A number of countries' Central Banks are pushing for "Central Bank Digital Currencies" (CBDCs). The chief economist of the International Bank of Settlments (essentially the Central Bank of Central Banks) says CBDCs will enable Central Banks, Governments, and Companies to control what people spend Central Bank liabilities (currency) on. Robert Kyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad), and Steve Forbes (owner of Forbes magazine) warn that this could spell the end of America. What are CBDCs, and why do you think Central Banks and G-7 governments are pushing for their introduction? What are the risks?

On top of CBDCs, BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have invited at least 17 countries to join them in bypassing the U.S. dollar as the currency used for pricing all interantional trade. There has also been much buying of gold by Central Banks. USDebtClock.org also seems to suggest the US is hopelessly in debt. What do you foresee the future of the U.S. dollar could be with respect to international trade.

Finally, draw some conclusions about how CBDCs, BRICS countries pushing to replace the US dollar, and US debt will affect business and investments in the future.

2. Inflation & Interest Rates:

Discuss inflation and interest rates and how they are related to today's financial markets.

3. Conflict in Ukraine, potential conflict in Taiwan:

Discuss geopolitical conflict/potential conflict and how they affect oil and gas prices, and U.S. financial markets.

4. How to become financially independent:

How do 401(k) plans work, employer matches, traditional IRAs, and Roth IRAs. Pay particular attention to tax treatment of each. Next, describe a close to sure-fire way by which you can accumulate an investment portfolio of $2 million (measured in terms of today's dollars, i.e., adjusting for inflation) n 45 years. Be specific, and address taxes.