get ready - the update
February 17th Update: We only a few weeks in. Let’s see where we’re at and what I got right and wrong. The thing is done. Here we are and here are some things you can do to protect yourself from some of the worst of the policies to come from the next presidential administration.
GENERAL
Get/renew your passport, just in case you want to leave the country. Even temporarily.
Have a “bug out bag” in case of an environmental emergency, or in case you need to head for the border or a plane. Think about a 2-3 day version versus a multi-week/month version and keep both stocked.
Why: Climate emergencies are on the rise and are more severe. Returning home without FEMA financial assistance will make getting back into your home harder (see bullet below on insurance). He may close the border (in and out) at any time. Update: Record heatwaves and natural disasters have increased in frequency, with FEMA’s funding being stretched thin due to repeated extreme weather events. Additionally, recent border policies have tightened restrictions, making it harder for U.S. citizens to leave and return freely.. Also, keep an eye on the SAVE Act in Congress right now. Women who’s married name does’t match what is on their birth certificate will not be allowed to register to vote. You’ll need a passport.
FOR WOMEN:
Get as much birth control as you can, even if you have to self pay. It may become illegal
Consider an IUDs last years and can be removed when you want to get pregnant
Go to your GYN appointments now and keep your period timing to yourself.
If you can move, move to a state that has protections for you now
Consider NOT traveling to states that have restrictive abortion laws and bans while you are pregnant.
If you are dependent on your spouse for insurance,
Why: A federal abortion ban is likely coming. This may well include some of the worst policies we’ve seen out of the states so far, up to and including restricting or eliminating access to birth control, heartbeat laws, menstrual cycle tracking, state border travel bans, imprisonment of both women and their doctors for real or perceived pregnancy terminations (even involuntary miscarriages). Update: Several states have expanded abortion bans, and there are ongoing legal battles about cross-state travel for abortion services. Some state legislatures are considering proposals to restrict certain types of contraception.
HEALTH INSURANCE:
If the Affordable Care Act is repealed:
If you have preexisting conditions (cancer, diabetes, pregnancy - yes even that), think about saving money for your doctor’s visits, exams, medical procedures, and medication. You will no longer be covered and insurances companies can deny your claims for treatment
You can also look for State’s that have protections for this, such as Massachusetts.
If you're working, you can push money, pre-tax, into a health savings account or flexible spending account. It won’t help with everything, but can ease the burden.
If Medicare and Medicaid are repealed:
If you are mobile, move to a state that has protections, like Massachuetts. Balance what you may spend in rent versus what you will pay in medical bills monthly for doctor’s visits, medication, etc.
Why: ACA will likely be eliminated. ACA prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, placing lifetime limits on benefits, or rescinding coverage, say for an inadvertent error on your claim form. Medicare, Medicaid will likely be rolled back or eliminated. Update: Congress has proposed several bills targeting ACA provisions, including cuts to Medicaid expansion and loosening regulations on insurance companies’ ability to deny coverage. Some states have passed laws to protect coverage, while others have signaled they will not maintain ACA protections.
MEDICAL CARE
Get your vaccines now. Get your child’s vaccines now.
Why: Vaccines are on the chopping block if anti-vaxer RFK Jr is put in charge of the Dept of Health, which is the current plan. Update: RFK Jr. is now the head of HHS. Vaccine mandates have already been rolled back in some states, and certain federal funding for vaccine programs is under review.
SOCIAL SECURITY
If SSI or SSDI is repealed or underfunded, think about what other funding streams are options:
Selling your home
Reverse mortgage on current home
If you are mobile, move to a state that has protections, like Massachuetts. Balance what you may spend in rent versus what you will pay in medical bills monthly for doctor’s visits, medication, etc.
Why: SSI and SSDI will likely be rolled back or eliminated. Update: Lawmakers have introduced measures to reduce funding for Social Security programs, increasing the risk of future benefit cuts. Advocacy groups are fighting these measures, but long-term funding remains uncertain.
FOOD/GROCERY
Think how to save money against rising prices due to food/grocery tariffs and immigration policies.
If you’re in the city and lack space, canned goods might be the easiest thing to stock up on, such as canned vegetables, powdered milk, air sealed coffee, etc. Consider container gardens on the balcony or using a grow light indoors.
If you’re in a suburb and have space, besides stocking up on canned and dried/powdered foods, consider a chicken coop for eggs, a greenhouse or garden for vegetables.
Why: Tariffs on foods imported to the US will increase the cost of food to you, the consumer. Here’s a list of foods imported to the US. If Trump proceeds to deport millions of individuals including food and produce workers, the cost of US food and produce will increase. Update: New tariffs have already increased grocery prices, and food supply chain disruptions due to workforce shortages are becoming more common. Local and homegrown food sources are gaining popularity. January 2025 inflation was higher than expected. Bird flu is exacerbating egg prices. If the tariffs currently on hold for Canada and Mexico go back in place, consumers will face rising prices of coffee and avocados, among other staples.
MONEY
If you own your home, have a fireproof safe installed to hold cash on hand you might need to last a month, or to give you time to liquidate other assets.
Move your money into separate banks and bank accounts so that if one bank collapses and you can’t get your money back (ever), you won’t be financially devastated
Move your money into foreign banks with deposit insurance. It won’t be insured but may be less likely to collapse due to the upcoming administration’s shenanigans.
If you can get an insured foreign bank account - even better.
Why: The FDIC currently insures deposits up to $250 thousand per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category. However under the next administration’s plan, bank protections may be reversed. So your money in checking and/or savings could be at risk. Right now, if a bank collapses, think of the most recent bank collapse at Silicon Valley Bank, your money up to $250 thousand is safe. Under the next administration’s policy, all your money would be at risk, so if that bank collapses, you will NOT get any of your money back. Update: Economic instability has led to concerns about banking regulations. Some financial institutions are already experiencing liquidity issues, and experts warn of potential banking sector risks. FDIC is under review for significant restructuring which is concerning after what just took place at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Also, considered changing your bank account number if you ever had a direct deposit from the IRS. That information is accessible by DOGE, potentially putting your bank account at risk.
HOME AND RENTERS INSURANCE
Why: During Trump’s last administration, he refused to give California FEMA aid potentially due to political retribution. This is only slated to get worse as he’s promised retribution against political enemies, real and perceived.
Ensure you’re properly insured. Even if you are not in what is considered a flood prone area, Helene’s recent devastation shows that anywhere is susceptible. Also, with all the recent inflation, you may be woefully underinsured. Consider a home inspection to check if you are properly insured. Consider a flood rider to protect against flood loss.
Why: During Trump’s last administration, he refused to give California FEMA aid potentially due to political retribution. This is only slated to get worse as he’s promised retribution against political enemies, real and perceived. Update: FEMA funding has been redirected, and there is an ongoing review of disaster relief policies. Homeowners in vulnerable areas are seeing rising insurance premiums or losing coverage altogether.
This isn’t the final post. It was what I could think of quickly. I will update as I gather more information and have more ideas. Good luck! Appendix: Sources
FEMA Disaster Relief Fund Monthly Reports: These reports provide detailed information on FEMA's funding activities, including summaries of obligations and estimates of fund exhaustion dates.
USDA Food Plans: Monthly Cost of Food Reports: These reports outline the cost of food plans based on average prices, adjusted monthly to reflect inflation using the Consumer Price Index.
"Your avocado toast with eggs may become a breakfast luxury rather than a tasty staple": This article discusses the rising costs of breakfast staples due to factors like tariffs and disease outbreaks.
"Some in Hurricane Helene-ravaged North Carolina embrace Trump's push to abolish FEMA": This piece explores reactions to proposed changes in FEMA's role following recent natural disasters.
"Adams to sue Trump admin over $80M in FEMA migrant shelter funding clawed back from NYC": This news article covers legal actions related to the retraction of FEMA funds designated for migrant shelters.
"Agronometrics in Charts: A closer look at fresh produce price trends in 2024": This report analyzes trends in fresh produce prices, providing insights into market changes.
"Tariff threats leave Michigan’s $1.7B in agricultural exports in limbo": This article examines the impact of proposed tariffs on Michigan's agricultural exports.
