Greed Inflation, Freedom vs. Security, Unrealized Gains, and Charting a Path Forward

On this episode of Upticks, Jake and I engage in meaningful conversation about politics, patriotism, and the state of the country.

What is ‘greed inflation’? What do you value higher, freedom or security? Unrealized gains, what about losses? We bring wise insight and stability to some highly divisive topics.

Thank you for joining us this week! If you have a topic that you would like us to discuss or debate live on Upticks, please email it directly to Luke at?[email protected]?and he’ll be sure to ask us to bring it up on the show!

Order ‘Retiring Right’ Today: https://a.co/d/geeSRDy

Read a summary of the conversation below:

Listener Suggestions:

1. Greed Inflation: A listener suggested the topic of “greed inflation,” referring to companies raising prices beyond justifiable increases in costs. Cory explained that greed inflation occurs when companies, in an environment where inflation is already rising for legitimate reasons, take advantage of the situation. He mentioned that consumer behavior also plays a role—if consumers keep buying at higher prices, corporations continue to raise them. Jake questioned how consumers are supposed to avoid buying necessities like toilet paper, pointing out that it’s difficult for consumers to change these behaviors despite inflation. Cory linked corporate control, donations, and political influence as contributors to inflation.
2. Freedom vs. Security Poll: The hosts briefly revisited a listener poll about what people value more: freedom or security. Jake leaned toward freedom, citing that security might come at a cost, like government control. Cory agreed, stating that freedom underpins security, and he would also prioritize it.
3. Unrealized Gains: A listener raised the topic of taxing unrealized gains, posing the question of should taxpayers be allowed to write off unrealized losses similarly. Cory agreed with the listener’s concerns, noting the potential unfairness of taxing unrealized gains without adjusting for inflation and how outdated policies like the $3,000 capital loss limit (unchanged since 1978) need reform. Jake found the concept of taxing unrealized gains impractical and unlikely to pass into law.

They’re Breaking Every Retirement Rule to Be Off Now, Not Later:

Jake introduced the concept of “micro-retirements,” where young people take a few years off from work to travel and live life before returning to the workforce. He asked Cory if he would hire someone with a gap in their employment due to a micro-retirement. Cory expressed that while it’s okay for people to take such breaks, as a business owner, he likely wouldn’t hire someone with such a large employment gap. Cory emphasized freedom, both in terms of people making their own choices and employers being able to decide who to hire. He shared his own experience of stepping away for a month after his child was born, noting that he missed being at work and wouldn’t take a longer break as of now.

Jake agreed, stating that he too enjoys his work too much to take an extended time off. He speculated that younger people often feel more comfortable taking such breaks but wondered how it would affect their long-term careers. Both hosts agreed that while micro-retirements are a valid choice, they wouldn’t be interested in pursuing one themselves as business owners.

Patriotic Reflection:

Toward the end of the episode, Jake and Cory shifted into a broader, more philosophical conversation about politics, patriotism, and the state of the country. They discussed the increasing polarization in America, noting how issues like COVID-19 and taxation have become unnecessarily political.

Jake pointed out how social media exacerbates these divisions by creating echo chambers that constantly reinforce people’s biases and political stances. He argued that politicians have always had influence, but social media has magnified their power to shape public opinion, often turning every issue into a deeply divisive debate. Both hosts expressed their appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities available in America, even as politicians paint a picture of constant crisis.

Cory encouraged listeners to “zoom out” and focus on the bigger picture—finding ways to improve the country rather than just blaming others for its problems. Jake concluded by reiterating his belief that, despite the challenges, America remains a great place to live, and that citizens should not let politicians or social media make them feel otherwise. The episode ended on a hopeful note, with both hosts advocating for unity and collaboration toward a shared vision for the country.

Thank you for tuning in, we hope you have a great week!

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