Only a few months ago, it seemed that September could be a turning point for a return to normal in the United States. Instead, it has become a renewed period of anxiety. For many Americans, this is fast becoming the “I don’t know” economy. Business leaders don’t know when supply chains and shipping bottlenecks will subside. Parents don’t know if school or child care will be disrupted again. And many workers don’t know if they will go back to the office in the coming weeks…

Stress and uncertainty are starting to hurt the economic recovery. The number of passengers going through airport security has retreated, along with dining and hotel reservations, as people grow more cautious. All of this is happening as much of the federal government support for the economy is fading. The Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s attempt to extend the eviction moratorium, putting 750,000 families at risk of eviction, according to Goldman Sachs. And much of the unemployment aid is set to end next week, cutting off financial support to millions of people — and the broader economy.

These financial lifelines are ending as prices of many basics, like food, gas and rent are rising, further straining the budgets of low-income and middle-class Americans. Inflation is at a 13-year high, and gas prices are set to be the highest this Labor Day weekend since 2014, according to GasBuddy.