A new ETF allows individuals to earn income by insuring against natural disasters through investing in catastrophe bonds. We break down the historical returns, risk, fees, and structure of this intriguing investment opportunity. Topics covered include: Investments Mentioned Brookmont Catastrophic Bond ETF (ILS) Stone Ridge High Yield Reinsurance Risk Premium Fund (SHRIX and SHRMX) Show Notes Miami Is Entering a State of Unreality by Mario Alejandro Ariza—The … [Read more...]
The Decade So Far: September 2025 Live Market Update
In this livestream, recorded on September 25, 2025, we review how the forces of money, trust, technology, and climate change have evolved and interacted to impact the economy and asset class returns over the past six years. We also answered member questions on a variety of topics, including the money supply, mortgage-backed securities, private equity, and the public stock market, among others. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us … [Read more...]
508: Who Should Bear the Cost? Socialized vs. Market-Based Risk Management
Natural disasters are becoming more severe and costly—who should bear the financial burden? We explore the tension between socialized risk and market-based insurance. Topics covered include: Show Notes California wildfires: What we know about L.A.-area fires, what caused them, who is affected and more by Tim Stelloh, Marlene Lenthang, Rebecca Cohen and Phil Helsel—NBC News Climate change is showing its claws: The world is getting hotter, resulting in … [Read more...]
444: Natural Disasters: Are They Truly Increasing?
From raging wildfires to devastating floods, how are these natural events reshaping our financial landscape? What if anything, should we be doing with our investments as a result? Topics covered include: Show Notes Why the fires in Hawaii have been so bad—The Economist CAMS: monitoring extreme wildfire emissions in 2022—Copernicus A human-driven decline in global burned area by N. Andela et al.—Science Seasonal Trend for Europe—Copernicus Insurers rack up $50bn in … [Read more...]
442: Crisis-Proof Investing: Strategies for a Shaky Future
Given climate change and other risks, how should you invest for the next forty years? Topics covered include: Show Notes The Third Wave by Alvin Toffler—Penguin Random House Parcel shipping index 2022—Pitney Bowes America Is Drowning in Packages by Amanda Mull—The Atlantic How to Spend Way Less Time on Email Every Day by Matt Plummer—Harvard Business Review World Population Prospects—United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Global Climate Change … [Read more...]
413: What if the World Stopped Shopping?
How to solve the conundrum that consumption reductions lead to economic disasters while benefiting the environment. Topics covered include: Show Notes How the World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We’re Going by Vaclav Smil The Day the World Stops Shopping: How Ending Consumerism Saves the Environment and Ourselves by J.B. Mackinnon Global Footprint Network Episode Sponsors MasterClass - Get two annual memberships for the price of … [Read more...]
395: How Population Trends Will Impact Growth, Inflation, Investing and Well Being
How slowing population growth and an eventual population peak will lead to competition for foreign workers, potentially higher inflation, and ultimately the need to transition to a steady-state economy rather than one based on constantly producing more. Topics covered include: Show Notes World Population Prospects 2022: Summary of Results—United Nations Department of Economy and Social AffairsFive Key Findings from the 2022 UN Population Prospects by Hannah Ritchie, et … [Read more...]
390: Are BlackRock and Vanguard Too Big and Powerful?
How big index fund and ETF providers have increased their sway over publicly-traded companies while potentially discouraging competition. What can be done about it? Topics covered include: How market share for assets under management has become increasingly concentrated with big fund complexes like Vanguard and BlackRockWhat is a fiduciary relationship and how do asset managers serve as fiduciariesWhy do investors in index funds and ETFs have no input as to how fund sponsors vote on … [Read more...]
351: How to Profit From Carbon Investing While Combatting Climate Change
How the carbon emissions allowance and carbon offset markets are structured and how to invest in them. Topics covered include: How much greater are the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and how much have average temperatures increasedWhy industries and companies are seeking to cut their greenhouse gas emissionsHow cap and trade emissions trading systems workWhat are the demand and supply dynamics of tradable emission allowancesWhat has been the performance of tradeable emission … [Read more...]
340: Climate Change, ESG, and What Should Investors Do?
How businesses, households, governments, asset managers, and investors interact in unpredictable ways to address the risks and opportunities related to climate change and other global trends. Why ESG investing goes beyond just buying an ESG fund or ETF. Topics covered include: Show Notes The Beauty of Everyday Things by Soetsu Yanagi (affiliate link) Darmstadt Definition of Sustainable Investments by Johannes Hoffmann, Gerhard Scherhorn, Timo Busch (eds.)—Wuppertal … [Read more...]
