NPR

Federal Workers Struggle To Stretch Their Money As Shutdown Lingers

Some banks and credit unions are waiving late fees or offering low-interest loans. But the longer the shutdown continues, the harder it becomes for furloughed workers and contractors to stay afloat.
Federal workers wait for food distribution to begin Saturday at a pop-up food bank in Rockville, Md. The Capital Area Food Bank is distributing free food to government employees during the shutdown.

People often confuse Brittany Sears with Britney Spears. But Sears is no multimillionaire pop star. In fact, money is tight for Sears, a federal correctional officer in Safford, Ariz.

Since the government shutdown began, Sears has kept the heat off at home, hoping to save $100 this month while she isn't getting paid.

"If it gets to about like 50 degrees or something, it gets really cold in here. I'll

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