Kerry Lutz and Elliot Kallen discussed the current economic climate, emphasizing the disconnect between official inflation statistics and the real experiences of consumers. Kallen highlighted significant price increases in essential goods, such as food and wine, arguing that reported inflation figures do not reflect the reality faced by average consumers. They also addressed the economic impact of California's wildfires, suggesting that these events could have broader implications. The conversation shifted to the U.S. national debt, with Kallen warning that it could become unmanageable, affecting the Treasury market and inflation rates. Lutz stressed the importance of fiscal discipline and the potential need for government spending cuts, while both acknowledged the challenges of achieving budget reforms in a politically charged environment. In terms of investment strategies, Kallen recommended a cautious approach, favoring short and mid-term corporate bonds and selective technology investments, while advising against long-term bonds and the electric car industry. He expressed optimism about the U.S. Defense sector and oil-related investments, while also discussing the real estate market's potential recovery as interest rates decline. Kallen provided insights on the cryptocurrency landscape, indicating that a crypto dollar could change demand dynamics for Bitcoin, and he advised caution regarding precious metals unless geopolitical events drive demand. They also speculated on Tesla's future, with Kallen forecasting a sale to a consortium within three years, while Lutz contended that Elon Musk would retain control. The discussion concluded with a focus on the implications of self-driving technology for jobs and unions, and both expressed interest in future conversations.