It’s supposed to be the start of the holiday season — cozy lights, warm apple cider, and all that “cheer” people like me start forcing around November to beat seasonal depression. But something about this year feels off. The alarms are going off, and everyone’s trying to pretend they don’t hear ‘em.

I had this moment the other day where I realized I’m not actually in the lowest of the low when it comes to classism — which honestly opened up my fucking eyes. For a while, I thought I was scraping by. But nah, I’m actually afloat and what’s really happening is a lot of working and middle-class folks are finally seeing how fragile stability actually is. Inflation ain’t bothering the broke because they been broke; it’s bothering the ones making money, the hustlers. Those of us who’ve been working, budgeting, and doing “everything right” just to still end up wondering where the fuck the money went.

It’s us — the working and middle class — who are really feeling this squeeze. The people who used to grab Starbucks without thinking twice, or toss a few extras in the cart “just because.” Now it’s every swipe comes with a side of anxiety. The math is not mathing, and it hasn’t been for a while because of the Orange man.

At work, we were just talking about open enrollment — and the room got quiet real fast. Health insurance prices have skyrocketed. One of my coworkers said if he re-enrolled in his current employer plan, it would be nearly $1,000 a month. He said “I feel like I’m being punished for having a family“. I sat there shaking my head, thinking what kind of system is this? Over the weekend, I started reading up on independent primary care memberships — basically doctors who’ve stopped taking/billing insurance altogether because they’re tired of the game too. Everyone’s over it. Patients, providers, all of us. It feels like we’re all paying more for less care, less security, and fewer options.

And please don’t fight me when I say this, I honestly think it’s insane that we are still trying to do these big traditional gatherings like Thanksgiving this year. Like, the economy is crumbling and y’all out here dropping $400 on groceries for one meal? No ma’am. Stay home, cook what you can, love on your family, and keep your money close. This ain’t the time for performative abundance. It’s the time for smart spending and real connection. Listen, I asked my mom if I could only contribute desserts this year, this newish mommy ain’t got it!

If you haven’t noticed, the recession isn’t on the way — it’s already here friend, loudly making its rounds through the middle class. So if you’re working hard and still feeling broke, you’re not crazy. You’re just living in reality. We’re in survival mode.

Still, I refuse to let it take away my hope. The bills might be billin’, but peace is still free. There’s something powerful about slowing down, being resourceful, and remembering that you’ve made it through worse. Take care of yourself, be smart with your money, and hold on to joy wherever you can find it — because that’s what’s gonna carry us through this storm.