alone, pushing annual inflation to 2.7% — well above the Fed's 2% target.
Food costs have been particularly painful for the average American household, rising 3.0% from last year, with eggs increasing a whopping 27.3%, while rent and housing climbed 3.8% annually.
3. Your savings will earn less interest
Banks typically lower the rates they pay to savers when the Fed reduces its key rate, meaning you'll earn less interest on your money over time. Those high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) and certificates of deposit (CDs) paying out 4% APY aren't likely to last long after another Fed cut.
The Fed meets again on October 28 and 29, and most economists expect another quarter-point rate cut — even without the September jobs report.
Learn more: How the Fed rate affects every type of bank account
How to prepare for the months ahead
Making these three key money moves right now can help you stay ahead of whatever comes next.
1. Build a strong emergency fund
When employment slows, an accessible emergency fund is an essential safety net. Financial experts typically recommend three to six months of expenses, but if you're worried about losing your job, you might want eight to 12 months in a flexible account — like a high-yield savings account earning 10 times that of your everyday account — for extra peace of mind. It could buy you time to find the best fit rather than take the first job offer that comes along.
Learn more: How to build an emergency fund
2. Lock in today's highest CD rates
While Fed rate cuts seem inevitable, you can get ahead of lower yields by locking in today's highest rates on certificates of deposit. Right now, you can find CDs offering rates of 4% APY or higher on terms of six months or longer.
Or consider laddering your CDs with different maturity dates so you're not locked into one rate for too long. For example, you might split your savings between six-month, nine-month and 12-month CDs. This strategy gives you access to some money every few months while capturing today's higher rates before they drop.
Learn more: What to do when your CD matures
3. Get ahead of higher prices
Inflation may continue climbing as businesses pass along to consumers higher costs resulting from tariffs and other economic pressures. It means your money is likely to lose some of its value every month it's earning less than the inflation rate.
Take time to audit your spending and find where costs are quietly climbing. Start with your monthly expenses, like phone plans, streaming services and auto insurance, calling each company to ask for lower rates. If you don't get the answer you want, shop around for cheaper alternatives.
Consider putting some of your savings in diversified stock market funds, which have historically outpaced inflation over the long term. Work with a financial advisor to determine what assets make the most sense for your budget and financial goals.
Learn more: How I started investing with just $100 — and why you shouldn't wait
More stories about the Fed and your personal finance -
How the Federal Reserve affects mortgage rates
How to prepare for a Fed rate cut (and 4 money moves you should avoid)
Top banking mistakes that could be costing you money
8 money lessons from the 2008 Great Recession that apply today
5 smart moves after you've hit $10,000 in savings
Editorial disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes and not investment advice or a recommendation to buy any specific asset or adopt any particular investment strategy. Independently research products and strategies before making any investment decision.
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