If You Live in Michigan, Here’s How Trump Might Affect Your Wallet

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com
Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com

Michigan is a swing state with a significant impact on the presidential election. From the 1970s to the 1980s, Michigan voted Republican before voting Democrat from the 1990s to 2012.

Things changed again in 2016 when Michigan voted for Donald Trump, giving him a narrow win against his opponent at the time, Hillary Clinton. While the Great Lakes State voted in favor of Democrat Joe Biden in 2020, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen during this year’s election.

With Election Day only about a month away, the question becomes this: If Trump gets re-elected, how will that impact Michigan residents’ finances? Here are a few possibilities.

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Positive Impact on Select Industries

If you live in Michigan and work in certain industries, a Trump presidency could be a good thing for your wallet.

“A Trump presidency would have a positive impact on the finances of Michigan residents,” said Kevin Jerry, a nationally recognized expert in tax method changes and owner of Kevin A Jerry MST & Associates.

It might depend on the industry, though. In particular, Michigan is known for its automotive, manufacturing, tech, engineering, defense and professional services sectors. If Trump is elected, his policies could also support growth and innovation in these areas, good news for those hoping for higher wages or better opportunities.

Learn More: What a Trump Presidency Could Mean for Social Security in 2025

Expansion of the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017

The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) of 2017 has had a massive impact on tax law. Most of the changes it’s brought about — specifically those that impact individual finances — are set to expire in 2026.

Trump was the one who originally signed the TCJA into law. If he’s elected for a second term, he could very well expand it beyond its current timeline.

“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will most likely be reinstated,” said Jerry. “That means the R&D tax credit, bonus depreciation on commercial buildings and residential rentals, as well as a continued 21% C Corporation tax will mean more jobs at higher wages because higher corporate profits will lead to more investments in plant, equipment and people.”

Some Prices Could Go Down

According to Jerry, a Trump presidency would have a largely beneficial impact on taxpayers. It’s possible that some of his policies would bring prices down, which would alleviate some financial stress.

However, certain policies could have an adverse effect on prices.

Trump has proposed enacting a tariff on foreign-made goods. This could support domestic businesses, which would be good for entrepreneurs and business owners. But it would also lead to higher prices on imported products. For those who primarily buy domestic goods, this might not have much of a direct impact, but only time will tell.

Housing Prices Could Continue To Rise

According to the S&P Corelogic Case-Shiller Index, U.S. housing prices are at an all-time high. The median sales price is $412,300.

As of now, Trump hasn’t specifically indicated how he plans to address the housing crisis issue. If prices remain as high as they are, or if interest rates continue to remain high (though there has been some improvement on that end), homeownership could remain out of reach.

There is potentially good news, however. The median sales price of single-family homes in Michigan is $260,000, significantly lower than the national median. For those who’d benefit from potentially higher wages or better career opportunities, this could make homeownership more achievable. There’s just no guarantee that prices will drop.

Stocks Could Benefit

The stock market has always been volatile, regardless of who’s in office. For individuals who’ve invested in stocks, a Trump presidency could be beneficial.

A recent CNBC survey found that 67% of individual investors feel that Trump would be good for the stock market. During his initial term, the Nasdaq rose 137%, while the S&P 500 rose 68%. In contrast, the Nasdaq has only risen 34% and the S&P 500 has risen 44% under the Biden-Harris administration (as of June 2024).

Regardless of location, those who rely heavily on stocks — either for passive income or as part of their retirement planning — could benefit from Trump. For long-term investors, the current U.S. president might not have as much of an impact.

Editor’s note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.

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