The Real Cost of Living: Understanding Affordability in America

The Real Cost of Living: Understanding Affordability in America

Why does it feel like everything costs more today? In this episode, Ben examines the growing affordability challenges facing American families, from grocery bills and housing costs to energy prices, taxes, and the broader economy. Ben discusses the economics behind rising beef prices, the role of supply and demand, regulatory costs, energy policy, housing affordability, and immigration’s impact on the housing market.  He also explores recent federal tax legislation, government spending, and competing political approaches to addressing the rising cost of living. Drawing on economic data, industry examples, and public policy debate, Ben argues that government decisions at the federal, state, and local levels have significant consequences for affordability and household budgets.  The episode concludes with a discussion of tax policy, economic growth, and why affordability remains of the defining issues facing Americans today. Whether you’re interested in economics, public policy, taxes, inflation, housing, or the cost of living, this episode offers Ben’s perspective on the policies shaping affordability in America and the facts to back it up. Resources discussed in this episode are linked below. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms. “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/steve-forbes-chuck-schumer-beef-doesnt-know-how-grill [https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/steve-forbes-chuck-schumer-beef-doesnt-know-how-grill] https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/07/one-year-later-president-trumps-working-families-tax-cuts-are-delivering-for-american-workers/ [https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/07/one-year-later-president-trumps-working-families-tax-cuts-are-delivering-for-american-workers/] https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/fertilizers/reporter/usa [https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/fertilizers/reporter/usa] https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-potash.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/DEA_GOV_DIR-008-20 Fentanyl Flow in the United States_0.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2025/03/the-staggering-cost-of-the-illicit-opioid-epidemic-in-the-united-states/ [https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2025/03/the-staggering-cost-of-the-illicit-opioid-epidemic-in-the-united-states/] https://www.heritage.org/government-regulation/commentary/biden-overreaching-using-antiquities-act-create-national-monuments [https://www.heritage.org/government-regulation/commentary/biden-overreaching-using-antiquities-act-create-national-monuments] https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/issues/bidenomics-drives-up-energy-costs [https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/issues/bidenomics-drives-up-energy-costs] https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/06/regulatory-costs-jump-40-in-five-years-add-131734-to-new-home-prices [https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/06/regulatory-costs-jump-40-in-five-years-add-131734-to-new-home-prices] https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/biden-era-illegal-immigration-drove-up-housing-costs-fed-economists-find [https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/biden-era-illegal-immigration-drove-up-housing-costs-fed-economists-find] https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/trump-admin-maps-out-sweeping-rollback-regulations-push-save-1-5t [https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/trump-admin-maps-out-sweeping-rollback-regulations-push-save-1-5t] https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/06/25/president-trump-signs-executive-order-advancing-regenerative-agriculture-secretary-rollins-announces [https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/06/25/president-trump-signs-executive-order-advancing-regenerative-agriculture-secretary-rollins-announces]

Webster Groves School District $5.6 Million Budget Gap: What Tax Payers Should Know

Should Webster Groves homeowners pay more in property taxes?  In this episode, Ben examines the Webster Groves School District’s projected $5.6 million budget deficit and the proposed 65-cent property tax increase that district leaders say is needed to avoid future budget cuts. Using publicly available budget documents and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Eduction data, Ben breaks down the numbers behind the district’s finances, including declining student enrollment, rising per-student education costs, changes in state funding, healthcare expenses, and the potential impact of Missouri’s senior property tax freeze. This episode also takes a closer look at the district’s community survey, the arguments being made in support of a tax increase, and the questions taxpayers should consider before any proposal reaches the ballot. If you’re a Webster Groves resident, homeowner, parent, or taxpayer, this episode provides a data-focused look at one of the community’s most important local issues. Resources discussed in this episode, including the full budget document and supporting materials, are linked below. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms. “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-groves-school-district-lays-out-finances-at-public-meeting/article_fba456bc-0a67-42bd-870b-ff75c6e61889.html [https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-groves-school-district-lays-out-finances-at-public-meeting/article_fba456bc-0a67-42bd-870b-ff75c6e61889.html] https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1782834489/websterk12mous/o8istxyh7m2lokxccy2y/26-27Budget.pdf [https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1782834489/websterk12mous/o8istxyh7m2lokxccy2y/26-27Budget.pdf] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-expands-indictment-splc-alleging-4m-secretly-funneled-kkk-extremist-groups [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-expands-indictment-splc-alleging-4m-secretly-funneled-kkk-extremist-groups] https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-school-board-adopts-inclusive-social-studies-curriculum/article_b6800fa2-a8ea-11eb-880f-2f87ce1fb1db.html [https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-school-board-adopts-inclusive-social-studies-curriculum/article_b6800fa2-a8ea-11eb-880f-2f87ce1fb1db.html] https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1782834489/websterk12mous/o8istxyh7m2lokxccy2y/26-27Budget.pdf [https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1782834489/websterk12mous/o8istxyh7m2lokxccy2y/26-27Budget.pdf]

The Rise of Communism? What It Means to the American Dream

In this episode, Ben examines that differences between capitalism, socialism, and communism through the lens of history, economics and America’s founding principles. Drawing on historical examples and political philosophy, Ben discusses Karl Marx’s vision of communism, the role of socialism as a transitional system, and how communist governments have operated throughout modern history.  He also explores the constitutional protections Americans enjoy, such as free speech, private property, religious liberty, and limited government, and argues why these freedoms are essential to preserving the American Dream. From free markets and enterprises to individual liberty and constitutional government, this episode takes a broad look at the ideological debate surrounding communism, capitalism, and the future of the United States. Whether you’re interested in political philosophy, American history, constitutional rights, or today’s political environment, this episode offers Ben’s perspective on one of the defining ideological debates of our time.  LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms.

The Ben Broghammer Show - Trailer

From city halls to state capitals and all the way to Washington, DC. The decisions being made today shape the communities we live in tomorrow. Welcome to the Ben Broghammer Show, where we take a closer look at the issues impacting you. From taxes and spending to elections, government accountability, and the policies that affect everyday life. Every episode breaks down the details, examines the facts, and provides fact-based reporting to help you better understand the issues shaping our communities. Because government decisions have consequences, and staying informed starts with knowing the facts, asking the right questions, and understanding what is happening around us. This is the Ben Broghammer Show. Subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms.

The $2.6 Million Question

In this episode, Ben breaks down the proposed Webster Groves Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which begins July 1, 2026, and examines what it means for residents, business owners, and taxpayers. With nearly 250 pages of financial data, capital projects, revenue forecasts, and spending plans, the budget can feel overwhelming.  This episode walks through the key numbers, including a projected $2.6 million deficit, planned use of reserves funds, major capital improvement projects, employee compensation increases, grant-funded initiatives with hidden costs, and the city’s long-term financial outlook. You’ll hear where city revenue comes from, where taxpayer dollars are being spent, and why questions surrounding economic growth, infrastructure investments, and future funding deserve public attention. Whether you support the budget, oppose it, pr simply want to better understand how local government operates, this episode provides a detailed look at the facts behind one of the most important decisions facing Webster Groves this year. Resources discussed in this episode, including the full budget document and supporting materials, are linked below. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms. “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/100/Budget [https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/100/Budget] https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15309/Proposed-Budget-Book---FY-2027 [https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15309/Proposed-Budget-Book---FY-2027]