🎙️ Episode 90 — The Case for Concern: Understanding and Responding to the U.S. Debt Crisis

Welcome to episode 90 of the One for the Money podcast! In this important installment, we flip the script from optimism to realism. While there’s much to be hopeful about, it’s equally vital to acknowledge the financial risks facing our country—particularly the growing national debt and its long-term implications.

📉 In this episode, we break down:

• Why optimism about humanity’s future is warranted (Episode 89 recap)
• The alarming rise in U.S. federal debt and spending trends
• The impact of over $1 trillion/year in interest payments
• The bipartisan nature of overspending
• Real-life analogies to explain the scale of the debt crisis
• How these issues may affect taxes and future economic growth

📌 We also explore:

• Past episodes that discussed tax planning and deficit concerns
• A powerful analogy from The Pied Piper of Hamelin—and what it means for our kids
• Practical, actionable steps you can take to protect your financial future

💡 Tips, Tricks, and Strategies Segment:

• Why now is the time to engage in proactive tax planning
• Tax-saving strategies including Roth conversions, defined benefit plans, tax-loss/gain harvesting, and more
• The power of using tools like the Augusta Rule, Health Savings Accounts, and strategic charitable giving

🧠 Featured Past Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 1 – Roth & 401(k) contributions
• Episode 2 – Health Savings Accounts
• Episodes 6, 12, 26 – Roth IRAs & Roth conversions
• Episodes 8–9 – The Augusta Rule
• Episode 7 – Defined Benefit Plans
• Episode 26 – Tax gain harvesting
• Episode 29 – HSA strategies
• Episode 33 – Time to Pay the Piper

🔜 Coming Next:

A deep dive into NUA (Net Unrealized Appreciation)—a significant but underutilized tax-saving opportunity hidden in many 401(k)s.

📢 Call to Action:

1. Get involved in your local primaries. Fiscal discipline should be a priority—regardless of political party.
2. Start tax planning now. Don’t wait for Congress to act—because they probably won’t until they’re forced to.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• USDebtClock.org
• Learn more about David Bahnsen’s proposals on fiscal reform
• IRS information on Roth IRAs, HSAs, and tax strategies