Ever wondered why taxes have been around for 5,000 years—and why they still manage to confuse, infuriate, and sometimes even build civilizations? In this episode of The Personal Wealth Coach, Jake McClure takes us on a sweeping journey from the grain stores of ancient Egypt and Sumerian beer tributes to Rome’s sales taxes, China’s early income taxes, and the sparks that lit the American Revolution. Along the way, we explore how governments have used (and abused) taxation, why the power to tax is the power to destroy, and what makes a “good” tax versus a “bad” one.

But it’s not just history—we connect those lessons to today’s economy. You’ll hear about this week’s market movements, from the S&P 500’s careful tiptoe upward to a stronger surge in value stocks, softer bond yields after the Fed’s latest comments, and oil’s unexpected rebound. We’ll also dig into the modern debate over tariffs, export taxes, and the uncertainty they create for businesses and investors alike.

This episode blends market updates, economic insight, and fascinating stories from the long history of taxation—reminding us that while no one loves paying taxes, they’ve shaped the very fabric of our economies and freedoms. If you’ve ever asked, “Why do we do it this way?” or “What happens when we change the rules?”, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.

This episode was recorded on August 22nd, 2025.

If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at Jeff@tpwc.com or Jake@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance.

If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com.

** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.

From the shifting tides of the S&P 500 to the salt flats of ancient Phoenicia, Jake McClure of The Personal Wealth Coach blends fresh market insights with a deep dive into the economic forces that have shaped civilizations. This week, you’ll get the latest on stocks, bonds, oil, and inflation—plus why a single spike in the Producer Price Index has the Federal Reserve thinking twice about rate cuts. But that’s just the opening act.

Jake takes you on an unexpectedly entertaining tour of the history of salt as currency, a weapon, and a driver of trade—from Roman legions demanding their rations, to fashionable goiters among the elite, to the Phoenicians building empires around salt production. Along the way, he draws sharp parallels to modern economics, showing how the same forces that moved salt across continents still drive markets today. Expect keen analysis, memorable stories, and a dry wit that somehow makes tariffs, taxes, and inflation feel as engaging as any epic saga.

This episode was recorded on August 15th, 2025.

If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at Jeff@tpwc.com or Jake@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance.

If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com.

** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.

Markets are inching toward record highs, oil is taking a nosedive, and in D.C., the heads are rolling—statistically speaking. Flying solo this week, Jake dissects a 2.43% jump in the S&P 500, a head-scratching presidential firing of the Labor Department’s top statistician, and the unpredictable tariff merry-go-round that has businesses scrambling to plan for next week, let alone next quarter. From the firing of IRS commissioners to India’s potential 50% tariff hike, Jake explains why the real threat isn’t the tax itself, but the chaos of constantly changing rules.

Along the way, he takes us on a tour of economic history—revisiting Adam Smith, Revolutionary War tea taxes, and the famous Laffer Curve—to show how past lessons still shape today’s policy blunders. Expect sharp takes on free trade, a warning against “shooting the messenger,” and a deep dive into how uncertainty can stall growth from Wall Street to Main Street. It’s economics with context, politics without the partisanship, and just enough humor to make you forget you’re listening to a show about tariffs.

This episode was recorded on August 8th, 2025.

If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at Jeff@tpwc.com or Jake@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance.

If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com.

** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.