Read Entire 1097 Page GOP Tax Bill-Part 1-Raw Reactions-Bob Davis Podcast 688

Both houses of congress have now passed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Bill. After four hours and near blindness, I finished all one thousand plus pages. Every citizen should read this bill. In Read Entire 1097 Page GOP Tax Bill-Part 1-Raw Reactions-Bob Davis Podcast 688.

Big Little Reforms

Especially relevant is the public relations effort by republicans to convince voters this is a ‘sweeping’ reform of the US tax Code. In fact it is an amendment to a budget bill that further amends the 1987 Tax Reform Act.

Everyone Loves Or Hates

Moreover, if you read the bill, you should almost have a copy of the 1986 Tax Reform Act handy. Both sides of the so called political divide are touting how great this legislation is, or how it will end the world as we know it.  I’ll give you some details in Read Entire 1097 Page GOP Tax Bill-Part 1-Raw Reactions-Bob Davis Podcast 688.

Please Hold For Your Tax Attorney

Truth is if you are in business you’re still going to need an accountant and tax attorney advise you. Some businesses will see their taxes increase. Some individuals will see their taxes increase. Sure, the standard deduction has been doubled and tax rates reduced…but…

It Might Be Good…Then Again

There will be fewer deductions and thus fewer ways to legally reduce exposure to taxation. Depending on your specific situation you might see an increase or decrease in your overall tax. I explain some of this in Read Entire 1097 Page GOP Tax Bill-Part 1-Raw Reactions-Bob Davis Podcast 688. In addition, listen to my tax reform podcast to understand the political game going on under the guise of fixing the tax code.

Never Underestimate The Power of Free Beer

There are scores of pages concerning craft beer, wine and spirits. Guess all those receptions with free hootch for members must have worked! Finally there are lots and lots of new rules regarding businesses of all kinds.

Beware of Congressmen Bearing Cool Sounding Jargon

When congressmen and senators go out among the people and talk about all they have accomplished, you’re going to hear the words ‘pass-through’ and ‘average american will save’ such and such a lot. What does it all mean? Find out in Read Entire 1097 Page GOP Tax Bill-Part 1-Raw Reactions-Bob Davis Podcast 688.

More Government Control

In conclusion my final reaction is the sadness I feel that our federal government controls so much of what we do as citizens through the mechanism of taxation. Republicans who campaigned on a tax cut have certainly paid off on that promise, at least until 2025, but at what price. That is the 1.2 trillion dollar question. President Trump signed the bill into law Friday afternoon.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul and Reliafund Payment Processors

Read Entire 1097 Page GOP Tax Bill-Part 1-Raw Reactions-Bob Davis Podcast 688

Storm Clouds Gather Over The Bull Market-Podcast 665

We don’t see the storm building over the markets. Distractions. Shiny things that draw the eye and ear. A war of words between a North Korean dictator and the president. Kneeling football players and the Tweeter In Chief. Meanwhile, the long expansion in the markets may be about to end. A heads up for you on how and why in Storm Clouds Gather Over The Bull Market-Podcast 665.

Watch The Shiny Thing

We don’t look beyond the distractions in the media to see what they conceal. No amount of pointing and saying ‘look’ is going to change it. We have not had a serious market or financial crisis since 2008. Our economy has been on life support ever since. Now the DNR order has been signed. Find out why in Storm Clouds Gather Over The Bull Market-Podcast 665.

Market Shocks Have Political Consequences

Remember 2008? The market crashed. The banking system was going to seize up, they said. A republican administration suddenly bailed out the banks, insurance companies and big car companies. The shock changed politics. A new administration came in, in 2009. New banking regulations, more government spending and a very large stimulus package was passed by congress.

Hey! What Happened To The Punch Bowl?

The Federal Reserve, bank of last resort, began a program called Quantitative Easing in 2009. Over the next eight years the FED added trillions of dollars to its balance sheet as it ‘injected’ money into the US economy. QE one, two three and four indirectly supported the stock market through the purchase of hundreds of billions of dollars worth of securities. What happens when they take that away?

Pay Attention

So this is a simple heads up that it might be time to start paying attention. While we’re talking about things that don’t matter they are doing things that do. That storm roiling to the west, might be rolling in anytime. In Storm Clouds Gather Over The Bull Market-Podcast 665.

Sponsored by Brush Studio In The West End Saint Louis Park, and by Ryan Plumbing and Heating in Saint Paul.

Storm Clouds Gather Over The Bull Market-Podcast 665

 

 

 

Podcast 613-Rising Tide? Trump’s Minimal Economic Impact

We’re Growing Again Right?

Trump ballyhoos new numbers. Seems like the new president is turning our economy around. A rising tide? What does an improving economy look like? Are there actions that cause real economic growth? Do you think new leaders are taking those actions?

Republicans Know How To Fix The Economy Right?

Deregulation. Tax cuts and reform. Infrastructure construction. Campaign Pledges were made. Pledges spurred optimism. Furthermore promises can be kept because republicans are in charge and republicans understand business. So the story goes.

Trump Has Already Started Making Things Better Right?

Trump claims credit for the new numbers. Can a new president have an economic impact after less than 90 days?

What’s Better?

How do you define economic success for the United States? Better job? More money? Saving a job? Getting a loan for business or housing? Seeing your 401K account fatten because of stock performance? Cheaper gas? GDP? Productivity? Improved employment? Interest Rates? Jobs coming back to America? Consequently how do you know when it’s working?

What Has Been Done?

Because of the new numbers coverage exploded. However, what have Trump and the new Congress actually done? Executive orders on regulation. Business and the environment. Pipelines. Budget cuts. Trade and the budget. In conclusion, is there an impact on the economy overall?

How Do You Know?

Who are the people that put these reports together and what methodology do they use? How do economists and traders judge these numbers? Seems like people accept them at face value. Should you place confidence in these reports?

What Actually Works?

Are there specific actions that can be taken to grow our economy? If business and economic philosophy is important, what do our leaders believe? Do you think there is a standard approach to economics and government in Washington? More importantly, we know ideas counter to the current approach exist. Will the new congress and president embrace them?

Back To The ’50’s

Let’s face it. We have a sclerotic, 1950’s style government. People are developing and using new technological tools developed for the 21st Century. Moving fast toward building a new world. Block Chain Currencies. Improved Communication tools. Robotic manufacturing. Higher productivity. Government might be out of step with those developments.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul.