Permissions set on key files in the Home folder can have pervasive effects, and at worst may even stop apps from functioning correctly. In the past, these became so severe that Apple provided a tool to repair them, particularly those in the Preferences folder in the Library, accompanied by a tech note describing the procedure.
Three years ago, users were recommended to reinstall macOS. That was soon replaced by a command tool, repairHomePermissions, that had to be run in Terminal in Recovery mode, followed by reinstalling macOS. Although that’s still available, it’s now completely undocumented and Apple does not explain its use in any of its tech notes.