In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, Ana Thompson was left grappling with a wave of uncertainty. “I felt a profound anxiety about the outcomes and what they might mean for our country,” she confides.

As a TikTok influencer specializing in personal finance, Thompson began to consider the potential fiscal repercussions of President-elect Donald Trump’s policies and how she could empower others to navigate the challenges ahead.

In a bid to take action, she posted a TikTok video urging women to take control of their personal finances. “We may not know where this country is headed or what the next four years will entail, but having financial stability will provide you with more choices,” she emphasized in her video.

“I foresee economic changes in the next four years, and many are already confronting difficulties,” Thompson tells TIME. “My goal is to prepare them for what’s on the horizon.”

The Trump Administration has proposed several significant changes that could impact the economy, such as universal tariffs on imports, reductions in student loan relief, and tax cuts that experts warn may disproportionately benefit higher-income individuals, potentially neglecting lower and middle-income families.

These proposals have driven many to reconsider their financial plans, with some women already taking proactive measures—like limiting their spending, shifting funds away from large corporations, or enhancing their savings.

Rethinking Big Business

Sara Belhouari, a financial advisor based in Brooklyn, champions what she refers to as “financial activism,” where she deliberately chooses where to allocate her money. She has begun to reevaluate her support for major corporations, particularly in light of companies like Amazon and Uber backing Trump’s inauguration. Belhouari has resolved to withdraw her patronage from businesses that don’t align with her values.

“These corporations hold significant wealth, influence, and authority,” she remarks. “Many of the companies I’ve chosen to avoid are supporting politicians who advocate for damaging policies.”

Nabihah Ahmad, a student at Columbia University, has always emphasized supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical labor practices. Last year, she created an online search engine to help consumers find alternatives to products from businesses benefiting from the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following the election, she broadened her platform to showcase black-owned and women-owned businesses across the U.S.

She notes that millions visit her site each month, reflecting a growing consciousness about consumer power. “There’s been a societal shift towards mindful consumption and using our purchasing influence to tackle issues like climate change and political matters,” she observes. “How we spend our money plays a crucial role in shaping these outcomes.”

An April 2024 Nielsen report found that women are responsible for approximately $31.8 trillion in global spending and are expected to account for 75% of discretionary spending by 2028.

Thompson believes that initiatives like “no-buys,” where participants refrain from unnecessary purchases, or choosing to support small businesses over large corporations, can empower women politically. “With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many women feel their autonomy is being compromised,” she observes. “Giving them a tangible way to impact their communities through their financial choices can be incredibly empowering.”

Read More: What Donald Trump’s Win Means for the Economy

Saving for Uncertainty

Amid potential economic turmoil, many individuals are placing a greater emphasis on their savings. Elysia Berman, a creative director in New York, plans to cut costs and shop locally, whether that means buying groceries from neighborhood stores or participating in clothing swaps. “I aim to be as intentional as possible with my spending,” she explains.

For Marisa Savegnago, a wedding photographer and marketer from Illinois, this mindset has become second nature. During the pandemic, when online shopping felt like the safest option, she found herself surrounded by unnecessary items.

“One day, it hit me: ‘Wow, we have accumulated so much stuff,’” she recalls. “It was overwhelming.”

This realization prompted her to rethink her shopping habits, leading her to focus on second-hand purchases and support local businesses—an approach she now fully embraces.

“Coming from a middle-class background, I’ve witnessed the struggles of those around me, and it’s disheartening to see massive corporations profiting during these tough times for the middle class,” she shares.

By avoiding large corporations, Savegnago has been able to reinvest in her community. She encourages others to do the same. “We need to be more conscious about where we spend our money and whom we support,” she insists. “It’s crucial to nurture a stronger sense of community.”

If the Trump Administration’s proposals lead to higher prices, Berman anticipates that many will be forced to reduce spending out of necessity. “At the end of the day, it’s a matter of late-stage capitalism. Many aren’t earning enough, and prices are too steep. We’re confronting a housing crisis and rising living costs,” she explains. “People are realizing that the incoming Administration isn’t prioritizing reducing living expenses, so they’ll take the initiative by stepping away from traditional capitalism.”

Belhouari believes that as more individuals seek to exert political influence, they will look to their spending choices. “Our political landscape is deeply connected to corporations that invest heavily in lobbying for politicians who serve their interests, often at the public’s expense,” she points out. “The reality is that the cost of this arrangement has become too high.”