💸 “Slash or Crash:

Hey America,

Let’s just say it — this economy is trash. Eggs cost more than concert tickets, rent’s a joke, and somehow you're spending $900 a month on “just the basics.” It’s not just you — it’s all of us.

That’s why I whipped up a real-life, no-BS checklist to help you stop the money hemorrhage and start making smarter moves fast.

🧾 BUDGET SURVIVAL CHECKLIST

Cut Costs Before They Cut You

🔍 Step 1: Audit Your Financial Life

☐ Review your bank/credit card statements
☐ Cancel all those forgotten subscriptions (yes, even that meditation app)
☐ Call and negotiate lower rates on bills (they can’t say no if you don’t ask)

🛒 Step 2: Grocery Store Game Plan

☐ Shop with a list (not your hungry stomach)
☐ Buy store brand — your taste buds won't know
☐ Bulk buy essentials, not nonsense
☐ Avoid “quick trips” — that’s where budgets go to die

💡 Step 3: Cut Utility Bills Without Going Full Caveman

☐ Turn off lights/devices you’re not using
☐ Adjust your thermostat — wear socks, not resentment
☐ Line dry when possible
☐ Swap to LED bulbs and use smart plugs

📱 Step 4: The Upgrade Mentality Must Die

☐ Keep your tech until it keels over
☐ Buy refurbished if needed
☐ Say no to "buy now, cry later" payment plans

🚗 Step 5: Tame the Money Pit on Wheels

☐ Drive less, walk more
☐ Learn basic car care (YouTube > $300 mechanic visit)
☐ Use fuel rewards
☐ Buy used if you’re car shopping — never new

💳 Step 6: Debt Is the New Jail

☐ Pay credit cards in full — or stop using them
☐ Call to negotiate lower interest
☐ Consider a 0% balance transfer to breathe

🎉 Step 7: Self-Care ≠ Self-Sabotage

☐ Limit eating out (restaurants don’t deserve you right now)
☐ Find free fun — remember outside? It’s free.
☐ Stick to a “fun budget”
☐ Host potlucks instead of dropping $100 on sushi

💼 Step 8: If You Can’t Cut More, Make More

☐ Sell stuff online — become a minimalist with money
☐ Start a side hustle or gig
☐ Monetize your hobbies (people will pay for weird stuff)
☐ Offer freelance services (you’ve got skills, use ‘em)

🧠 Final Pep Talk

This isn’t about deprivation. It’s about taking back control while the world’s losing its mind. Stop spending like the economy’s fine. It’s not. Budget like your future depends on it — because it does.

📢 Forward this to someone who needs a financial reality check — or tape it to your fridge and get to work. ~RS

Here are some major news stories from April 22 to April 30, 2025:

🕊️ Funeral of Pope Francis

On April 26, Pope Francis was laid to rest in St. Peter’s Square. The funeral was attended by delegations from 164 countries, including 82 world leaders, and approximately 250,000 members of the public. The ceremony honored his legacy and marked the end of his 12-year papacy. ​Wikipedia

⚡ Massive Power Outage in Iberian Peninsula

On April 28, a significant blackout affected Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and parts of southern France. The outage disrupted public transport, communication systems, hospitals, and banking services. Spanish authorities reported a sudden loss of 15 gigawatts—60% of national demand—in just five seconds. The cause remains under investigation, with initial reports suggesting a generation failure rather than a cyberattack. ​The Washington Post+3The Guardian+3Wikipedia+3

🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Election Results

On April 28, the Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, won reelection for a fourth time, forming a minority government. The election results reflect continued support for the Liberals amidst various national challenges. ​Wikipedia

🏈 2025 NFL Draft Highlights

The 2025 NFL Draft took place from April 24 to 26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Tennessee Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward as the first overall pick. Other top selections included Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. ​

🏟️ Washington Commanders Announce New Stadium

On April 28, the Washington Commanders, in partnership with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, announced plans to build a new $3+ billion domed stadium on the site of the former RFK Stadium. The project aims to revitalize the area and is expected to open by 2030, pending City Council approval. ​Hogs Haven

📸 White House Correspondents' Dinner 2025

The annual White House Correspondents' Dinner was held on April 26 in Washington, D.C. This year's event was more subdued, notably missing President Donald Trump and the usual comedic host. The focus shifted to honoring journalism and supporting future journalists through scholarships and mentoring. ​People.com

🌪️ Severe Weather in the U.S.

Between April 27 and 28, a series of tornadoes struck the Midwest and parts of the South, including an EF2 tornado in Nebraska that derailed a freight train. The Storm Prediction Center had issued moderate risk warnings for severe weather in regions spanning from Oklahoma to Minnesota. ​Wikipedia