

There have been talks that the nation is set for a recession soon, with experts warning consumers to brace, especially in today's environment of heightened interest rates and rising inflation. But what does this mean for the everyday person, and how can you prepare?
While the risk for recession is "high" according to forecasters, there are indeed things you can do today to ensure peace of mind and that you're able to thrive whether there's a recession or not.
First recognize, it's not all gloom and doom.
Some forecasters are stating that, while experts are justifiably bracing for the possibility, a recession is "less likely" than people think and that rising interest rates don't necessarily solely mean a recession is coming. Recessions also aren't uncommon and are a consistent phenomenon, thus you can't really fret too much over something that not only has occurred before but something that will likely occur again in the coming years.
On another note, the job market is booming, especially with the recent mass exodus of professionals (a la the Great Resignation), so if you're looking for a new opportunity, that prime moment to ask for a promotion, or a change in career, now is an amazing time to go for it.
Also, other positive aspects of the economy include gas prices in select markets decreasing and a 48% growth in entrepreneurship among women.
So, it's good to think in a balanced, more realistic way, taking several factors into account.
Check your finances and adjust your budget.
If you haven't already, it's a good time to get more familiar with your finances, especially your budget. Take stock of the money you're earning, the money you're saving, the money you're investing, and how you're spending. Experts also recommend reviewing your bills and lifestyle to see where there might be money drains or waste. Make the needed choices or shifts to either increase your savings, cut back on expenses that aren't super-necessary, or shift funds to save more.
(If you don't have a budget or need inspiration for updating the one you have, there are a few great options here and here.)
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Tap into the assistance and resources afforded to you.
If you're already struggling financially, there are resources available to you such as rental assistance, scholarships, grants, and programs. Also, if you qualify for income-related assistance, don't hesitate to apply, especially in relation to housing or coverage of everyday education, food, or childcare expenses.
If you've reached certain financial milestones (or you're hoping to), get a financial adviser or coach and map out a plan to either meet those goals or get on a path to be able to meet those goals even if a recession hits. Find out how you can leverage the money you have to make more or invest in something that will garner wealth in the long run.
It's always good to be proactive in seeking help, especially if it's something that will help take a financial burden off your mind.
Review your sources of income—or lack thereof.
If you're unemployed, you'll need to really get serious about maximizing your unemployment benefits and getting a job. Think outside the box, let go of a few boundaries, and try out new experiences or positions that might be outside of your comfort zone. Be very deliberate with how you spend your money and time, and focus on strategies that will lead to a new job or employment you enjoy.
If you're underemployed (i.e. at a job that either doesn't match your educational or practical skills or talents, or one that pays a salary that is below the current market rate), it might be a good time to either apply for a new job or take on another that not only will supplement your income but will allow you to be your best self.
If you're happily employed and bring home a nice salary (good for you, sis), but always wanted to start that side gig, now might be the best time to do that as well. Maximizing other ways to earn and accumulate money is a great way to ensure that you have a cushion for times like a recession.
No matter what stage you are in the employment game, be sure to pay close attention to the return on investment of your time and how your salary aligns with the lifestyle you have or aspire to have, recession or not.
Keep a positive attitude and focus on solutions and vision.
Remember, while you can't really control what happens in an economy nor can you control what might happen in the future, you can plan today for financial freedom. Taking the steps to be strategic, keeping a positive and balanced outlook, and prioritizing what's important in life is the key to getting through any rough patches.
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Eva Marcille On Starring In 'Jason’s Lyric Live' & Being An Audacious Black Woman
Eva Marcille has taken her talents to the stage. The model-turned-actress is starring in her first play, Jason’s Lyric Live alongside Allen Payne, K. Michelle, Treach, and others.
The play, produced by Je’Caryous Johnson, is an adaptation of the film, which starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lyric. Allen reprised his role as Jason for the play and Eva plays Lyric.
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/WireImage
Teyana Taylor & Aaron Pierre Might Be The Internet’s New Favorite Pairing
Is it just us, or are Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre making it harder and harder to believe that they’re not a thing?
The two have been serving soft launch vibes for months, but their most recent Instagram interaction has folks raising their eyebrows and their glasses.
Just this week on Sunday, April 13, Aaron shared a shirtless selfie to his IG Stories, a classic thirst trap moment, complete with abs on display, and emitting just enough heat to get the timeline talking. Not long after, Teyana hopped on her own IG Stories with a three-word message that had the internet abuzz: “on di wey 😮💨.”
Aaron Pierre/Instagram via people.com
Now, maybe it was just a coincidence... but let’s be honest, it didn’t feel like one.
Especially considering Aaron’s West Indian roots and Teyana’s long-documented admiration for tall men she can climb like a tree (her ex-husband Iman Shumpert is 6'5" and Aaron's not far behind at 6'4"). That “on di wey” hit like a flirty green light. And fans caught it, quick.
Teyana Taylor/Instagram via people.com
This isn’t the first time these two have had us side-eyeing and doing double-takes to their timelines.
On March 3, Teyana posted a striking set of black-and-white photos on Instagram alongside Aaron. The two stood back-to-back, dressed to the nines and giving high-fashion, high-intensity energy. Her caption? “Oscar night in black & white, no grey area. 🤍”
Aaron posted the same photos, except his was without a caption, just vibes.
They also shared a table at the American Black Film Festival Honors back in February (where Teyana was also spotted holding his award that he won that night) and were spotted at the Vanity Fair Oscar party looking entirely comfortable in each other’s space. While they haven’t officially confirmed anything, the visuals have done most of the talking.
(L to R) Aaron Pierre, Teyana Taylor, Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts attend the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Dave Benett/VF25/WireImage for Vanity Fair
And if you're wondering whether Teyana fits Aaron’s type? First, how could she not be? But second, according to a 2024 interview on Buzzfeed’s Seasoned podcast, the Mufasa: The Lion King star had a thing for women like Ashanti and Foxy Brown growing up. "My first childhood crush was Ashanti, and my second childhood crush was Foxy Brown," he shared at the time, sending social media into a frenzy.
Black women who exude sex appeal, confidence, and boss energy, aka, everything Teyana walks with daily. She’s the moment, the mood, and apparently… the mirror selfie responder...
Since finalizing her divorce from Iman in June 2024, Teyana has been booked, unbothered, and flourishing on her own terms. Between starring in a Dionne Warwick biopic and starring in One Battle After Another, a star-studded film led by Leonardo DiCaprio and helmed by director Paul Thomas Anderson, sis is locked in.
Aaron, meanwhile, is fresh off voicing the title role in Mufasa: The Lion King and gearing up to appear in Lanterns, an upcoming Max DC series, as well as the new season of The Morning Show. Lowkey highkey, they’re both in their leading-role eras, on-screen and maybe, just maybe, in each other’s lives.
Or maybe it’s just vibes. Maybe it’s more. But from the flirty exchanges to the red carpet proximity, this pairing feels like the kind of slow burn romance that soft launches are made of.
And if it is what it looks like? We love this for her.
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Featured image by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair