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.

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** 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.