We are on day 37 of no paycheck for my husband. We've cut all our subscriptions and have a shopping ban to make it through the shutdown.

"Most of our family's income comes from federal funds. My husband and I both have military retirement checks, and he's a federal civilian. Our retirement pensions are not affected by the government shutdown, but my husband's paycheck is. We're on day 37 without his income, and honestly, it's surreal. While our retirements and my job will get us through, the loss of a paycheck has prompted some adjustments in our spending."

"I've cut most of our subscriptions from newspapers to streaming to meal kits. I've kept a few that make sense for now, such as Walmart+, which offers free Paramount+ and discounted gas. Canceling a monthly subscription has a more immediate impact than canceling an annual plan, but I've also cut a few of those. If we have to tighten up further, I won't be surprised if I get a renewal charge I wasn't expecting."

"Haircuts, manicures, and dry cleaning aren't happening right now. We might look a little shaggy for a while, and I've been covering my gray roots with touch-up spray or telling myself I don't care. When I ran out of body wash, I pulled out a bar of fancy-smelling soap someone gave me for Christmas and popped it in my shower. And no, we aren't to the point where we can't afford soap, but I'm in frugal mode and questioning every dollar I spend. It makes me feel in control, although I know I'm not."

A veteran couple with over 50 years of service relies heavily on federal income; one spouse is a federal civilian not receiving pay during a 37-day government shutdown. Military retirement pensions remain intact and one spouse's job provides additional income, preventing loss of housing. The sudden loss of the civilian paycheck led to tightened household spending, including reduced groceries, canceled subscriptions, paused personal care services, and shopping bans. Small practical substitutions and careful monitoring of renewals create modest savings and provide emotional relief while preparing for potential longer-term tightening if the shutdown continues.

Read at Business Insider