Barry Habib | PBD Podcast | EP 71

Published in 1957, 'Atlas Shrugged' is Ayn Rand's magnum opus and her longest novel. The story is set in a dystopian United States where increasingly burdensome laws and regulations strangle innovation and productivity. The plot follows Dagny Taggart, a railroad executive, and Hank Rearden, a steel magnate, as they struggle against 'looters' who exploit their work. A mysterious figure named John Galt leads a strike of productive individuals, persuading them to abandon their companies and disappear. The novel culminates with Galt's three-hour radio speech explaining his philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and the importance of the human mind. The book explores themes of capitalism, property rights, and the failures of governmental coercion, presenting a provocative vision of a society in collapse and the potential for a new capitalist society based on Galt's principles.

In 'The Power of Zero', David McKnight provides a concise roadmap for achieving the 0% tax bracket by the time of retirement, thereby eliminating tax rate risk. The book addresses the looming crisis of higher taxes due to unfunded government promises and offers strategies to navigate the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It emphasizes the importance of moving from taxable and tax-deferred to tax-free income streams to protect retirement savings from higher taxes and ensure a secure retirement.

This book, written by George S. Clason, uses a series of parables to convey fundamental principles of personal finance and wealth accumulation. Published in 1926, it remains highly relevant today, offering practical advice on saving, investing, budgeting, and financial discipline. The parables are engaging and easy to understand, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Key principles include paying yourself first, living within your means, and making money work for you through wise investments. Despite its historical setting, the book's core lessons are adaptable to modern financial practices and have had a profound impact on countless readers worldwide.