Learning How (And When) To Say ‘Yes’ With Economist Stephanie Kelton
Sep 4, 2024
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Stephanie Kelton, a prominent economist and Modern Monetary Theory advocate, shares her personal relationship with money. She discusses the emotional complexities of teaching financial literacy to children and reflects on her unconventional career path, shaped by embracing risks and opportunities. The power of saying 'yes' emerges as a vital theme for personal growth. Kelton also explores financial stability and its ties to emotional well-being, urging optimism and resilience amid today’s economic challenges.
Stephanie Kelton highlights the importance of taking risks and embracing unpredictability in achieving personal and professional growth.
Kelton reflects on redefining 'enough' by prioritizing her children's well-being and fostering resilience while balancing support and independence.
Deep dives
Childhood Experiences with Money
Stephanie Kelton recounts her earliest memories of money primarily through the lens of her grandfather, who would give her and her sister $20 bills during visits. These experiences instilled a sense of wonder and appreciation for money at a young age, as they felt like a significant amount coming from an older relative. Growing up in a military family, she explains that financial discussions were prevalent and that her parents practiced careful money management, emphasizing prudent decisions over lavish spending. Despite not being wealthy, she never felt deprived, which contributed to her understanding of economic resilience.
Shifting Perspectives on Financial Security
Kelton shares that her son expressed anxiety about not being able to afford a home, highlighting a generational shift in perceptions of financial security. Unlike her own experience in her youth, he feels that homeownership is completely out of reach due to skyrocketing prices and his unfortunate position in the housing market. She attempts to reassure him by discussing economic fundamentals and potential solutions while alleviating some of the emotional burden he carries regarding his future. The conversation reflects broader societal concerns about the accessibility of the American dream for younger generations.
The Role of Luck in Career Success
Kelton reflects on her career, describing it as a series of fortunate accidents rather than a meticulously planned path. She acknowledges key moments that changed her trajectory, such as a chance encounter with a professor who encouraged her to pursue economics and further education. This idea of embracing unpredictability resonates with her understanding of success as not solely a product of effort but also alignment with opportunities. Kelton emphasizes that maintaining an open mindset and being willing to take risks have played crucial roles in her accomplishments.
Defining Enough in Personal and Financial Terms
Kelton discusses her evolving interpretation of 'enough,' focusing on the well-being of her children rather than mere financial metrics. She contemplates the challenge of providing support without stripping them of the drive necessary for self-sufficiency, aiming to ensure they feel secure without becoming overly reliant on her assistance. This internal struggle showcases her dedication to fostering resilience and ambition in her children as they navigate their financial futures. Ultimately, Kelton desires a balance between enabling comfort and encouraging independence, which she hopes will lead to their sense of fulfillment.
Stephanie Kelton is an American Economist, Academic, and a leading proponent of Modern Monetary Theory. She served as chief economist on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee in 2015, and POLITICO called her one of the 50 Most Influential Thinkers the year after. On this episode of 50 Fires, she joins Carl to share her own personal stories about money and discuss what it means to her. The conversation explores the themes of taking risks, learning how (and when) to say yes to opportunities, and the challenges of the current financial system. Despite these challenges, Stephanie remains optimistic and believes that there are better ways to build and improve on the system.
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