Wealth Actually

Haven (https://pundificator.com/) and I (frazerrice.com) took on 2019/2020- here is a quick summary

Spring Forward, Look Back . . .

FRAZER'S WINNERS:

Amazon- the category 5 hurricane in American Consumerism- AMZN continues to charge forward.

Kylie Jenner- She sold 51% of her company for $600mm to Coty- this could be the apex of influencer branding.

FRAZER'S LOSERS

The Federal Reserve- With the patina presidential intervention (and long term low rates), the independence of the institution is up for debate.

Online Privacy – Facebook, Google, Alexa Financial Institutions have called into question the public’s trust and opened the door to gov’t regulation.

(Extra Credit- I'm convinced that there will be a "Deepfake" incident that takes down a major public figure. When it turns out to be debunked (a la the movie "Rising Sun"), there will be a fundamental shift in the way people view the social media and the "trustworthiness" of video.

FRAZER'S PREDICTIONS

Nuclear Power will have a renewed place in the climate change debate

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will shine a glaring light on the China/Hong Kong tensions

Marvel/Star Wars will take a big breather after a big and "climactic" 2019.

. . . And the Knicks will continue to break my heart. . .

HAVEN'S WINNERS

And Washington Sports in general

The Stock Market +29%

HAVEN'S LOSERS

Populism both Right and Left

Political Industrial Complex and their new challenges

HAVEN'S PREDICTIONS

Political Industry Makes a ton of money in 2020

Longer from Journalism may start to come back . . .

Rumsfeld- Knowing about the unknown unknowns will be even more important

AND, FINALLY, MY POOR KNICKS . . .

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/12/9/21002375/an-11-point-plan-to-save-new-york-knicks-david-fizdale-fired

My Poor Knicks

https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Welcome back to the "Wealth, Actually" podcast and Happy New Year!

As we start 2020, Haven ("The Pundificator") and I are taking on "Impeachment".

With Nancy Pelosi's withholding of the Articles of Impeachment from the Senate and the resultant delay in the Senate trial, Americans have had a couple of weeks to focus on the holiday season and away from this segment of political theater. Can Donald Trump withstand the latest attacks on his presidency? Will Nancy Pelosi and/or Mitch McConnell's constituencies pay a price for this political gamesmanship?

Here's the chance to review what is happening before the media cycle revs back up. First, here are some quick links on . . .

THE IMPEACHMENT PROCESS:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/us/politics/what-is-impeachment-process.html

THE ELECTION CLIMATE:

https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/16/trump-2020-reelection-086033

WE'LL TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF:

* Where we stand right now in the process* Were there other options?* The probability of President Trump being removed* What does removal mean? * The strategy and tactics for the Democrats, Republicans and the President around this process* Potential ramifications in the 2020 election* Potential ramifications for the use of impeachment in the future

We hope you enjoy it! And a reminder to subscribe- the podcast is on major platforms.

PS- I got the chance to be a part of Meb Faber's "Best Investment Writing, Volume 3. I created an audio version of Chapter 3 of "Wealth, Actually". The link is below. I hope you like it.

https://mebfaber.com/2019/12/30/the-best-investment-writing-volume-3-frazer-rice-preparing-for-the-hurricane-of-wealth/

https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Welcome back to the "Wealth, Actually" podcast and Happy New Year!

As we start 2020, Haven ("The Pundificator") and I are taking on "Impeachment".

With Nancy Pelosi's withholding of the Articles of Impeachment from the Senate and the resultant delay in the Senate trial, Americans have had a couple of weeks to focus on the holiday season and away from this segment of political theater. Can Donald Trump withstand the latest attacks on his presidency? Will Nancy Pelosi and/or Mitch McConnell's constituencies pay a price for this political gamesmanship?

Here's the chance to review what is happening before the media cycle revs back up. First, here are some quick links on . . .

THE IMPEACHMENT PROCESS:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/us/politics/what-is-impeachment-process.html

THE ELECTION CLIMATE:

https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/16/trump-2020-reelection-086033

WE'LL TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF:

Where we stand right now in the processWere there other options?The probability of President Trump being removedWhat does removal mean? The strategy and tactics for the Democrats, Republicans and the President around this processPotential ramifications in the 2020 electionPotential ramifications for the use of impeachment in the future

We hope you enjoy it! And a reminder to subscribe- the podcast is on major platforms.

PS- I got the chance to be a part of Meb Faber's "Best Investment Writing, Volume 3. I created an audio version of Chapter 3 of "Wealth, Actually". The link is below. I hope you like it.

https://mebfaber.com/2019/12/30/the-best-investment-writing-volume-3-frazer-rice-preparing-for-the-hurricane-of-wealth/

https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Haven and Frazer discuss Brexit and its Implications

First, some quick housekeeping: "Wealth, Actually" is setting the schedule to post content every Thursday. Interviews with entrepreneurs, experts, and tastemakers AND Haven Pell and I will take on noteworthy and timely topics. SUBSCRIBE today on most major podcast venues. Tell friends, leave comments and get in touch!

Second, HAVEN PELL and I are discussing Brexit. We take on . . . .

* England's Political Process (and how we got here)* Some of the Personalities Behind the Election (Boris et al . . . )* Labour vs. Tories (and others)* 5 Years of Labour?* Ramifications for the UK and the EU* Potential Implications for the US (and the big decisions coming up in our electoral process)

Here are a couple of articles that are useful in understanding what just took place:

BRITISH ENDGAME: BRITISH VOTERS BACK BORIS AND BREXIT

https://pundificator.com/the-u-k-election-wont-solve-brexit/

Find Frazer's book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Haven and Frazer discuss Brexit and its Implications

First, some quick housekeeping: "Wealth, Actually" is setting the schedule to post content every Thursday. Interviews with entrepreneurs, experts, and tastemakers AND Haven Pell and I will take on noteworthy and timely topics. SUBSCRIBE today on most major podcast venues. Tell friends, leave comments and get in touch!

Second, HAVEN PELL and I are discussing Brexit. We take on . . . .

England's Political Process (and how we got here)Some of the Personalities Behind the Election (Boris et al . . . )Labour vs. Tories (and others)5 Years of Labour?Ramifications for the UK and the EUPotential Implications for the US (and the big decisions coming up in our electoral process)

Here are a couple of articles that are useful in understanding what just took place:

BRITISH ENDGAME: BRITISH VOTERS BACK BORIS AND BREXIT

https://pundificator.com/the-u-k-election-wont-solve-brexit/

Find Frazer's book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

In a new regular feature on the "Wealth, Actually" Podcast, Haven Pell and I will take on a topic.  (For our first one, we discuss the concept of "College" in modern American Society)

With some fun questioning and debate, we'll try to make some sense of a subject that has some controversy, broad policy implications and a little bit of hypocrisy to unwind.  Hopefully, it's weighty and important.  We hope to tackle things that are both evergreen and timely.

MEET HAVEN HERE:  https://pundificator.com/haven-pell/

In this first segment, we take on "College".

A broad, wide-ranging topic?  You bet.

We address:

* The cost

* The pressure (on applicants and graduates)

* The Insider vs the Outsider Viewpoint

* STEM vs Liberal Arts

* The Impact on Culture

* A Year of Service

* A Venue for People over 60?

* Sports and University Life

* Broader Ramifications on the Future of the U.S.

Look forward to WEALTH ACTUALLY and the PUNDIFICATOR as regular feature . . . as we take on current events and and some of the big concepts and issues facing society today.  SUBSCRIBE, TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND LEAVE COMMENTS.

https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

 

 

 

 

 

In this edition of "Wealth, Actually", I was able to speak with Leslie and Mark Begert of the newly launched, Fabulingua.  The company helps to accelerate the learning of second languages through a unique blend of technology, storytelling and gamification.  The program is initially focussing on English and Spanish, but the Begerts have big plans for the company in the future.  Today we get to hear more about their journey, the nuts and bolts of the company, and, finally, what it's like being married entrepreneurs.  Enjoy!

Here is the best way to learn about the company:

Device download link via App Store or Google Play Store: https://fabulingua.app.link/XMJRpLZ9h2

Website: https://www.fabulingua.com/

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/fabulingua

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/fabulinguakids/

Leslie Omana Begert and Mark Begert of Fabulingua

* Co-founders of Fabulingua, a company borne out of her deep linguistics and psychology training.

* Fabulingua is devoted to providing a revolutionary way for kids to learn a second language.

* It uses many of the features of traditional natural story reading and modern gamified learning techniques so popular today.

Backgrounds:

* Raised in Barcelona, Leslie is a true polymath with academic backgrounds linguistics, psychology and anthropology from Oxford and Cambridge.

* She further cultivated her professional experience at Goldman and L’Oreal.

* She has turned her attention to developing a better way for kids to learn a second language by founding Fabulingua with her husband, Mark.

* Mark began his career in finance and worked internationally (especially in China with wireless company, Linkstone) before locating in Austin.

* He began focusing on the clean energy economy at Long Branch Capital and then Meridian Solar before starting Fabulingua

The Importance of being bi-lingual today . . .

* How does FabuLingua work?

* What if there are no other native speakers in the household?

* There are many products out there (Rosetta Stone, Pimsluer, Duoligo)- what makes FabuLingua different and better?

* How does the gamification work?  How does the storytelling accelerate the learning process?  Answers to FAQ's about the site can be found here:  https://www.fabulingua.com/faq-fabulingua

* What is the plan for the business?  Where can we start seeing it?

* Describe running your own business and entrepreneurship.  How do you balance the raising a family with entrepreneurship?  What is it like working with your husband?

* What is the best way for us to keep track of your progress or try FabuLingua out?

In a new regular feature on the "Wealth, Actually" Podcast, Haven Pell and I will take on a topic.  (For our first one, we discuss the concept of "College" in modern American Society)

With some fun questioning and debate, we'll try to make some sense of a subject that has some controversy, broad policy implications and a little bit of hypocrisy to unwind.  Hopefully, it's weighty and important.  We hope to tackle things that are both evergreen and timely.

MEET HAVEN HERE:  https://pundificator.com/haven-pell/

In this first segment, we take on "College".

A broad, wide-ranging topic?  You bet.

We address:

The cost

The pressure (on applicants and graduates)

The Insider vs the Outsider Viewpoint

STEM vs Liberal Arts

The Impact on Culture

A Year of Service

A Venue for People over 60?

Sports and University Life

Broader Ramifications on the Future of the U.S.

Look forward to WEALTH ACTUALLY and the PUNDIFICATOR as regular feature . . . as we take on current events and and some of the big concepts and issues facing society today.  SUBSCRIBE, TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND LEAVE COMMENTS.

https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

In this edition of "Wealth, Actually", I was able to speak with Leslie and Mark Begert of the newly launched, Fabulingua.  The company helps to accelerate the learning of second languages through a unique blend of technology, storytelling and gamification.  The program is initially focussing on English and Spanish, but the Begerts have big plans for the company in the future.  Today we get to hear more about their journey, the nuts and bolts of the company, and, finally, what it's like being married entrepreneurs.  Enjoy!

Here is the best way to learn about the company:

Device download link via App Store or Google Play Store: https://fabulingua.app.link/XMJRpLZ9h2

Website: https://www.fabulingua.com/

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/fabulingua

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/fabulinguakids/

Leslie Omana Begert and Mark Begert of Fabulingua

Co-founders of Fabulingua, a company borne out of her deep linguistics and psychology training.

Fabulingua is devoted to providing a revolutionary way for kids to learn a second language.

It uses many of the features of traditional natural story reading and modern gamified learning techniques so popular today.

Backgrounds:

Raised in Barcelona, Leslie is a true polymath with academic backgrounds linguistics, psychology and anthropology from Oxford and Cambridge.

She further cultivated her professional experience at Goldman and L’Oreal.

She has turned her attention to developing a better way for kids to learn a second language by founding Fabulingua with her husband, Mark.

Mark began his career in finance and worked internationally (especially in China with wireless company, Linkstone) before locating in Austin.

He began focusing on the clean energy economy at Long Branch Capital and then Meridian Solar before starting Fabulingua

The Importance of being bi-lingual today . . .

How does FabuLingua work?

What if there are no other native speakers in the household?

There are many products out there (Rosetta Stone, Pimsluer, Duoligo)- what makes FabuLingua different and better?

How does the gamification work?  How does the storytelling accelerate the learning process?  Answers to FAQ's about the site can be found here:  https://www.fabulingua.com/faq-fabulingua

What is the plan for the business?  Where can we start seeing it?

Describe running your own business and entrepreneurship.  How do you balance the raising a family with entrepreneurship?  What is it like working with your husband?

What is the best way for us to keep track of your progress or try FabuLingua out?

Interesting Facts about the Begerts.

Outro:

You will notice a new format for the podcast.  I hope you enjoy it.

Extra special thanks to Matt Passy who has been extremely helpful in helping me reboot.

Please subscribe, tell your friends and leave comments,

https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

First, this is the first podcast with some formatting changes (including making it easier to subscribe via iTunes and Google Play) and the addition of music . . . let me know what you think of it . . . now back to the podcast.

One of the main themes in 2019 is the focus on effective philanthropy amongst the wealthy.  Following the example of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation among others, measurable outcomes, specific examples of positive change and solutions delivered at scale are more and more important to the people making philanthropic investments.  Interested in seeing an example of a difficult philanthropic problem identified and addressed, I spoke with Jasmine Nahhas di Florio, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships, of EFE-Global.  It's difficult to not be impressed by Jasmine's background and the accomplishments of EFE.  Founded by Ron Bruder after a successful career in real estate development, Jasmine and EFE have devoted their efforts to providing opportunity and structure to men and women in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).  Listen with me as we learn about the problems in the area, the challenges overcome and some of the successes that they have been able to achieve in an area that many hear about, but few understand.

Below are some of the stories and links to EFE on Twitter and Facebook.

https://efe.org/success-stories/alumni-stories

Twitter: @EFE_Global

https://www.facebook.com/EFEGlobal/

1)  Introduction

Jasmine Nahhas di Florio has over 20 years of experience spanning the nonprofit, philanthropy, government and private sectors. Having joined EFE in 2005, she has worked closely with the organization’s Founder and Chairman, Ronald Bruder, since its startup and is currently Senior Vice President for Strategy & Partnerships. Today, EFE is the leading youth employment and nonprofit job placement network in the Middle East and North Africa. Previously, Jasmine ran programs for private donors in Afghanistan for Afghan Women Leaders Connect at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and Arzu, a carpet social enterprise. Earlier in her career, Jasmine was a corporate attorney at the international law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, and she also served as an attorney-advisor at the U.S. Department of Treasury. Jasmine consulted the United Nations (UNFIP) on private-public sector partnerships. A Rhodes Scholar, Frank Knox Scholar and Fulbright Scholar, she is a graduate of the University of Alberta, Oxford University and Harvard Law School. She also completed the Columbia Business School's Social Enterprise Program Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals and currently serves on the board of the Middle East Children’s Institute. Jasmine’s expert commentary on economic opportunity, women’s empowerment and youth issues has been featured in The Financial Times, Forbes, Stanford Social Innovations Journal, and Finance Middle East, among others.

2)  How did the EFE come about and how did you become associated with it?

3)  We watch the news and intuit the the economic situation in parts of the Middle East / North Africa are desperate.  How does this relate to the problem that EFE tries to solve?

(EFE's WHITE PAPER ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION)

4)  This seems to be a widely supported goal- what are the challenges in addressing the regions?

5)  What are the different options for programs?