North Carolina's state health plan undergoes significant changes, including a new preferred provider network and pharmacy benefit manager, aiming to reduce costs and improve healthcare outcomes. Meanwhile, the state budget allocates $48.9 million to farmland preservation efforts, a critical issue as North Carolina faces a high risk of farmland loss. [... more]

A state audit in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, reveals improper utility billing and unpaid bills from city officials, highlighting financial concerns and mismanagement. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly passes a law limiting the city's ability to transfer electric utility revenues into its general fund, and the state budget repeals a key sales tax exemption for electricity used by data centers, generating additional revenue for the state. [... more]

Crystal Payne shares practical advice on back-to-school budgeting, including involving kids in the process and taking advantage of tax-free weekends. Rob West also answers listener questions on retirement savings, generosity, and estate planning, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing needs, building an emergency fund, and seeking professional guidance. [... more]

North Carolina's business creation has hit a record high in the first half of 2026, with over 100,000 new businesses created, according to Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. The state's economic relationship with Canada remains strong, with Canada being North Carolina's top trading partner. Meanwhile, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley reflected on an unforgettable experience meeting U.S. Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr., a recent Medal of Honor recipient. The state's healthcare affordability commission aims to lower healthcare costs, and the pension system has seen significant improvements, with a $8 billion earnings in the pension system reducing the pension deficit by almost 75%. Additionally, the state's emissions testing requirement is set to be rolled back in 19 counties, and Governor Josh Stein has signed 12 bills into law, including a virtual currency kiosk consumer protection act and a farmland and military protection act. [... more]

Financial unrest affects many people, believers and unbelievers alike, regardless of their financial situation. It's not about money, but about our mindset and the downward pulls of the culture, the enemy, and our own human nature. By identifying and confronting the thoughts triggering unrest, we can separate spiritual fact from fiction and apply biblical solutions to achieve financial rest and peace. [... more]

Governor Josh Stein signs North Carolina's $34.4 billion state budget into law, delivering major investments in education, public safety, and hurricane recovery, while also highlighting flaws in the budget and the need for continued investment in the state's people and infrastructure. [... more]

Many families are struggling with credit card debt and financial pressure due to rising costs and stagnant wages. Credit counseling can help break the cycle of high interest payments and provide a structured debt management plan to pay off debt responsibly. Financial literacy is growing, and online resources are helping consumers learn responsible ways to pay off debt and understand the risks of debt settlement programs. A certified credit counselor can review your specific situation and help you create a plan to achieve financial freedom. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature has reached a deal on a budget, but it still awaits Governor Josh Stein's signature or veto. The budget includes a provision to repeal certificate of need laws for inpatient rehabilitation care, which could increase access to affordable healthcare. Meanwhile, two Republican senators have voted against the budget due to a provision requiring tolls on all state ferry routes. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against Rockingham County and a county commissioner, Kevin Berger, alleging retaliation against former Sheriff Sam Page for running against Phil Berger's son in a primary election. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers have passed a state budget that includes tax cuts, teacher raises, and disaster recovery funding. The budget, which was passed with bipartisan support, now heads to Governor Josh Stein's desk for signature. The budget also includes funding for economic development projects, including a commercial aircraft manufacturing facility in Greensboro. Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $197 million in additional disaster recovery funding for Western North Carolina, which was affected by Hurricane Helene. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly has passed a budget that includes significant investments in teacher pay raises, public safety, and infrastructure. The budget also allocates funds for farming and water and wastewater infrastructure. Representative Brendan Jones, the Republican majority leader, described the budget as a responsible and conservative budget that prioritizes the needs of working families, teachers, and law enforcement. However, some Democrats have expressed concerns about the budget's impact on public schools and the diversion of taxpayer money to private school vouchers. [... more]

A $34.4 billion state budget has been unveiled in North Carolina, with a 7% increase from the last budget. The plan includes an average 8% pay raise for educators, a 3% raise for all other state employees, and bonuses for certain positions. The budget also includes tax cuts, with the personal income tax rate set to decrease to 3.49% from 2027 to 2029. Additionally, the plan allocates more than $700 million for Hurricane Helene relief and $450 million to the Rainy Day Fund. [... more]

Certified Kingdom Advisors help individuals integrate their faith with financial decisions, offering guidance on biblical finance, faith-based investing, and charitable giving. They emphasize the importance of stewardship, financial planning, and living out Christian values in all aspects of life. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are set to unveil a new state budget, which includes raises for state employees and teachers, as well as tax cuts. Meanwhile, Duke Energy has agreed to cancel its offshore wind energy project and reinvest $129 million in other energy sources. A lawsuit filed by bar owners against former Governor Roy Cooper and the state of North Carolina over COVID-19 restrictions is moving forward, with the plaintiffs seeking depositions from Cooper and his former Health and Human Services Secretary, Mandy Cohen. [... more]

Rob West discusses six financial choices that can help individuals steward their resources wisely, including choosing to spend with a plan, choosing the right car for their budget, and preparing for the unexpected. He also answers listener questions on topics such as reverse mortgages, charitable donations from IRAs, and finding a certified kingdom advisor. [... more]

Lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are expected to make significant decisions on a state budget and a constitutional carry bill, while U.S. Senator Ted Budd expresses opposition to a White House funding request for Hurricane Helene recovery. Meanwhile, experts discuss the importance of controlling spending, setting aside funds for emergencies, and reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses in the state. [... more]

Managing money wisely is crucial for building a secure financial future. Faith and Finance explores the importance of Christian budgeting, credit card churning, and creating an emergency fund to achieve financial stability and freedom. [... more]

Rob West and his team offer guidance on retirement planning, financial stewardship, and biblical finance, discussing topics such as investment strategies, debt management, banking options, charitable giving, and fixed indexed annuities, helping listeners make informed decisions about their finances and live out their faith. [... more]

The Obama library project has left contractors owed millions of dollars, sparking controversy over public land use and gentrification in Chicago's Jackson Park. The project's delay and cost overruns have also raised questions about the Obama Foundation's influence and potential misuse of public funds. [... more]

Jonathan Lewis from Fathers for Fathers discusses the importance of being a faithful father, leaving a positive legacy, and modeling financial stewardship. He shares his personal story of overcoming struggles and encourages men to take responsibility for their actions, seek accountability, and prioritize their relationships with their children and God. [... more]

Jesus chose his disciples not because of their impressive ability, but because of their availability. He shows us that he will never fail us, even when we disappoint him. The Lord does not choose disciples who will never fail him, but rather those who will demonstrate faith in the miraculous and the power of Christ. [... more]