The government has reopened, but the financial recovery for federal employees is just beginning; we walk you through exactly what to expect with back pay timing and what to do with that lump sum. This episode details essential steps for managing the temporary debts and credit card bills accrued during the shutdown, including contacting creditors and consolidating emergency loans. Finally, we discuss how to rebuild your emergency fund and financially prepare for future uncertainty by stress-testing your budget against the risk of another political impasse.