You Are Perfectly Designed- Week 32

Welcome to Week 31 of You Are Perfectly Designed,

Our weekly space for people seeking purpose, wealth and second chances. Our journey has reached a point where global headlines feel like storms. A government shutdown in the United States has furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers and could weigh on economic growth, while a new round of tariffs has sent Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies tumbling. Even as the Federal Reserve cuts short‑term rates, sticky inflation and record government debt have kept longer‑dated yields high and mortgage rates near the mid‑6% range. Yet challenges are also opportunities. We were designed to thrive in the storm, not just survive it.

Calm During the Shutdown

On October 1, 2025, Republicans and Democrats failed to pass a spending bill and the U.S. federal government entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years. Most non‑essential services have been suspended, and hundreds of thousands of federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay. Economists caution that a prolonged shutdown could weigh on GDP and affect markets, including inflation‑linked products. A Reuters survey notes that long‑term Treasury yields remain elevated despite expected Fed rate cuts because investors demand extra compensation for persistent inflation and swelling deficits.

What does this mean for us? In the short run it may be harder to obtain economic data and government services, but it also reminds us of the importance of having our own cash buffer and multiple income streams. Maintaining two years’ worth of cash for living expenses provides safety and lets you ride out market turbulence without selling assets . When the tide eventually turns, those who stayed patient often benefit most.

Opportunity in the Crypto Slump

Cryptocurrency markets have been just as stormy. On October 10, Bitcoin fell 8.4 % to about $104,782 after President Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports. Four days later, it slid to around $110,023.78 as U.S.–China tensions intensified and exchanges automatically liquidated leveraged positions. Ether and other alt‑coins also dropped sharply. Volatility frightens many investors, yet for disciplined buyers with a long‑term view, price declines create entry points. As always, never invest money you cannot afford to lose; digital assets remain speculative and should be a small part of a diversified portfolio.

Navigating Rising Interest Rates

Even with the Fed’s target rate at 4.00 %–4.25 % after a recent 25‑basis‑point cut, the 10‑year Treasury yield has climbed from 3.8 % to roughly 4.2 % since last year. Mortgage rates briefly fell below 6.13 % in September but remain near 6.30 %. Economists expect the 10‑year yield to hover around 4 %–4.17 % over the next year. Meanwhile, the government’s interest payments have ballooned: in fiscal year 2024 net interest costs reached $880 billion, up 34 % from 2023.

High yields can feel like headwinds, but they also mean safer assets (like Treasury bills or high‑yield savings accounts) now offer more attractive returns. Consider laddering certificates of deposit or buying Treasury bills inside tax‑advantaged accounts. Review your debt: paying down high‑interest credit cards or refinancing adjustable loans can free up cash flow. A balanced portfolio that mixes stocks, bonds, real estate and cash can withstand rate swings.

Wealth‑Building Action Plan

1. Build your emergency fund. Experts recommend saving three to six months of living expenses in a highly liquid account. Automate contributions so the fund grows consistently.

2. Diversify your income. A single paycheck is risky in any economy. Consider freelance projects, passive income from rentals or dividends, or turning a hobby into an online business. Multiple streams provide resilience during layoffs or furloughs.

3. Review and rebalance your investments. Don’t panic‑sell when markets dip; instead ensure your portfolio is diversified across asset classes and includes defensive positions such as consumer staples or inflation‑protected bonds . Rebalance at least annually to stay aligned with your goals.

4. Think outside the box. Economic downturns often hide unexpected opportunities. Forbes notes that maintaining a cash buffer, investing for the long term and staying alert to falling inflation can lead to profitable surprises. Those with multiple revenue sources often fare better.

Closing Reflections

Wealth is not just a number; it’s a state of mind anchored in faith. The storms swirling around us shutdowns, crypto crashes, rising interest rates invite panic, but we know better. When we stay prayed up and connected to our higher power, we gain clarity. By calmly building cash reserves, diversifying our income and investing with wisdom, we turn crises into stepping‑stones. Remember, you are perfectly designed to weather the storm and emerge stronger. Keep the faith, stay calm and keep building.