Working Girl's Guide #28: America under Trump, the Wicked Premiere, Tips for Lazy Gift Givers

We’re talking economic policy, gas prices, and gift giving tips I swear by (that’s not a sentence I ever thought I would write).

Let’s get into it.

Tbh, I typically stay completely away from politics in this newsletter. And I’m not here to give my opinion on the results of last week’s election, BUT I do think it’s important to share a quick recap of some of what we can expect in the next presidential term—if for no other reason than to have facts at your disposal when it comes time to defend your position to your cousin/uncle/weird family friend at Thanksgiving! Here’s what you should know about the impact of Trump’s proposed policies on a couple of relevant economic factors.

Will Trump Actually Decrease Costs?

Trump has promised that he’ll lower the cost of gas, groceries, and other essentials. But according to Yale’s Budget Lab as reported by Time, the cost of many consumer goods will likely increase based on his proposed tariff hikes. That’s because importers, rather than foreign countries, bear the burden of tariffs, and pass these costs onto consumers. Yale estimates these proposed tariffs could drive up consumer prices by up to 5.1%, and companies will face a difficult choice: raise prices on already inflation-stressed customers or cut corners to reduce costs.

What About Taxes?

Trump’s proposed tax cuts, including lowering the corporate tax rate to 15%, would require Congressional approval, which may be a hurdle. If only his proposed tariffs are implemented—which don’t need approval—the implications of that would amount to the seventh-largest tax increase since 1940, as tariffs effectively raise costs for U.S. consumers by around $1,700 per year. According to his proposed plans, income taxes would decrease for all groups, primarily benefiting high-income households—however, the increase in income would be less than or almost the same as the increase from tariffs for those in the first, second, and middle-earnings quintiles. In other words, increased income would only outpace costs from tariffs for those making $138,095 or more, according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model.

And Gas Prices?

Some analysts are predicting lower gas prices under Trump, who’s pledged to boost domestic oil and gas output, including opening more land for drilling, while scaling back renewable energy incentives like wind subsidies. His past actions, like exiting the Paris Climate Agreement and rolling back environmental regulations, don’t fare well for our environment. Nor does his backing by the oil and gas industry, which donated more than $15 million towards Trump’s reelection.

There’s really no easy way to transition from the implications of economic policy under Trump to what I did this weekend…so I’m just going to send it with a quick and borderline cringe Wicked pun. My lashes are defying both gravity and tears at the Wicked movie premiere, which I attended with my best friend Elphaba I mean Vic and our gorgeous moms. The movie is 100% a must-see, and sharing the experience with these girls was so magical. Highly recommend putting on your witch-inspired dresses and going to see the movie ASAP! And if you see me singing the entire soundtrack to myself while out on my daily hot girl walk… no you didn’t.

If there is one thing I love, it’s a holiday dress that’s A) as comfy as sweatpants, B) stretchy enough to accommodate whatever holiday meal you consume while wearing it, and C) feels festive without making you look like an oversized female elf. THIS DRESS IS ALL OF THOSE THINGS! The red is giving festive cherry, not yuletide overload, which I’m obsessed with—but for my neutral girlies, this dress also comes in gray, charcoal, and black, which would make it even more versatile and re-wearable beyond the holiday season!

I have genuinely no idea how it’s already mid-November, but I have not done nearly as much Holiday shopping as I would have liked to at this point. I def want my friends and fam to feel spoiled this year, but my sanity is already far too gone to make it a whole production! Here are some of my favorite hacks for keeping holiday gifting meaningful but also feasible for those of us who are reeling from packed schedules/election season/the general craziness of life.

• Donate to a cause you care about in honor of the people on your list! Not only is this way easier than shopping for specific gifts for everyone, but it’s also just as meaningful, does good in the world, and is a lot more sustainable than putting together gift baskets of stuff that people might not even want (I’m in my anti-clutter era).

• Go for consumables (cocktail kits, lotions, candles, etc.), and keep a gift stash with some extras. People love things they can use (again, anti-clutter era!), and these kinds of gifts are easy to stock up on so that if/when when your sister’s boyfriend magically shows up to Christmas this year (again), you’re prepared without a last-minute Target dash.

• Instead of buying gifts for every one of your friends, plan a nice dinner out—you can split the cost and consider it a gift to each other. You get quality time, a chance to indulge, and there’s nothing to wrap. And if the holiday season is just too busy, you can always give your loved one a gift card to a favorite restaurant. There’s something about a nice dinner paid for by someone you love that feels amaze.

Thanks for reading!