Let’s just call it like it is: The new administration is moving full speed ahead on its mission to gut every safety net, attack marginalized communities, and make sure the rich keep getting richer while the rest of us are left to fend for ourselves. 

They’re cutting funding for programs that keep people housed, fed, and medically cared for, while somehow always finding money for policing, war, and tax breaks for billionaires.

So what do we do? We fight back—financially. Because if history has taught us anything (and Black History Month is the perfect time to remember this), it’s that economic power is one of the strongest forms of resistance we have.

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The government isn’t coming to save us—so we have to build our own financial safety nets. Here’s where to start:

Build a F*ck-You Fund (a.k.a. Your Emergency War Chest)

If the economy tanks (again), if your business slows down, or if you suddenly find yourself in a legal battle because your existence is a “controversy” to this administration, you need cash on hand.

• Aim for 3-6 months of expenses, even if that feels impossible—start with $500-$1,000 and build from there.
• Keep it liquid (a separate high-yield savings account, NOT stocks or investments that could tank overnight).

Diversify Your Income Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Might)

If all your money comes from one client, one revenue stream, or one platform (looking at you, TikTok biz owners), you’re one bad decision away from financial ruin (not yours, but theirs).

•  Explore multiple revenue streams: digital products, coaching, service retainers, affiliate income, teaching.
•  If you’re relying on social media for sales, get an email list ASAP. (No billionaire CEO should have more control over your income than you do.)

Protect Your Business from Government Shenanigans

With tax laws changing to benefit the ultra-wealthy, small business owners are often the ones footing the bill.

• Separate your business and personal finances (LLC, business bank account, proper bookkeeping—non-negotiable).
• Know your tax deductions (because the IRS sure as hell isn’t going to tell you).
• Use legal tax strategies—not billionaire loopholes, but things like retirement contributions, health savings accounts, and legitimate write-offs.

Stop Banking with Institutions That Fund Your Oppression

Major banks fund everything from private prisons to fossil fuels to anti-Black policies—and they make billions off the backs of small business owners.

•  Move your money to a credit union, community bank, or Black-owned financial institution.
•  If you must use a big bank, at least keep your cash reserves somewhere ethical.

Invest in Community, Not Just Capitalism

The greatest wealth-building tool marginalized communities have is each other. We’ve been pooling resources, running mutual aid, and supporting one another long before this country ever pretended to care about us.

• Buy from Black-, Indigenous-, LGBTQ-, and immigrant-owned businesses.
• Invest in community funds, local co-ops, or peer-to-peer lending instead of Wall Street.
• Give back regularly—not just when tragedy strikes. Sustained financial support is what builds real power.

The Bottom Line: We’re On Our Own—But We’re Not Alone

This administration is hellbent on making sure only the white and wealthy thrive. But our communities have survived every system designed to keep us down—because we’ve always looked out for each other.

TL;DR. If you’re feeling financially unprepared for the mess ahead, you’re not alone. But small, intentional changes make a huge impact. Start where you can—and let’s build something that lasts.

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