

Economics Matters with Laurence Kotlikoff
Economics Matters
Economics Matters is a podcast hosted by Professor Laurence Kotlikoff, one of the most influential economists in the world, a Global Economics Advisor, NY Times Best Selling Author, President of Economic Security Planning, Inc., and Director of the Fiscal Analysis Center. In each episode, Professor Kotlikoff talks to experts about the power of economics in our modern day society. From personal finance and fiscal policy, to social security and income inequality, Economics Matters delves into much of the economic challenges of modern society.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 18, 2024 • 57min
Learn to Build a TIPS Ladder from Kevin Esler -- the Creator of the Outstanding, Free Tool -- TIPSLADDER.COM
Kevin Esler, a retired tech guru from Australia, shares his expertise on Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) and the creation of TIPSLADDER.COM, a free tool for building TIPS ladders. He discusses how to ensure reliable income through maturing bonds and the importance of integrating this strategy with Maxifi for comprehensive financial planning. Kevin also shares insights on his career journey, the value of assertiveness in professional growth, and his admiration for low-cost investing, inspired by finance pioneer John Bogle.

Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 4min
The Devils Will Get No Rest -- James Conroy Talks About His New Book on the Roosevelt-Churchill Casablanca Conference that Produced the Short- and Long-Term Blueprints for Allied Victory Over Hitler.
Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: https://maxifiplanner.com/. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.
Professor Kotlikoff talks with James Conroy, a distinguished author and historian with a diverse career background that gives him a unique voice in historical accuracy. He has served in the US Naval Air Reserve, excelled as a lawyer, and transitioned into writing award-winning history books. His latest work, "The Devils Will Get No Rest: FDR, Churchill, and the Plan That Won the War," delves into the pivotal Casablanca Conference and its significance in World War II. Conroy's meticulous research and engaging narrative bring to life the historical figures and the strategic decisions that shaped the outcome of the war.
Topics Covered:
The North African Campaign: Montgomery's Command and Patton's Role
The Casablanca Conference: Strategic Discussions and Personalities
Challenges of Historical Research: Primary Sources and Writing Process
Historical Parallels: WWII to Contemporary Geopolitical Conflicts
Timestamps:
00:00 Jim's written works, and notable books.
08:27 Transitioning careers from law to writing history.
13:29 The research, organization, and work of writing about historical events.
19:08 The American's and British plan of invading Africa.
22:49 The Allies' strategy to weaken German forces summarized.
30:00 FDR was open-minded and strategic in WWII.
37:19 The Casablanca conference's pivotal role in shifting history
39:18 Inquiry about North Africa campaign details.
44:41 Post-invasion rivalry between Montgomery and Patton.
54:03 The British deception operation in WWII to mislead Germans.
01:00:31 Emphasizing historical context and comparisons to current events.
01:01:46 Isolationism vs. intervention: the defining issue today.
In this episode, you will gain valuable insights into the complex and often under-appreciated dynamics of the Allied efforts in North Africa, learn about the intricate relationships and strategies discussed during the Casablanca Conference, and hear about the painstaking research that goes into writing a character-driven historical narrative. Jim Conroy offers a granular view of the personalities involved and the crucial decisions made, drawing parallels to contemporary issues in leadership and international politics.
____________________________________________________
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/

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 10min
David Walker, former Comptroller General of the United States, Talks Financial Insolvency, Policy Solutions, and Politics
Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: https://maxifiplanner.com/. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.
Professor Kotlikoff sits down with David Walker, a former Comptroller General of the United States, acclaimed author, and esteemed voice in the realm of public finance and fiscal responsibility. David Walker's influential career spans government, the private sector, and academia. A notable figure in fiscal reform and sustainability, his insights are grounded in decades of experience and a deep commitment to public service—a drive shaped in part by his ancestors who participated in the American Revolution.
Topics Covered:
**Social Security and Medicare Reform**
**Fiscal Sustainability and Responsibility**
**Healthcare Reform Initiatives**
**Tax System Overhaul**
Time Stamps:
00:00 David's family history, service, and career achievements summarized.
08:48 Political system exacerbates the divide between ideologies.
14:09 Socialist programs lock the poor into poverty.
18:47 Massive tax hike needed to balance the budget.
26:30 China and India control 45% of world GDP.
30:20 Tough choices needed for spending and taxes.
37:47 Reforming tax system and benefits for equality.
40:44 Radical tax reform proposal prompts collective thinking.
52:28 Learn from history, improve education, teach responsibility.
57:52 Public money spent, liabilities not accounted for.
01:01:27 Public calls for changes in Social Security.
01:07:38 Leaders must engage for a better future.
You will find immense value in this episode, gaining a clearer understanding of the urgent fiscal issues facing the United States and practical, actionable solutions proposed by two leading experts. The discussion is not only a call to action but also an informative guide on how each of us can contribute to shaping the fiscal and economic future of the nation.
____________________________________________________
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/

Jul 3, 2024 • 56min
Jeffrey Friedman, Dartmouth's Brilliant Political Scientist, Tells Us Why Presidential Machismo Wins Elections
Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: https://maxifiplanner.com/. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.
Professor Kotlikoff is joined by Jeffrey Friedman, a renowned professor of political science at Dartmouth and the author of the pivotal book "The Commander in Chief Test." Jeffrey explains the nuanced intersection of foreign policy and presidential elections. His book beautifully synthesizes polling data, survey experiments, archival work, and voting behavior analysis from 1960 to the present, providing valuable insights into how foreign policy influences voters and shapes electoral outcomes. Jeffrey's depth of knowledge offers a rigorous examination of the personal traits voters prioritize in a commander in chief, making his perspective indispensable and incredibly timely as we find ourselves in the middle of the 2024 election cycle.
Topics Covered:
U.S. China Policy and Presidential Rhetoric
Historical Context of U.S. Global Power and Influence
Perceived Strength in Presidential Candidates
Impact of Rhetoric vs. Events on Election Outcomes
Time Stamps:
00:00 Kicking it off with monetary policy and public finance.
05:37 Jeffrey's Book explores foreign policy's impact on elections.
07:10 Assessing voters' view on leaders for presidency.
11:06 Kennedy gains trust on foreign policy, no promises.
13:32 Eisenhower's military spending declined, Kennedy promised more.
19:45 Analyzing Kennedy's rhetoric's impact on voter's choices.
21:56 Foreign policy shifts can sway presidential elections.
24:29 Johnson's actions to appear tough for votes.
28:11 Decisive action taken to control congressional debate.
33:16 Dukakis argues for sensible defense spending priorities.
36:04 Political questioning, Biden's approach and assertiveness.
41:22 Biden's political incentives in Israel-Gaza crisis.
43:04 Trump's unconventional stance on NATO exposes vulnerability.
46:51 Biden should defend his record against Trump attacks.
50:24 Long-term geopolitical trajectory: US, China, India.
53:11 Russia lacks power projection, US role shifting.
This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the dynamics of political strategy and international relations. You will gain an understanding of how candidates' images on foreign policy shape electoral outcomes and influence U.S. foreign policy itself. The discussion covers long-term geopolitical trends and the recalibration of American power, reflecting traditional views from earlier administrations. This dialogue will leave you with a nuanced perspective on the political machinations involved in projecting strength on the global stage and allow you to consider the substantive implications of U.S. policy towards global players like China, Russia, and beyond.
____________________________________________________
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/

Jun 28, 2024 • 47min
MaxiFi's Full Risk Investing Lets You See the Good, Bad, and Ugly from Risky Investing
Professor Kotlikoff delves into the intricacies of various investment strategies, ranging from conservative to aggressive stock-bond allocations, and how these choices can affect living standards. He highlights the significant differences between traditional financial planning and his own economic-based approach, and why it’s crucial to account for market fluctuations and adjust spending habits accordingly. You will get a deep dive into the Maxifi planner, and how this tool can be used to make smarter financial decisions, with its flexibility and wide application for users at all stages of life.
Topics Covered:
1. **Investment Strategies and Risk Management**:
2. **Economic-Based vs. Conventional Financial Planning**
3. **Maxify Maxwide Planner and Financial Tools**:
4. **Concept of Consumption Smoothing**
Timestamps:
00:00 investing and risk analysis.
07:09 Deterministic planning for maximizing investment with tax implications.
10:50 Economic planning: Smooth living standard, balanced spending.
14:45 Use case and example scenario.
16:04 Increased living standard, investing and converting trajectory.
19:59 Stock accumulation, Monte Carlo simulation, gradual withdrawals.
31:19 Investing in risk affects living standard outcomes.
33:51 Maintain spending in retirement without market dependency.
36:01 Risk aversion affects happiness in spending losses.
41:58 Investing involves risk and cautious spending.
44:14 Conventional planning may not be suitable.
This discussion is particularly valuable for anyone seeking to improve their financial decision-making processes. By incorporating insights from both economic theory and practical tools. You will walk away with the knowledge needed to take control of your financial future confidently.
____________________________________________________
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/

Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 13min
Economic Forecasts and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies with Paul Solman
Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: https://maxifiplanner.com/. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.
This episode is from the archives, recorded in February of 2023. Professor Laurence Kotlikoff is joined by Paul Solman, renowned economics correspondent for PBS NewsHour and co-author of a New York Times bestseller. With a journalism career spanning over 38 years, Paul's expertise and experiences offer invaluable insights into the complexities of the economy and societal issues. His involvement with the American Exchange Project further underscores his commitment to fostering cultural understanding and bridging social divides in America.
Topics Covered:
Collective Pessimism and Economic Forecasts
The Role of the Federal Reserve: From Volcker to Powell
Behavioral Economics and Decision-Making
Economic Unpredictability and Historical Crises
Timestamps:
00:00 Paul's diverse career, PBS tenure, and American Exchange project.
05:58 Transition from teaching to journalism at Harvard Business.
14:06 Economists oversimplify models, limiting understanding of reality.
21:03 Economics and psychology shape decision-making process.
23:04 Understanding opportunity cost is crucial in life.
28:55 Climate change risk, intergenerational impact, irrational behavior.
37:38 Reflections on oil crisis and economics.
44:05 Interactions among people make world unpredictable, recursive.
52:11 Skepticism toward Paul Volcker's impact on inflation.
57:51 Expectations, inflation, and interest rates in economics.
01:06:11 Committed to American Exchange Project, bridging divides.
These discussions are not only intellectually stimulating but also practically valuable, especially if you seek to understand the intricate dance between economic predictions, policy decisions, and real-world impacts. Whether you're an economics enthusiast or simply curious about how these forces shape our everyday lives, this episode provides a nuanced perspective on the art and science of economic forecasting.
____________________________________________________
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/

Jun 19, 2024 • 45min
Finding the Holy Grail for Investors -- MaxiFi Planner's Upside Investing
Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: https://maxifiplanner.com/. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.
Professor Kotlikoff dives into Upside Investing, and the sophisticated dynamics of ensuring a retiree's financial security. He explores the intricacies of sequence of return risk and how it can drastically affect one's living standard. Furthermore, he sheds light on the often overlooked balance between securing a living standard floor and reaping the benefits of upside investing. Furthermore, Professor Kotlikoff introduces the innovative MaxiFi Planner, a tool that empowers users to scenario-plan their way to financial peace of mind by simulating diverse investing strategies.
Topics Covered:
Sequence of Return Risk in Financial Planning
Maintaining Living Standards and Discretionary Spending Trajectories
Upside Investing and the Role of Safe Assets
Utilizing the MaxiFI Planner for Informed Financial Decisions
Time Stamps:
00:00 Investing in TIPS and stocks for inflation.
05:08 Gradual stock conversion to tips yields risk.
09:21 Inflation rate, real return, and bond yields.
10:20 Deterministic reports recommend safe asset yielding 2%.
16:27 Summary: Detailed tax reporting for future years.
18:06 Translating uncertainty into certainty in investment planning.
21:57 Invest in stocks, then preserve with tips.
26:19 500 trajectories ranked by average living standard.
29:46 Securing living standard through conservative financial planning.
33:45 Investing: securing living standard, limiting downside risk.
36:45 Inconsistent spending strategies impact retirement income.
42:30 MaxiFi helps plan taxes and finances efficiently.
44:32 Boston University provides MaxiFi as employee benefit.
You will gain a deep understanding of how to adjust spending in response to market performance, ensuring a smooth and sustainable living standard over time. Professor Kotlikoff's examples demonstrate the tangible impact of adopting strategic financial practices. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your financial planning knowledge and gain practical tips to secure your future. This episode is packed with insights that promise to guide you in making informed and effective financial decisions.
____________________________________________________
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/

Jun 14, 2024 • 1h 15min
Can AI-Driven Economic Models Help Improve Financial Decisions -- Insights from Jonathan Parker, Head of the Finance Department at MIT's Sloan School of Management
In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Parker, a finance professor at MIT, shares his expertise in economic policy and its real-world implications. He dives into AI's potential to enhance economic modeling and improve financial decision-making. The conversation touches on the pitfalls of retirement savings policies and the importance of understanding behavioral biases in planning. They also advocate for the Maxify Planner, a tool designed to help individuals navigate their financial futures more effectively, emphasizing the need for informed and sustainable spending strategies.

Jun 12, 2024 • 55min
Rescuing Your Retirement with Larry
Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: https://maxifiplanner.com/. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.
Professor Kotlikoff discusses how you can rescue your retirement with a live walk through of the Maxifi Planner, developed by Economic Security Planning, Inc. He shows how the average person can almost double their pre- and post-retirement living standard and do so with no risk. Every household is different. But this podcast will show you the money magic that economics-based planning software can deliver and give you ideas of how you can rescue your own retirement.
Topics Covered:
Impact of Financial Decisions on Retirement
A comprehensive walk through of the Maxifi Planner Software.
Optimizing Social Security Benefits
A Real-Life Case Study
Time Stamps:
00:00 Underutilized tax-saving programs lead to retirement shortfall.
03:40 Retirement account reliance, Social Security concerns, solutions.
08:41 Economic security planning challenges traditional financial advice.
12:37 Retirement age assumption: plan for age 100.
14:59 Maxifi planner protects against unexpected expenses, offers resources.
17:54 Case demonstrating need for retirement rescue plan.
23:38 Market drops in historical recessions, plan safely.
25:37 Plan for living to 100 with spending adjustments.
31:22 Household living standard analysis shows consistent spending.
36:35 Maximize retirement benefits, optimization of annuities.
38:05 Consider lifestyle changes to increase future income.
43:15 People are paying more taxes due to work.
47:14 Financial decisions in retirement: expenses, location, and planning.
48:39 Plan for discretionary spending, taxes, and saving.
52:36 Plan for financial security with customizable software.
Join us in this episode as Professor Kotlikoff demystifies retirement planning with actionable insights and advanced financial tools, ensuring you can take proactive steps towards securing your financial future.
____________________________________________________
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/

Jun 7, 2024 • 1h 5min
Do People Act Like Human Beings? Insights from the Brilliant Career of Behavioral Economist, Ernst Fehr
Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: https://maxifiplanner.com/. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.
Professor Kotlikoff talks with Ernst Fehr, Professor of Microeconomics and Experimental Economics at the University of Zurich, and a leading figure in the field of behavioral economics. Ernst's profound contributions to our understanding of human behavior and economic decision-making have made him a pillar in his discipline. His pioneering work has expanded the traditional framework of economics to include concerns for fairness, cooperation, and altruism, fundamentally transforming the landscape of economic research.
Topics Covered:
Behavioral Economics and Financial Planning Inertia
The Role of Fairness and Altruism in Economic Behavior
Determinants of Creativity and Success
Impact of Experimental Economics on Labor Markets
Time Stamps:
00:00 Ernst upbringing in Austria.
10:50 Self-interest is a driving force in behavior.
12:50 Efficiency wage model incentivizes employees to perform.
22:56 Typically, average offer is 40% accepted.
24:49 Different cultures exhibit varying economic behavior patterns.
33:13 New paper challenges theories on human pro-sociality.
37:01 Behavioral economics and personal finance challenges.
48:16 Exogenous shocker, facilitator key to inducing action.
56:09 Study finds three social preference types prevalent.
01:01:01 Exchange experience in Germany shaped openness. motivator for conscientiousness.
01:03:09 Emphasizing the importance of asking quality questions.
In this episode you will gain invaluable insights into Professor Fehr's examination of human behavior, which highlights the inertia and behavioral transaction costs that hinder financial actions. Furthermore, the discussion on fairness and altruism provides a nuanced understanding of how these motivations interplay with economic decisions, challenging the traditional focus on self-interest.
This episode also explores the significant impact of experimental economics on understanding market fairness and employer-employee dynamics. For anyone interested in the behavioral aspects of economics and personal finance, this conversation offers a wealth of practical insights and thought-provoking ideas.
____________________________________________________
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/