Coast Guard Shutdown Tips: Garage Sales, Babysitting

The Washington Post reports:

Employees of the U.S. Coast Guard who are facing a long U.S. government shutdown just received a suggestion: To get by without pay, consider holding a garage sale, babysitting, dog-walking or serving as a “mystery shopper.”

The suggestions were part of a five-page tip sheet published by the Coast Guard Support Program, an employee-assistance arm of the service often known as CG SUPRT. It is designated to offer Coast Guard members help with mental-health issues or other concerns about their lives, including financial wellness.

“Bankruptcy is a last option,” the document said. About 41,000 active-duty Coast Guardsmen are working without pay. Their next check is due Jan. 15. The Coast Guard removed the tip sheet from the support program’s website late Wednesday morning after The Washington Post inquired about it.