When the Cost of Doing Business Goes Up—Why Tariffs Matter for Your Wallet (and Your Worth)

Hey friend—are you feeling the whiplash of the news cycle like I am?
One minute tariffs are on, the next they’re off. One day it’s a 10% tax across the board, and suddenly we’re staring down numbers as high as 125%. As a woman running a business, how are you supposed to plan for anything when the rules keep changing? It’s enough to make you feel like you’re losing it—or at least questioning how you’re supposed to manage everything when the market feels like a moving target.

I was listening to a podcast this morning, and the host said something that stopped me cold:
“What we’re living through right now might be worse than the start of Covid.”
Remember that chaos? Eesh.

So let’s talk about what’s really happening behind these numbers—and how tariffs quietly affect your real life, your family budget, and your woman-owned business.

What Are Tariffs, Anyway?

Tariffs are essentially taxes placed on imported goods. When the U.S. imposes a tariff on, let’s say, fabric from China or electronics from Mexico, companies that bring those goods in have to pay more. That added cost? It doesn’t stay with them—it gets passed down the chain until it lands in your cart, your closet, your kitchen, or your business inventory.

Tariffs are often positioned as “economic protection,” but for many of us—especially women—they end up creating more confusion, uncertainty, and financial pressure.

The Impact of Tariffs on Family Budgets

If you manage the household finances, you’ve probably already felt the ripple effect of tariffs—even if you didn’t know that’s what it was. When goods become more expensive due to import taxes, it shows up in the most ordinary places:

• The price of groceries creeps up—especially for imported items or packaged goods.

• Kids’ shoes, clothing, and backpacks cost more.

• Big-ticket items like appliances, furniture, or cars suddenly require more “wait and see.”

Your money just doesn’t go as far. And if you’re already dealing with inflation, housing costs, or childcare expenses, this added pressure can feel like death by a thousand cuts.

How Tariffs Affect Women-Owned Businesses

Now, zoom out to your business.

Whether you’re sourcing products, packaging, or raw materials—if any part of your supply chain touches imports, you’re likely paying more.
And if you’re already undercharging (hello, imposter syndrome), absorbing those costs can tank your margins.

Here’s what tariffs do to women business owners:

• Disrupt pricing models: You either raise your prices and risk losing clients, or absorb the costs and eat into your profits.

• Strain cash flow: Sudden shifts in tariffs make it hard to plan purchases, forecast inventory, or make big investments.

• Magnify funding gaps: Women already get less access to capital. So when the cost of doing business rises? We’re often footing the bill alone.

Quick stat:
Women own 42% of U.S. businesses—but only bring in 4.3% of total business revenue. Tariffs widen this gap by increasing financial pressure on businesses that are already under-capitalized.

What No One Talks About: The Emotional Toll

Tariffs aren’t just economic—they’re emotional.

As a coach, I see the toll uncertainty takes. My clients tell me things like:
“I don’t even know what to plan for anymore.”
“I feel like I’m working harder and getting less.”
“I’m scared to raise my prices, but I can’t afford not to.”

Let’s name it: Uncertainty breeds anxiety.
And women are already carrying so much.

That’s why I don’t just coach on the numbers—I help my clients regulate their nervous systems, rewrite scarcity-driven narratives, and reclaim their confidence. Because financial empowerment isn’t just about knowing the math—it’s about feeling grounded enough to act on it.

What You Can Do

Here’s how to stay steady—even when the economy’s wobbling.

1. Audit your costs + pricing.
Know your margins. Know your numbers. If your inventory or inputs have gone up, it might be time to adjust your prices with zero guilt.

2. Communicate transparently.
Your customers value honesty. If you need to raise rates, say why—and highlight the value you bring.

3. Build buffer zones.
If possible, create a “rising costs” savings bucket so you’re not caught off guard by sudden spikes.

4. Stay curious, not reactive.
Market uncertainty can spark fear-based decisions. Breathe, ground, and then act from a place of clarity—not panic.

Final Word: Your Worth Isn’t Negotiable

Tariffs might be temporary, but your business? That’s your legacy.
And it deserves to be resilient, profitable, and sustainable.

You don’t have to hustle harder or do it all alone. You just need support that speaks to both your bottom line and your inner truth.

Let’s stop pretending this stuff doesn’t affect us. Let’s get loud about how policies ripple through our wallets, our businesses, and our wellbeing.

You’re not fragile—you’re fierce.
You’re not at the mercy of the market—you’re learning how to ride the wave.
And you don’t need to have it all figured out to keep moving forward.

Ready to talk about how this uncertainty is showing up in your money life or business?

If you’re feeling stretched thin, unclear about your next financial move, or just tired of navigating all this alone—I’m here for that.

Let’s get on a call and explore what’s really going on behind the scenes in your numbers, your nervous system, and your next steps. No pressure, no pitch—just a space to get clarity, ask questions, and feel supported.

Book your free exploration call here and let’s start shifting your relationship with money from reactive to empowered.
Because your business deserves more than just survival. You do too.