A government shutdown can significantly impact you in various ways, causing disruptions and hardships across different aspects of daily life. There are many notable ways a government shutdown can hurt citizens financially so it's always smart to be prepared if Washington does not reach a decision.

1. Federal Employee Furloughs: Many federal employees are placed on unpaid leave or furloughed during a shutdown. This affects various sectors such as national parks, museums, regulatory agencies, and more, disrupting services and causing financial strain for affected workers.
   

2.  Delayed or Reduced Services: During a shutdown, government services may be delayed or reduced. This can affect essential services like food assistance programs, IRS operations, housing assistance, and small business loans.
   

3.  Economic Impact: A shutdown can have a negative effect on the economy, causing disruptions to businesses that contract with the government and affecting consumer confidence. It can lead to financial uncertainty, impacting investments, job creation, and economic growth.
   

4.  Delayed Payments and Benefits: Individuals who receive government assistance, such as Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare, may experience delays in payments or processing of benefits during a shutdown, causing financial strain and uncertainty for recipients.

Overall, a government shutdown affects citizens' daily lives, financial stability, access to essential services, and overall confidence in the government's ability to function efficiently. Always be prepared financially in case a spending deal is not reached in Congress so you’re not impacted by a shutdown.