Slate Money

Jeff Horwitz, a technology reporter at Reuters, shines a light on Meta's troubling ad practices, revealing how the platform profits from the prevalence of fraudulent advertisements. He shares insights from internal documents, highlighting the company’s alarming tolerance for scams and low response to user reports. The discussion also navigates the implications of Trump's tariffs before delving into the epic fail of Saudi Arabia's Neom megacity project, laden with absurdity and environmental concerns. Tune in for a wild ride through tech turmoil and political fiascos!

Adrianna Adams, Head of Financial Planning at Domain Money and a certified financial planner, joins the hosts to explore the emotional complexities of retirement planning. They discuss why personal finance is largely psychological and how empathy is crucial in advising. Adrianna explains balancing short-term liquidity with long-term goals, the traits of financially secure retirees, and the pitfalls of lifestyle creep. They recommend reducing investment monitoring to ease anxiety and even suggest deleting stress-inducing finance apps. The conversation is both insightful and relieving!

The discussion kicks off with OpenAI's shift from non-profit to for-profit, sparking debates about public benefit and oversight. Rising Affordable Care Act premiums are dissected, revealing the harsh realities of escalating health costs. The spotlight also shines on Maurizio Cattelan’s gold toilet, with a second one uncovered and set for auction amid soaring gold prices. From art to healthcare, the hosts weave together a tapestry of cultural commentary and financial insights!

Anna Sale, the empathetic host of Death, Sex & Money, joins Felix Salmon to tackle the decision of whether to have children. They explore the hidden financial burdens of parenting, like childcare and housing, and how these costs affect family planning. Anna shares her emotional reasons for having two kids, while Felix discusses his childless lifestyle. They also examine how parenthood reshapes social dynamics and friendships, and reflect on the long-term benefits that children might bring in terms of support and legacy.

Ray D. Madoff, a distinguished law professor and tax law expert, joins the hosts to unveil how the U.S. tax code disproportionately benefits the wealthy. She reveals strategies that allow the richest Americans to effectively dodge taxes, highlighting the origins and purposes of the estate tax. Discussion includes shifts in public opinion against this tax and the loopholes that have emerged. Madoff also proposes innovative solutions, like taxing gains at death, offering a compelling critique of existing policies.

A stunning jewel heist at the Louvre stole the spotlight, with thieves executing a daring seven-minute theft in broad daylight. The hosts discuss why this crime captivated the public and the challenges the thieves face in monetizing the stolen jewels. Meanwhile, the ongoing government shutdown creates significant data shortages, impacting services and economic reporting. Silicon Valley is embracing the controversial 996 work schedule, raising concerns about its effects on diversity and productivity in the fast-paced tech industry.

The hosts delve into the fallout from First Brands and Tricolor's bankruptcies, questioning banks and private credit firms' accountability. They explore the rising prices and sales in the auto industry, highlighting how EV incentives have shifted market dynamics. Discussion tightens around the peculiar marketing strategies of the QQQ ETF, revealing its unusual structure and low profits for Invesco. Plus, a curious look into the complexity of matcha prices adds a flavorful twist to the conversation!

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a journalist and author known for his insightful views on financial history, dives into the 1929 market crash in this engaging discussion. He draws alarming parallels between that era and today's market, emphasizing systemic risks we face now. Sorkin warns that excessive leverage remains a lurking danger, much like the rampant borrowing before the crash. He also explores the implications of modern financial products, crypto trends, and the lasting legacy of the Great Depression's policies. History's lessons are as timely as ever!

Gold prices have soared past $4,000 an ounce, prompting speculation on the reasons behind this spike. With Intercontinental Exchange investing $2 billion in Polymarket, discussions arise about the rise of prediction markets and their blurred lines with traditional betting. The hosts also delve into the quirky market for Bob Ross paintings, examining how charity auctions can skew art values and the implications of increased inventory on perceived rarity. It’s a fascinating look at contemporary financial trends and the art world!

Discover why the Trump administration bailed out Argentina with a surprising $20 billion, examining the political motives and implications for U.S. soy farmers. As the U.S. government shuts down, learn how markets defy expectations and which parts of the economy truly suffer. Delve into Jared Kushner's role in a massive $55 billion deal that brings Saudi Arabia into the gaming world. Finally, ponder the future of Electronic Arts under foreign ownership and the potential benefits of private status amidst shifting market dynamics.