The Federal Government is the largest employer in the United States, employing more people than some of the largest public companies in the nation. The Pew Research Center reports that the U.S. Postal Service alone would be among the top 10 largest private-sector employers if it were a private company.1
While the unemployment rate is currently lower than the long-term average of 5.68 percent, as of this writing, mass layoffs and firings of Federal workers by the current administration had already begun. 2,3
We can’t predict what this will do to the unemployment rate and the ability to land a job in the private sector, but what we do know is that tens of thousands of workers in the largest employer in the country are being laid off or have taken the option for a buyout.4
So unemployment might be a reality for many people right now. And facing unemployment can be a daunting experience, but preparation and a proactive approach can make all the difference.
Here are some tips for navigating unemployment:
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- Take care of your mental health. Don’t wallow in shame and learn how to practice self-compassion, reports Forbes. Take the necessary time to mourn and feel what you feel, but remember the things you liked and didn’t like about your role to figure out what you really want in your next role.5
- Have a routine. Make sure to structure your days in a routine. Still wake up and do your morning routine and focus on applying for jobs you would be a good fit for. Incorporate self-care activities in your routine and ensure you don’t just spend the entire day on your computer. Incorporate networking events, also, which might be a good source of job prospects.5
- Enhance your skills. Take online courses—whether on LinkedIn or MasterClass—to sharpen your skills and learn new ones.5
When it comes to financial planning for a period of unemployment, you can make a budget for the transition. Reduce discretionary spending to stretch your savings further. Also, ensure you apply for unemployment and continuing insurance coverage if you are eligible. It’s critically important to have support during this time. If you’ve been impacted by job loss, and you want to go over your budget and benefit options, get in touch with us.
Remember—take care of yourself through self-care activities, whether that’s exercising, practicing mindfulness, or spending quality time with loved ones. Unemployment doesn’t define your worth—it’s temporary. Keep your focus on the end goal and celebrate small victories along the way, like securing an interview or connecting with a potential employer. With preparation, determination, and resilience, you can successfully navigate this challenging time and step confidently into your next role.
Cracking the Case of ‘Eggflation’
By now, you may have seen the viral videos of Costco shoppers fighting over carts full of eggs, which eventually caused the warehouse retailer to limit egg purchases to three packages per customer.6
Egg prices have long been a symbol of affordable protein and a staple in households across the world. But recently, they’ve flown the coop and become significantly more expensive, leaving shoppers scratching their heads as they scan grocery aisles. CBS News reported that in 2019, the average price for a dozen eggs was $1.54, but the average is now nearly $5.7
Whether you’re a family stocking up for weekly meals or a business relying on eggs for your operations, there’s no denying the rising cost has hit your pocketbook. But what’s driving these changes in egg prices? Let’s take a closer look:7
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- Avian influe https://www.npr.org/2025/02/05/nx-s1-5285434/egg-prices-cheaper-vegan-alternatives nza (bird flu) outbreaks. Outbreaks of avian influenza have devastated poultry populations worldwide, significantly reducing the supply of laying hens. The disease led to the culling of millions of birds as farmers worked to control its spread. With the supply of eggs shrinking, prices naturally rose to reflect this shortfall.
- Rationing. Because of the lower supply of hens, and thus eggs, retailers and restaurants alike are rationing eggs. Costco isn’t the only retailer limiting customers—Sam’s Club shoppers can only purchase two packages and Kroger customers can only purchase two dozen.
Reports from the USDA project that egg prices will drop in this second quarter of 2025 to $2.50 a dozen and drop even further to $2.10 per dozen in the third quarter, but they are expected to remain higher than before the bird flu outbreak.8
Now might be the perfect time to try some lower-cost egg alternatives. According to NPR, options might include an egg replacement like Bob’s Red Mill, firm tofu, or Just Egg egg alternative.9
An (Egg-less) Breakfast: High-Octane Pancakes
As a result of the egg shortage and record-high egg prices, we’ll offer you a breakfast recipe that does not include the precious staple.
This recipe, from Taste of Home, provides energy, healthy ingredients, and tastiness. And with a name like “high-octane pancakes,” you will be fueled for the whole day. You won’t even miss those eggs.10
What you’ll need:
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- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
- 3 tablespoons toasted wheat germ
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup fat-free milk
- 1/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
How you’ll make these high-octane breakfast treats:
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- In a small bowl, mix the first six ingredients.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, yogurt and oil until blended. Add this mixture to flour mixture and stir just until moistened.
- Lightly coat a nonstick griddle with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- Pour batter in 1/3 cupful onto griddle.
- Cook until you see bubbles form on top of pancake.
- Flip, and then cook until second side is golden brown.
Drizzle with your favorite toppings—whether it’s sugar-free syrup or the real maple deal. Then set a timer and see how long these keep you fueled!
Are You an Egg Head about Eggs?
Let’s see what we know about eggs:11
- How many pores can one eggshell have?
a. 11,000
b. 13,000
c. 15,000
d. 17,000
- How many eggs does the average hen lay?
a. 300 to 325
b. 400 to 425
c. 500 to 525
d. 600 to 625
- As hens age, their eggs become ____.
a. Smaller
b. Larger
c. Brown
d. White
- True or False: Eggshells are only brown and white.
True
False
Quiz Answers:
- D – 17,000
- A – 300 to 325
- B – Larger
- False
Best regards,
DEAN, JACOBSON FINANCIAL SERVICES
Securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Program advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Other advisory services and investment advice offered through Dean, Jacobson Financial Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, and separate entity from LPL Financial.
