KEY POINTS

A new statewide poll found a majority of Utahns living paycheck-to-paycheck.

One-in-four survey participants are struggling to cover basic expenses.

Inflation, slowing jobs market and government shutdown are causing financial stress.

A growing number of Utahns are facing mounting financial challenges thanks to a convergence of issues that include persistent inflation, a weakening U.S. jobs market and a federal government shutdown that has put hundreds of thousands out of work and threatened funding of critical programs.

Among those working to navigate the myriad fiscal hurdles are Emma and Bryan Mendez-Edwards, both college educated professionals whose previous stability is under fire amid the current economic climate.

“Bryan is a federal worker,” Mendez-Edwards said. “And

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