As US Gov Phases Out Pennies McDonald's Makes A BIG Change

Key Concepts

• Penny Phase-Out: The US government's discontinuation of copper and zinc pennies.
• Inflation/Hyperinflation: The rapid increase in prices and decrease in the purchasing value of money.
• Copper Pennies: Pennies minted in 1982 and older, primarily composed of copper.
• Zinc Pennies: Pennies minted after 1982, primarily composed of zinc with a copper coating.
• Rounding Up/Down: A payment adjustment strategy businesses may implement due to the absence of pennies.
• Alternative Assets: Investments in tangible, finite resources like metals, land, and water.
• Schmita Cycle: A recurring economic cycle of booms and busts, typically every 7-10 years.
• Great Depression Cycle: A larger, approximately 50-100 year economic cycle leading to significant market crashes.
• Financial Independence: Achieving a state where one's assets generate enough income to cover living expenses.

US Government's Penny Phase-Out and Its Implications

The US government is in the process of phasing out all pennies, including both copper and zinc versions. This action is presented not as beneficial for the US currency itself, but as a potential opportunity for individuals. The speaker emphasizes that copper pennies, specifically those dated 1982 and older, are made mostly of copper and are already worth three times their face value. The discontinuation of pennies is predicted to lead to an "instant boost in inflation" as companies begin rounding up all cash transactions.

Business Adaptations: The Case of McDonald's

In response to the penny shortage resulting from the phase-out, businesses are adapting their payment systems. McDonald's, for instance, has confirmed that some of its locations are implementing a new system to round cash payments up or down to the nearest 5 cents. A representative stated that if a customer lacks exact change, some McDonald's locations may not be able to provide it. The company is actively developing long-term solutions to simplify and ensure fairness for customers, acknowledging this as a nationwide issue affecting all retailers. McDonald's is seeking guidance from the federal government on this matter.

The Speaker's Personal Journey and Financial Philosophy

The speaker shares a personal anecdote from their time as a firefighter, where they began accumulating wealth by collecting and sorting copper pennies from zinc ones. While colleagues mocked this endeavor, the speaker, who came from humble beginnings without family financial support, managed to build wealth. They claim to have made their first million as a firefighter and now live a life of financial freedom, having paid cash for significant purchases. The speaker asserts that this level of financial success is achievable for everyone watching.

The Reality of Inflation and Wealth Building

The speaker strongly refutes official government inflation numbers, calling them "100% false" and a "straight up lie." They argue that the US dollar is experiencing hyperinflation at a rapid pace. The core argument for wealth building is to "think like wealthy people," who own tangible, finite assets such as land, water, and metals (steel, iron, copper, gold, silver). These are considered valuable because they are limited resources.

Escaping the "Rat Race" and Financial Preparedness

The speaker encourages viewers to break free from the "rat race" and their jobs, drawing from their own experience of burnout in a firefighting career due to unsupportive colleagues. Despite walking away from a secure retirement, the speaker focused on saving and investing in real estate, cryptocurrency, gold, silver, and starting businesses. They contrast this disciplined approach with friends and family who indulged in lavish spending and vacations they couldn't afford. The speaker believes that the only obstacle to financial success is oneself.

The Broader Issue of Hyperinflation and Government Actions

The penny situation is framed as a symptom of a larger problem: hyperinflation. The speaker contends that the government "steals from you every day" through rising prices, while wages, if they increase at all, do not keep pace with inflation and are subsequently taxed more. To combat this, the speaker advises starting a business and investing in alternative assets.

Practical Advice: Collecting Copper Pennies and Silver Coins

A concrete action recommended is to collect copper pennies from spare change. The speaker suggests filling a trash can with them, citing their grandfather's practice of saving silver dimes, quarters, half dollars, and even silver coins found in circulation from his hardware store in the 1960s. These saved coins are now worth significantly more than their face value, offering a "life-changing" opportunity for future generations. This practice is also presented as a way to shift one's financial mindset.

Economic Cycles and Future Outlook

The speaker warns of impending "hard times" and discusses economic cycles. They mention the "schmita cycle" of market booms and busts occurring every 7-10 years, and a larger "Great Depression cycle" happening every 50-100 years. The speaker believes we are currently in a "Great Depression cycle," referencing the 1920 depression that followed a flu pandemic as a historical parallel.

Call to Action: Debt Reduction and Investment Courses

The speaker urges viewers to become debt-free and promotes a bundle course including "credit score pro" and "get out of debt." They claim this course, based on their 30 years of investment experience, has helped individuals significantly improve their credit scores, making them attractive to lenders. A link to this course is provided.

Conclusion

The video concludes with the speaker, "The Economic Ninja," encouraging viewers to take action based on the information presented, emphasizing that the opportunity for financial improvement is available to everyone.