The Economy Isn’t Thriving: The Real Struggles Families Face

This morning on The Powerhouse Roundtable, Reince Priebus claimed that “our economy is doing really well.” I wish that were true. I wish I could say that families aren’t struggling, that jobs are plentiful, and that the future looks bright. But the facts tell a different story, one that too many households are living through every day. I was truly shocked at these statements. I don’t usually post on Sundays but I just ha to set the record straight for my readers.

What We’re Hearing

When political figures say the economy is strong, they often point to the stock market or high-level GDP numbers. On paper, that can look like success. But for the average American family, those numbers don’t always match reality.

What the Facts Say

1. Job Growth Has Slowed to a Crawl

In August, the U.S. added only 22,000 jobs, a far cry from the hundreds of thousands added earlier this year. The unemployment rate climbed to 4.3%, the highest since 2021. Layoffs are hitting multiple sectors, from retail to tech, and even highly skilled workers are finding it harder to land a job. Current Numbers (as of August 2025)

The U-6 rate, which includes discouraged workers, marginally attached workers, and underemployed individuals, stands at approximately 8.1% for August 2025. FREDInvesting.comTrading Economics. This is a more accurate number for what is happening in the job market and that number is revealing a weaker job market then when we say 4.3%!

ReutersThe GuardianMarketWatch

 Washington Post: Layoffs mount as hiring slows

 AP News: US hiring slowed sharply in August

2. Recession Risks Are Mounting

Economists estimate a 71% chance the U.S. was already in recession earlier this year. Even if we aren’t officially there, many of the six primary indicators used to define one are trending negative.

 Financial Times: Is the US already in a recession?

3. Experts Warn We’re “Very Close” to a Downturn

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, has warned that the U.S. economy is “very close to a recession”, with nearly a third of states already in or on the verge of downturn.

Times of India: Moody’s chief economist warns US close to recession

4. Structural Cracks Are Appearing

The three pillars of the U.S. economy, full employment, low inflation, and the dollar’s global strength, are showing signs of stress. Rising deficits, longer job searches, and weakening investor confidence all suggest deep structural issues.

 The Times (UK): Cracks emerge in the American economy

5. 

The Federal Reserve Is Signaling Concern

The Fed doesn’t cut rates when the economy is strong, it cuts rates when things are cooling. With hiring slowing and trade tensions rising, the Fed is openly considering easing to keep the economy afloat. That is not the move of a booming economy.

 MarketWatch: Fed’s Williams signals openness to rate cuts

 Kiplinger: Dismal August jobs report boosts chance of Fed cuts

Why This Matters

It’s easy for those in positions of power to brush off the struggles of ordinary people. But when jobs are harder to find, groceries cost more, and bills keep climbing, it doesn’t feel like “the economy is doing really well.”

As families, we live in the reality, not the headlines. We budget, we cut back, and we try to prepare for uncertainty. And right now, the uncertainty is heavy.

A Heart-to-Heart

If you’re feeling stretched, you’re not alone. The truth is, many households are hanging on by sheer resilience. When leaders say everything is fine, it can feel dismissive of the real challenges we face. That’s why it’s important to look past the sound bites and into the data.

The facts matter, because they give us the clarity we need to prepare, to push for better policy, and to take care of each other.