How central bank digital currencies would work, what is the motivation to create them, and what are the risks. Topics covered include: What percentage of central banks are working on a digital currency and plan to issue one soonWhat are the two kinds of money that central banks currently issue and how would a central bank digital currency differHow central bank digital currencies would be similar and differ from Bitcoin and other cryptocurrenciesWhat are the benefits and risks of … [Read more...]
316: Paper, Rocks, or Digits—What Makes the Best Money
What are the elements of a successful monetary system. Source: Bartek.cieslak at Polish Wikipedia. Edited and captioned. Topics covered include: The stone currency of Yap The fiat currency of ancient China Why money requires trust, accounting, and tokens Why too much money can lead to inflation and too little to deflation Why the best money is useless other than as money Show Notes The island of stone money : Uap of the Carolines by William Henry … [Read more...]
315 Plus: Moving Out of Cash, Purchasing and Storing Cryptocurrencies, and Mortgage REITs
In Plus Episode 315, we answer a member's question about how to move his portfolio back into the stock market. We review how to purchase and store cryptocurrencies. Finally, the episode includes the audio from a new video lesson on how to invest in mortgage real estate investment trusts. … [Read more...]
272 Plus: MLP Viability, Timber ETF and Cryptocurrency Lending Platforms
In Plus episode 272 for the week of October 12, 2019 we look at the longer-term prospects of master limited partnerships given the energy transition, tax structure and concentration in the MLP space. We review whether the iShares Global Timber and Forestry ETF is a pure-play on timber investing. Finally, we consider why cryptocurrency lending platforms are paying 8% or more to individuals willing to lend out their cryptocurrency and is this a "safe investment." … [Read more...]
260: July Mid Month Update, Asset Allocation Example, Evaluating Municipal Bonds and How To Buy Gold and Cryptocurrencies
In Plus episode 260 for the week of July 19, 2019, we look at stock and bond market performance month-to-date as well as recent economic releases. Using a member as an example, we walk through the tools on Money For the Rest of Us Plus for deciding on a new asset allocation target. We evaluate a Vanguard municipal bond fund and compare it to the overall bond market. Finally, we discuss how to buy and store gold and cryptocurrencies. … [Read more...]
259: Will The Libra Cryptocurrency Revolutionize Money?
Will Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency transform money as we know it or is it "the most invasive and dangerous form of surveillance devised thus far?" How does the Libra compare to Bitcoin and the U.S. dollar in terms of the attributes of money. In this episode you’ll learn: What is the Libra and how does it differ from Bitcoin.What are the different attributes of money.What is proof of work versus proof of stake for cryptocurrencies.What is the difference between permissionless and … [Read more...]
200 Plus: Income Investing, Blockchain and LIBOR-OIS Spread
This week April 14, 2018, we discuss income investing and the percent of appreciation over time that comes from dividends. We see why an early warning sign of the Great Financial Crisis, the LIBOR-OIS spread is starting to stir, and why it is not yet a sign of bank stress. Finally, we revisit blockchain technology. … [Read more...]
199: What Kind of Money Is It?
How a bank panic led to the creation of the Federal Reserve, and why having diversified sources of money can protect us in case we have a bank panic today and can't get access to our bank deposits. Photo by Annette Fischer In this episode you’ll learn: How a bank panic and economic crisis in 1907 led to the creation of the U.S. Federal Reserve in 1913.How U.S. currency evolved after the establishment of the Federal Reserve.How currency, bank deposits, gold and Bitcoin … [Read more...]
188 Plus: Home In Retirement, FEEX.com and Blockchain ETFs
This week January 20, 2018 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus, we discuss what percent should one's primary residence comprise of their retirement assets or net worth. We review the website FEEX.com that provides recommendations for funds and ETFs with lower expense ratios. Finally, we analyze two new blockchain ETFs (BLOK and BLCN) as well as a crytpocurrency index and index fund. … [Read more...]
182: Was Tulipmania Just Like Bitcoin?
What caused tulip mania in the 17th century in the Netherlands and how is it similar to Bitcoin? Photo by Andrean Valeanu In this episode you’ll learn: Why discretionary income is needed for a mania to occur. Why the tulip trade was one of the first futures market. How much were speculators paying for tulip bulbs at the top of the market. What was the impact of the tulip bulb crash. How Bitcoin is like tulipmania. Show Notes JPMorgan's Dimon says bitcoin is a … [Read more...]
