Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://maxifiplanner.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.

Professot Kotlikoff invites guest Phil Gramm, a seasoned figure in the world of economic policy and political influence. Phil Gramm's storied career is defined by his tenure as a U.S. Senator from Texas, chairmanship of the Senate Banking Committee, and his profound insights on taxation and welfare policies—credentials that undeniably assert him as a voice of authority. With his notable academic background in economics and public service experience, Gramm brings a wealth of knowledge to today's pressing fiscal discussions.

Topics Discussed:

• Marginal Taxation:
• Measuring Inequality
• The Impact of Transfer Payments
• Perspectives on Economic Reforms

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Background, career, Congress, and more.
• 08:01 Served in Senate, quit while ahead. Inflation.
• 11:50 Discussion on inequality, poverty and economic measurements.
• 17:22 Census underestimates income inequality, poverty rate low.
• 25:06 Wealth inequality argument refuted based on perspective.
• 28:40 Comparing wealth and spending among 40 year olds
• 35:10 Bottom 60% of earners have similar income.
• 40:15 Reform taxation with progressive consumption tax, benefits.
• 46:33 Poverty traps: Improve language, promote progress, incentives.
• 55:37 Ukraine-EU, NATO, Russia peace with mediation.
• 56:42 Need peace agreement with Russia; China's growth.
• 01:06:39 Election lost in white suburbs due to behavior.
• 01:10:28 Presidency is demanding; knowing when to quit.

For anyone interested in the complexities of economic policies and their implications on both domestic and global scales, this conversation between two leading economic thinkers will offer invaluable perspectives. You'll leave the episode with a deeper appreciation for the interplay of taxation, welfare, and work incentives, and a clearer sense of the challenges and potential pathways to achieving economic equity.

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Laurence Kotlikoff is a Boston University Economist, a NY Times Best Selling Author, President of maxifi.com, and Author of Money Magic.

Follow Professor Kotlikoff:

Facebook: kotlikoff

Twitter: @kotlikoff

LinkedIn: laurencekotlikoff

Substack: https://larrykotlikoff.substack.com/

Books: https://kotlikoff.net/books/

Company: https://maxifiplanner.com/