Market Responses to Currency Failures
There are disturbances in the fiat currency force, which have people pursuing alternative currencies and means of settling payments. June 17, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP The government operates on a similar model as that in the Wizard of Oz. It requires that everyone subscribe to the singular way of one central power. Everyone under that jurisdiction recognizes the authority of the leaders to make and enforce rules. Everyone accepts the legitimacy of their currency. This general understanding and subsequent … [Read More...]
Failures in Prohibition, Tariffs, and New Deals
The US hasn't learned from its own history when it comes to prohibition, tariffs, and New Deals; and the people are going to pay dearly for that willful ignorance. June 10, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP Is it just me, or is the US playing some of its greatest disastrous hits of the past 100 years? Were the lessons really that unclear? A couple years ago, we put out a blog "Let's Get Back to the Constitution". The irony of that piece was that no one ever specifies which version of it we should get back to. The … [Read More...]
Wells Fargo Linked to Money-Laundering?
Some shady dealings were uncovered at Wells Fargo, among other banks and financial institutions. Could this affect you? June 4, 2019 Wells Fargo seems to be walking a thin line between being a legitimate banking institution and a criminal racket. According to the California Office of the Department of Justice, a Wells Fargo banker named Luis Fernando Figueroa pleaded guilty to laundering money for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. This isn’t the first time Wells Fargo has been in hot water. From computer glitches that kick … [Read More...]
In Defense of the Gig Economy
The gig economy is the entrepreneurial direction the labor market is taking. It's essential for workers to be free to adapt to these market changes. June 3, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP I don't know what I'm more upset about: the ridiculous escalation of the trade war or this new war on the gig economy. Both are an assault on the free market, with horrible consequences. I want to back this up a little. In an era not that long ago, there was a thing called "roommates". I know, I'm dating myself by even … [Read More...]
The IRS is Shrinking?
The IRS is shrinking in budget and consequently in bandwidth. It cannot afford to enforce or audit the way it has in the past. May 27, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP The IRS is shrinking! For the small government folks out there, this is a dream come true! I'm still having a hard time believing it myself. The obvious catch is that the IRS still exists. The obvious upside, however, is they don't have the bandwidth to keep up with or enforce all the tax codes. Between 2010 and 2017, the IRS has lost $2 BILLION … [Read More...]
Interview: My WORST Investment Ever
Bobby Casey shares his worst investment experience ever with Andrew Stotz. May 23, 2019 Interview: Andrew Stotz & Bobby Casey As they say there's no losing: you either win, or learn. This is especially true with investing. I've made my share of mistakes, and I share the worst one in this interview with Andrew Stotz. Sharing success isn't just about tactics on how to win, it's about learning how to avoid losing. I share this experience so that others can learn and avoid the pitfall. Click here to be redirected to this … [Read More...]
How Common Reporting Standards Affect Digital Nomads and Location Independent Entrepreneurs
Banks around the world are reporting their account holders' information to their official or default tax residences. May 21, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP Digital nomads and location independent entrepreneurs often struggle with tax compliance in their home country. Countless penalties and fees for not filing their taxes correctly (or at all) build up over the years, leading to financial and legal trouble. So, what can the average digital nomad do to manage or get around the complex tax policies of their home … [Read More...]
Italy’s Economy is Latest in EU Debt Crisis
Italy is stuck in recession mode through a combination of EU policies and its own internal follies. What are the implications of this to the EU and the world? May 20, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP Some red flags are going up in the EU, and those flags are coming from Italy. Economic discord plagues that country, and the simple answer is: one camp wants out of the EU, the other does not. Here are some statistics on Italy's economy: 2.3 Trillion Euros in debt (i.e. 132% of GDP, second highest to Greece)1.74 … [Read More...]
If Banks Took Your Money and Ran (Like This)…
Many take their banks for granted, never considering they could close unexpectedly. Are you prepared for what happens if your bank closes? May 17, 2019 Imagine if you woke up, got a steaming cup of coffee, and went to your computer. You open up your online banking portal to transfer funds and get the following message… “Sorry, we cannot process your transaction at this time. Please try again later.” No big deal right? Computers have issues, at least that’s what could be happening. So you try again a few minutes later. Same … [Read More...]
Major Cities Crack Down on Airbnb
Cities cracking down on Airbnb and other home-sharing models are really just obstructing opportunities for people to serve the market demand and make some money. May 13, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP A little over four years ago, Ross Ulbricht was convicted of money laundering, computer hacking, conspiracy to traffic fraudulent identity documents, and conspiracy to traffic narcotics via the internet. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus forty years. The one charge that has a victim tied to it … [Read More...]
U.S. Is a Tax Haven for Everyone EXCEPT Americans
Many American citizens consider themselves privileged, but that privilege doesn't extend to tax protection. That is reserved for everyone EXCEPT Americans. May 7, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP It’s well known among digital nomads U.S. citizens are not treated well by their own government when it comes to incorporating and banking. What may surprise you is, non-U.S. citizens consistently take advantage of much better opportunities in the US than its own citizens. In some regards, the United States is fast becoming … [Read More...]
Occupational Licensing Revisited in Some States
Not all states are embracing reforms to their existing occupational licensing laws. Those that are, are helping their respective economies. March 6, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP By and large, our lives don't involve the government that much. Most of our plans and activities have nothing to do with it. Day-to-day interactions are voluntary and unencumbered. Where the government does get involved, they make it count. And it hurts. It hurts not just individuals, it hurts the economy! Time and again occupational … [Read More...]
Limited Time Opportunity to Max Out Offshore Trust!
Trump’s tax plan came with a generous leap in the estate and gift tax thresholds. Now is the time to set up a trust and max out your benefits before the door closes! April 30,2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP Every election cycle, Americans sit around wondering what's coming next. That sort of uncertainty affects the stock market, and even general market activity. Sadly, the government is so intertwined with the US market, confidence in who takes (or might take) office is inextricably linked to consumer … [Read More...]
Gerrymandering & Rigging the System
When people say the system is rigged, they are referring to gerrymandering, cronyism, and favors for the few disguised as do-gooder programs. April 29, 2019 By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP I'm well past the idea of believing the US system is a "few reforms" away from being adequate. There's no simple structure to elections. It differs from state to state and party to party. I mean, the DNC has "super delegates", whatever that means. I'm no Democrat, but I saw what the DNC did to Bernie, and if that's happening on their … [Read More...]
How to Protect Your Assets from “Shadow-Banks”
"Shadow Banks" pose a serious risk to the market and your assets because they are non-banks that lend like banks, but with far less oversight or accountability. April 25, 2019 At the heart of the last U.S. financial crisis in 2008 was a $52 trillion “non-banking” industry that lent unqualified borrowers money for mortgages and refinancing. You might think U.S. officials would learn a lesson from the Great Recession, and make this form of “non-banking” illegal. Alas, this industry thrives in 2019, and it appears a similar “script” … [Read More...]
