What could happen if the U.S. Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling and defaults on U.S. financial obligations. Photo by Augusto Navarro In this episode you’ll learn: What is the federal debt ceiling and why does Congress always wait until the last minute to raise it. How long has the debt ceiling been in place. What would be the consequences of default by the U.S. government on its obligations. Why does the government continue to run a budget deficit instead of a … [Read more...]
157: The Most Important Economic Question of Our Time
Why the likelihood of a future fiscal crisis sparked by the national debt depends on whether there is a limited or an unlimited supply of money. Is it possible the federal government's endless borrowing could crowd out the private sector and harm the economy? Photo by Cesar Marchan In this episode you’ll learn: How much is the U.S. national debt expected to increase. What is the financial concept of crowding out. How money is a zero-interest perpetual liability. How the … [Read more...]
153: Will Social Security Go Bankrupt?
Why Social Security will not collapse and the four actions government can take to make sure it won't. Photo by Michal Grosicki In this episode you'll learn: What does Social Security cost per year and how is it funded. How soon will the Social Security trust funds be depleted. What are the ways to stabilize the Social Security program. How productivity increases will help determine the future of Social Security. Show Notes Scathing New Report Shows Just How Bankrupt … [Read more...]
126: Where Federal Money Flows
Why cutting federal spending and trying to lower the national debt reduces household income and spending, potentially causing a recession. Photo by Julie Macey In this episode you'll learn: What does the U.S. federal government spend money on.How big is the U.S. national debt and who owns it.How most people receive more Social Security benefits than they paid into the system.What happens when interest costs becomes a larger portion of the federal budget.What are the … [Read more...]
