The basic business model of bank in discussed. What causes a run on a bank. What is the assumption of what caused the run on Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Should the executives of the bank seen the problem coming? How has the government responded and was that response appropriate?
Link to the YouTube video.
A short while before this conversation, the Debt Ceiling was surpassed and Congress was notified that if nothing was changed, the US Government would default on its obligations. We begin the conversation discussing the difference between debt and deficit, whether debt should be decreased by increasing income or decreasing expenses and then discuss what the debt means to the country and possible solutions.
Here is the link to the YouTube video.
In capitalism, the consumer chooses where to spend their money and that means a consumer can impact what companies offer for sale. Companies can influence legislation through lobbyists. Individual shareholders cannot impact company policy.
Here is a link to the YouTube video.
During the pandemic, there was a shortage of medical equipment due to production being almost entirely outside of the U.S. and so we were dependent on other countries for supplies. Similarly, microchips are manufactured almost entirely outside of the U.S. and for some this is a national security issue. The CHIPS Act was just passed in an effort to encourage chip production in the US to address the issue.
Here is the link to the YouTube video.
We begin the conversation discussing oil subsidies. We give examples of the types of subsidies that the oil industry receives and both question the value of subsidizing the industry. We quickly move on and discuss agriculture subsidies. We begin the conversation on the history of grain storage as a method of stabilizing the price and availability, which goes all the way back to the biblical story of Joseph and the Pharaoh of Egypt.
We begin with a description of what cryptocurrency is, what are the risks and concerns. One reason why cryptocurrency is a popular topic of conversation is that they are viewed as investment vehicles. We discuss the implications of that. The other reason why cryptocurrency is often discussed is as a financial transaction which we also explore.
Brian & Colin discuss variations on our existing tax system. We look at how complex our existing system is and how we could massage the existing system that would be more beneficial to the citizens while ensuring that the government is funded to do the necessary business. We discuss progressive tax systems vs proportional tax. We discuss income tax vs sales tax. Instead of offering tax breaks, offering a guaranteed income at lower income levels. How does the tax system in the US compare to other countries.
Here is a link to the YouTube video
Do high taxes will disincentivize high income earners? There are examples that serve both arguments. At times, high tax rates were decreased and that increased tax revenue and there are other examples of increasing tax rates and that also increases tax revenue so it is a difficult problem to assess. Are tax-free municipal bonds a reasonable alternative? What are the unintended consequences of a high tax rate? Where will investors put their money in order to avoid high taxes? Are entrepreneurs motivated by the money or by the challenge of the business and the money is an indicator of that success?
Link to the YouTube video.
First we address what is the purpose of taxes. The obvious answer is that we use it to fund the government and provide service for tax payers. There are some out there that believe taxes can also serve a purpose of redistributing wealth. There are some people that speak clearly and often about taking money from certain very wealthy individuals. Others looks at idea of taxing the very wealthy as a method to compensate for an unfair tax system. We move the discussion toward different tax structures such as the fact that stock investments are taxed at a lower rate than regular income (capital gains tax). Does the company and the economy benefit by the lower tax rate? We also spend a bit of time talking about tax brackets and how a very high tax rate doesn’t always coincide with low tax revenue. In the last few minutes we talk about the disincentive of high taxes toward earning money.
Link to the YouTube video.
We look at gas prices at the pump, the baby formula shortage and also looking forward at future scarcities. First we break down the commodities market and how future contracts work. with regard to oil production how does statements from the government impact exploration and build-out. The baby formula scare is due to the fact that there are 3 companies in the U.S. that produce 90% and one company had the production facility shut down. The U.S. also restricts imports from other countries. Looking forward, wheat is probably going to be the next supply scarcity. How can we plan for it and are there things we could do to mitigate the problem.
Link to the YouTube video.
