Goodbye, Farewell, Adios, Adieu to 2025

When I was in college, my boyfriend at the time and I went to Times Square to watch the ball drop. Even back then, in the 90s, it was pretty crowded, though nothing compared to today. Anyway, I did it once, and now there’s no need for me to do it again. Most years I don’t stay up for midnight celebrations. 

However, I might stay up this year. Not so much to welcome 2026 in, but to make sure 2025 Gs the FO.

Having said that, I think there is a message in 2025 specifically for businesspeople that I want to make sure everyone has learned and internalized.

I know a lot of people (who should now know better, if they didn’t before) who voted Republican simply because they don’t like taxes.

Even our HISTORICALLY LOW tax rates. Look, your life is not going to get significantly better if you’re paying a marginal 34% on income instead of 37%. 

Turns out taxes aren’t the only thing you have to think about when voting!

There’s whether or not the demented occupant of the Oval Office is going to suddenly and arbitrarily levy tariffs on other nations, which may or may not be your suppliers and/or customers that now don’t want to deal with your business.

There’s whether or not your employees can come to work, because a bunch of racists decide they have a problem with immigrants (even if THEIR PARENTS immigrated to the US) and start disappearing your workers.

There’s whether or not you’re going to have a government that follows the law so you know what to expect.

There’s whether or not you have independent agencies for small business needs, like financing, that don’t depend on the whims of an old man who falls asleep during meetings. 

Now, if you want to get anything done, you not only have to praise the narcissist and his toadies effusively and publicly, but also throw as much money at him as you can.

We used to think that “pay-to-play” and accepting bribes were sure signs of corruption, and here we are. We were right, they ARE signs of corruption.

We aren’t going to turn this ship around when business owners believe taxes are the only thing to think about when voting.

It’s not just taxes that underpin a strong economy and vibrant business sector. It's also the rule of law and consistent business practices that count.

Remember when you could just do your business and have a life? Presidents who follow the Constitution and the rule of law give you that peace of mind.

And so does a business that’s streamlined and moving you forward to your goals, while giving you time for the important things in life, like your loved ones.

As I said last week, it’s time to think critically. And not just about your business.

Let’s welcome 2026 with love and friendship, and spend it intentionally and fulfillingly.