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Bottom Line Up Front

  • Major policy changes in healthcare, taxes and Social Security could affect your household finances in 2025.
  • New tariffs on imported goods and inflation concerns may impact the cost of everyday consumer products.
  • Taking steps now to review your budget, build emergency savings and consult with a financial advisor can help you prepare for a new political climate.

Time to Read

5 minutes

March 3, 2025

With the Trump Administration back in the White House, many Americans are asking the same question: What does this mean for my finances? The government’s decisions about taxes, healthcare and trade can affect your wallet in real ways. Some policies aim to boost the U.S. economy’s growth, and others may have unintended financial consequences. Understanding these changes to policies and regulations can help you prepare.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s already changed following the election—and how you can be ready for any other changes to come.

Healthcare: Retooling the ACA

One of President Trump’s first actions in office was to roll back key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He rescinded Executive Order 14009, which had expanded open enrollment periods for ACA plans, and Executive Order 14070, which aimed to lower ACA premiums. These reversals may make it more difficult for individuals to enroll in coverage and could lead to rising premium costs.

Looking ahead, the administration has also reiterated its goal of lowering prescription drug prices by negotiating directly with pharmaceutical companies. 

Tips to stay ahead:

  • Review your coverage options. Take a close look at your health insurance plan, including what you pay monthly and your out-of-pocket costs. During the next enrollment period, compare plans to see if switching could save you money.
  • Prepare for rising costs. Start budgeting now for possible increases in healthcare expenses. Building an emergency fund for healthcare can provide extra security.
  • Consult an expert. A financial advisor can offer advice on how to budget for healthcare expenses to ensure you’re making proactive financial decisions about healthcare.

Taxes: Extensions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

One of the Trump Administration’s top priorities is to enact legislation that extends key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This act reduced corporate tax rates, offered tax relief for individuals and aimed to stimulate economic growth. Proposals include making individual tax cuts permanent, eliminating taxes on tip income, reducing capital gains taxes and expanding tax relief for small businesses. While these policies may help middle-class earners keep more of their income, they may result in other programs being cut down the line.

Tips to stay ahead:

  • Understand your tax bracket. Look at how your income fits with the proposed changes. While middle-class earners might pay less in taxes, small business owners should check which tax breaks they might qualify for under the new rules.
  • Plan for capital gains adjustments. If you have investments, watch for changes in capital gains taxes. Planning when to sell investments or reinvest your earnings could help you save money.
  • Prepare for potential expirations. Some of the original TCJA tax cuts could expire without new laws to extend them. Work with a tax professional to understand how these changes might affect your 2025 taxes.

Social Security: Eliminating taxes on benefits

Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump has proposed eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits for seniors. This initiative—highlighted during his 2024 campaign—aims to provide financial relief to retirees by allowing them to keep more of their monthly benefits. While details of this proposal are still being finalized, it’s a change that could significantly impact the financial plans of seniors and those nearing retirement.

Tips to stay ahead:

  • Evaluate your retirement income plan. If Social Security benefits become tax-free, you might have more money to spend each month in retirement. Think about how this could affect your budget and long-term savings goals.
  • Maximize contributions now. Keep contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. If Social Security becomes tax-free, combining these with your benefits could give your retirement income a boost.
  • Consult a retirement advisor. A financial advisor can help you adjust your retirement strategy to match these potential changes, helping you make the most of your savings.

Inflation: Uncertainties over rising costs

Inflation has been a persistent concern in recent years, and the Trump Administration’s economic policies may further influence price stability. New tariffs and changes in government spending may influence everything from grocery prices to housing costs. While we can’t predict exactly how these changes will affect your wallet, smart planning can help you stay ahead.

Tips to stay ahead:

  • Adjust your budget. Take a fresh look at your monthly spending and find places where you can adjust for rising costs. Focus on essential expenses like housing, food and transportation first.
  • Build an emergency fund. Inflation erodes purchasing power, so having a financial cushion can help cover unexpected expenses or price hikes. Aim for 3-6 months of essential living expenses.
  • Consider inflation-protected investments. Some investments, like Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), are designed to help protect your money from inflation. Talk with a financial advisor about your options.

Student loans: Repayment policies

The Trump Administration is proposing several key student loan reforms, largely aimed at streamlining repayment plans. One proposal includes reducing the number of income-driven repayment plans to one simplified option. Additional plans include capping undergraduate loan payments at 12.5% of your available income and forgiving remaining balances after 15 years. These changes aim to make student loan payments more manageable for borrowers.

Tips to stay ahead:

  • Review your current plan. Look closely at your student loan repayment terms. This will help you see if the new changes could benefit you or if you should consider refinancing your student loans or changing plans.
  • Build flexibility into your budget. With possible changes in payment terms coming, make sure your monthly budget can adapt to different payment amounts or schedules.
  • Work with a financial advisor. Financial advisors can help you understand your repayment options and prepare for upcoming changes.

Tool Tip

Use our loan payment tool to estimate your monthly payments under various scenarios, or keep an eye out for any communication from the Education Department or your loan servicer in the coming months.

Navigate uncertainties with Navy Federal Credit Union

When a new administration takes office, financial changes often follow. From healthcare and taxes to Social Security and student loans, the policies proposed for 2025 could affect your finances in important ways. By understanding what might change and taking steps to prepare, you can protect your financial well-being and find new opportunities to save money, build credit and pursue your goals. Navy Federal financial advisors are here to help—regardless of what comes to pass. 

Next Steps Next Steps

  1. Stay informed about new policies through reliable news sources and updates from financial professionals. Good information helps you make better decisions.
  2. Check your budget, investments and savings plans to make sure they can handle changes in taxes, healthcare costs and inflation. Update your goals as needed.
  3. Meet with a financial expert to create a plan that fits your needs and prepares you for economic changes. This is especially important if you have complex finances, are close to retirement, have student loans or might be affected by new laws.

Disclosures

This content is intended to provide general information and shouldn't be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.