Podcast Summary: What We Spend – Episode: Surviving DOGE

Introduction

In the August 6, 2025 episode of What We Spend, hosted by Audacy, listeners are introduced to Scotty, a 39-year-old federal employee navigating the precarious financial landscape of Washington, D.C. This episode delves deep into Scotty's personal finances, fears, and coping mechanisms during a tumultuous period marked by government layoffs and economic uncertainty.

Profile of the Guest: Scotty

Scotty, a multifaceted individual, has dedicated seven years to working within a domestic federal agency in Washington, D.C. With a robust academic background, including a full ride through undergrad and grad school and a stint as a Fulbright Scholar, Scotty is fluent in five languages and has a longstanding passion for international relations and public policy. Despite his impressive credentials, Scotty chooses to keep his specific job and agency confidential, focusing instead on his experiences and financial journey.

The Context: Government Layoffs in D.C.

At the heart of Scotty's story are the recent waves of federal government layoffs that have sent ripples through the D.C. community. These layoffs have not only instilled fear about job security but also disrupted long-term financial plans for many, including Scotty. As Kristen Bell notes, Scotty was "in the eye of the hurricane or had it somehow skipped over him," leading to a state of limbo where future security is uncertain.

Scotty's Financial Situation

• Income and Expenses: Scotty earns an annual pre-tax salary of $120,000. Residing in D.C. proper, he shares a three-bedroom apartment with two roommates, paying $667 monthly for rent. Additional monthly expenses include $150 for utilities, $50 for Wi-Fi, $400 for groceries, $125 for car insurance, $80 for gas, $45 for his phone bill, $300 sent to his parents, $65 for a gym membership, $55 for streaming services, and $2,100 for entertainment. This meticulous breakdown highlights Scotty's ability to manage a substantial income while balancing personal and familial obligations.

• Housing Aspirations and Challenges: Originally, Scotty aspired to purchase a modest home in D.C., setting a budget between $200,000 to $250,000 with the intention of allocating 20% for a down payment. However, escalating property prices and the uncertainty of his job have impeded this goal. As Scotty reflects, "The opportunities that exist are far and few between," underscoring the financial barriers he faces despite his stable income.

A Week in Scotty's Financial Diary

Scotty documented his finances over a week, providing a window into his spending habits and emotional state.

• Day 1 – $0 Spend: Scotty began his week by emphasizing frugality, spending nothing on food due to his meal prep routine. "I did not spend anything on food today," he shared, highlighting his disciplined approach to budgeting.

• Day 2 – $0 Spend: Continuing his streak, Scotty attended a challenging board meeting concerning federal hiring freezes, resulting in emotional discussions about job security. "I do not spend anything today," Scotty noted, maintaining his financial restraint amidst external stressors.

• Day 3 – $812.01 Spend: A day marked by significant spending as Scotty invested $723 in a new suit for officiating two upcoming weddings. Additionally, interactions with colleagues about the difficulty of affording homes in D.C. led to further expenditures on groceries and social meals.

• Day 4 – $139 Spend: After attending a Pride Night event, Scotty spent $139 on alcohol and transportation, reflecting a temporary release of financial caution in a communal setting. "These streets are crazy right now," Scotty observed, indicating a social shift among his peers.

• Day 5 – $140.66 Spend: Embracing spontaneity, Scotty indulged in vending machine snacks and brunch outings, spending $140.66. This day showcased his internal conflict between financial prudence and the urge to enjoy the present amidst uncertainty.

• Day 6 – $116.82 Spend: A routine day involving grocery shopping and a trip to Baltimore for a friend's party resulted in $116.82 in expenditures. Here, Scotty grappled with the practicality of housing decisions influenced by commuting constraints.

• Day 7 – $1,258 Spend: The final day of his diary saw Scotty splurge on multiple brunches and support for friends with children, culminating in a total weekly spend of $1,258. "I feel like some people may judge," Scotty confessed, revealing his awareness of societal expectations versus personal financial decisions.

Emotional Responses and Insights

Throughout the week, Scotty's diaries reveal a spectrum of emotions—from anxiety over potential job loss to moments of carefree enjoyment. He grapples with the dichotomy of "seize the day" versus securing his future. As Scotty poignantly states, "Why am I not able to get a house? Some people may judge... but being priced out of houses is something that's weighing heavily on me." This internal struggle underscores the broader theme of balancing present happiness with future security in an unstable economic environment.

Conclusion: Future Plans and Reflections

As the week concludes, Scotty remains uncertain about his path forward. While his job feels more secure "as long as I can," the ever-increasing property prices in D.C. and the lingering threat of layoffs cast a shadow over his long-term ambitions. Scotty remains committed to his community and work, yet acknowledges the need to "do that research" regarding real estate in the future. His journey epitomizes the challenges faced by many in high-cost urban centers amidst financial instability.

Notable Quotes

• “I definitely had a stereotype of like, well, I'm in the federal government. There will always be a federal government in some form. Right? So like, let's just call that 75% of like, oh well, I'm mostly good...” (01:37)

• “Why are you here if you're not doing your job? Like, how many jobs exist outside of that? None.” (26:50)

• “I feel like some people may judge and say, like, well, you're just running around... but, you know, being priced out of houses is something that's weighing heavily on me.” (36:10)

Final Thoughts

What We Spend masterfully captures the nuanced financial landscape of a D.C. federal employee amidst economic uncertainty. Scotty's candid reflections offer listeners an authentic glimpse into the balancing act between enjoying the present and safeguarding the future. This episode not only highlights personal financial strategies but also underscores the broader societal and economic factors influencing individual financial decisions.

For more stories like Scotty's and to share your own spending journey, join the conversation by reaching out to What We Spend at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com.