Money and Change

This episode of "Money and Change" on the Trim Radio Network covers a variety of topics, beginning with a disclaimer that the information provided is not financial, legal, medical, or investment advice. The host then gives shout-outs to the Trim Radio Network, Michael Bejas, Riscal Stevens, Victoria Smith, the University of Findlay, Rusty Duck's Custom Pens, Big Family Homestead, Southern Prepper One (Dave Kobler), Patriot Nurse (Rachel), Prepper Princess (Amber Stork), LDS Prepper, and Colby at The Max.

The host highlights the new Trim Radio Network website (trimradio.com), encouraging listeners to visit for show information, news, and merchandise. He also mentions the "Money and Change / Financially Prepped" Facebook page where show updates, links, and other relevant videos are posted.

Key topics discussed in the episode include:

• Trump's Mega Bill (Ten Non-Tax Policies): The host focuses on two aspects:

  • Education: Changes to Pell Grant eligibility, new federal student loan repayment plans, and a proposed variable tax on college and university endowments.

  • Medicaid and Rural Hospitals: Imposition of an 80-hour monthly work requirement for able-bodied adults to receive benefits (effective December 2026), a reduction in the provider tax rate for states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (effective 2028), and a $50 billion allocation over five years to support rural hospitals. The host speculates that changes to Medicaid may be related to undocumented immigrants.

• American Truckers United (ATU) Warning: Concerns about unsafe highways due to an influx of migrant drivers with non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), citing fatal crashes. The host shares an anecdote about a Ukrainian truck driver using a translation device.

• China's Economic Issues: Reports of the worst producer deflation in two years and six factors describing China's current state: decline, fierce competition, political struggles, the "run movement," random acts of violence, and the "lying flat movement."

• Yahoo Finance Updates:

  • Tax Changes: New policies allowing up to $20,000 annual tax-free withdrawals for K-12 education costs (up from $10,000), a new tax deduction for tipped workers (up to $25,000 in tips from taxable income through 2028), and a new tax deduction on car loan interest (up to $10,000/year for new U.S.-assembled cars for individuals earning under $100,000 or couples under $200,000, starting 2025).

  • Rising National Debt: Discussion on how the national debt, estimated to increase by $3-4 trillion due to new tax cuts, can impact personal finances through increased costs for loans and living expenses.

• University of Findlay Tour: A 90-second audio tour highlighting the university's enrollment, degrees, campus buildings, and facilities.

• Ford Recall: A recall of over 850,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a faulty low-pressure fuel pump that could cause engines to stall.

• Gas Prices: A report on current gas prices, noting a national average of $3.17/gallon (lower than a year ago), with expectations for prices to drop below $3/gallon by the end of summer/fall due to less expensive winter blend fuel and decreased demand. Tips for saving on gas include using reward cards, gas station apps, timing fill-ups (Mondays/Tuesdays), proper tire inflation, and smooth driving. The host also notes a local price increase due to a concert.

• National Debt Clock: The current national debt is stated as $37 trillion, equating to $108,208 per citizen and $323,052 per taxpayer.

• Personal Preparedness Advice: The host concludes with advice on personal financial and emergency preparedness: paying down debt, saving money, stocking long-term food and medications, having a good first-aid kit, appropriate clothing, batteries and charging methods for radios/phones, generators/solar panels, purified and stored water (3 gallons per person per day), blue tarps for roof damage, flashlights, and GMRS radios for communication.

The episode ends with a reminder about "My World" on Wednesday night and a sign-off to save money and "prep like crazy."