Elizabeth Ayoola

And with federal grants being cut for community services, like food pantries, for instance, I'm not sure the answer is yes.

It might sound a little bit cliche, but people should really focus on what's within their control, namely their saving and their spending. I think most of us, myself included, have varying levels of anxiety about the future of the economy and our place within it. But there's really only so much we as individuals can do in this moment.

It might sound a little bit cliche, but people should really focus on what's within their control, namely their saving and their spending. I think most of us, myself included, have varying levels of anxiety about the future of the economy and our place within it. But there's really only so much we as individuals can do in this moment.

It might sound a little bit cliche, but people should really focus on what's within their control, namely their saving and their spending. I think most of us, myself included, have varying levels of anxiety about the future of the economy and our place within it. But there's really only so much we as individuals can do in this moment.

So the primary thing I would recommend is to revisit your emergency fund. And I know that's something you guys talk about a lot on the podcast. But having easily accessible emergency savings can be useful whether you have an unexpected expense like a medical bill or something as serious as a job loss. You know, ideally, you have several months of living expenses saved up.

So the primary thing I would recommend is to revisit your emergency fund. And I know that's something you guys talk about a lot on the podcast. But having easily accessible emergency savings can be useful whether you have an unexpected expense like a medical bill or something as serious as a job loss. You know, ideally, you have several months of living expenses saved up.

So the primary thing I would recommend is to revisit your emergency fund. And I know that's something you guys talk about a lot on the podcast. But having easily accessible emergency savings can be useful whether you have an unexpected expense like a medical bill or something as serious as a job loss. You know, ideally, you have several months of living expenses saved up.

But this can be a tall order, especially if you're starting with nothing. So don't be afraid to start small. Focusing on this safeguard doesn't only result in real insulation from financial shocks, but it can provide a sense of control in this time when everything feels a little chaotic.

But this can be a tall order, especially if you're starting with nothing. So don't be afraid to start small. Focusing on this safeguard doesn't only result in real insulation from financial shocks, but it can provide a sense of control in this time when everything feels a little chaotic.

But this can be a tall order, especially if you're starting with nothing. So don't be afraid to start small. Focusing on this safeguard doesn't only result in real insulation from financial shocks, but it can provide a sense of control in this time when everything feels a little chaotic.

Absolutely. Thanks for having me back.

Absolutely. Thanks for having me back.

Absolutely. Thanks for having me back.

Sure thing. Up next, we answer a listener's question about managing their health savings account. But before we get into that, a reminder, listener, to send us your money questions. Do you want to know the smartest way to budget for your summer vacation? Or are you in the market for a new credit card but aren't sure how to find one that's best for you?

Sure thing. Up next, we answer a listener's question about managing their health savings account. But before we get into that, a reminder, listener, to send us your money questions. Do you want to know the smartest way to budget for your summer vacation? Or are you in the market for a new credit card but aren't sure how to find one that's best for you?

Sure thing. Up next, we answer a listener's question about managing their health savings account. But before we get into that, a reminder, listener, to send us your money questions. Do you want to know the smartest way to budget for your summer vacation? Or are you in the market for a new credit card but aren't sure how to find one that's best for you?

Leave us a voicemail or text us on the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373. That's 901-730-NERD. or email us at podcast at nerdwallet.com.

Leave us a voicemail or text us on the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373. That's 901-730-NERD. or email us at podcast at nerdwallet.com.

Leave us a voicemail or text us on the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373. That's 901-730-NERD. or email us at podcast at nerdwallet.com.

To help us answer this listener's money question, we have Kate Ashford, NerdWallet's Medicare and Health Insurance Authority. Welcome to Smart Money, Kate. Always happy to be here, Elizabeth. First of all, can you explain what a health savings account is for listeners who don't know much about it? I will say that I love HSAs for their triple tax benefit.