The Many Faces of Return: Understanding Investment Performance
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy delves into the basics of investment returns, emphasizing the importance of understanding different types of returns such as nominal, real, holding period, and total returns. The discussion also touches on the historical development of return calculations and the significance of the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in comparing investments over time. Andy encourages listeners to be informed and critical of marketing materials that may present misleading return figures.
Understanding Inflation: When Money Loses Its Power
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the concept of inflation, its historical context, and the implications of monetary policy on everyday life. He discusses the various types of inflation, including demand-pull, cost-push, monetary, and expectational inflation, and illustrates these concepts with historical examples, particularly the Great Recoinage of 1696. Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding inflation to make informed financial decisions and highlights the complexities of monetary policy.
The Moral Dilemma of Interest
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the historical tension between the moral objections to charging interest and the economic necessity for credit. It traces the evolution of interest from ancient civilizations, through religious prohibitions, to modern acceptance, highlighting the innovative financial practices that emerged to reconcile these conflicting views. The discussion emphasizes the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for credit markets with concerns about exploitation and inequality.
Interest: The Price of Money
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy discusses the concept of interest, exploring its fundamental role in economics as the price of time. He explains how interest rates are determined by factors such as inflation, real returns, and risk compensation. The discussion also covers the calculation of simple interest and the implications of understanding interest for personal financial decisions. Temte highlights the historical moral dilemmas surrounding interest and emphasizes its significance in modern economic systems.
The Birth of the Banknote
In this episode of the Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the introduction of the banknote by the Bank of England in 1694, which revolutionized modern finance by standardizing currency and formally establishing government currency backing. This historical narrative connects the evolution of banking practices to the currency we use today.
The Medici Bank
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the evolution of banking from the Knights Templar to the Medici family, highlighting key innovations, market opportunities, and lessons learned from history. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, political integration, and diversification in financial practices, while drawing parallels to modern banking and financial technology.
The Crusades, the Knights Templar, and Modern Banking
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy explores the historical roots of banking, tracing its origins back to the Crusades and the role of the Knights Templar. He discusses how the need for secure wealth storage during the Crusades led to the development of early banking practices, including the issuance of letters of credit. The conversation also delves into the evolution of usury laws and their implications for modern banking, highlighting the ongoing relevance of these historical developments in today's financial landscape.
What is a Bank?
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andy Temte explores the evolution of currency from promissory notes to modern fiat money, emphasizing the role of trust in the value of currency. He introduces the concept of banking, its characteristics, and importance in the economy. Andy also touches on the Great Recession, highlighting the consequences of poor risk management in banking.
The History of Paper Money
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte explores the evolution of currency, starting from ancient Rome's coinage to the introduction of paper currency through promissory notes. He discusses the significance of these financial instruments in facilitating trade and their role in economic systems. The conversation also touches on the transition to fiat money and the implications of trust in currency value.
The History of Money & Inflation
In this episode of Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte delves into the history of money, focusing on the evolution of coinage from ancient Rome to modern monetary policy. He discusses the significance of financial literacy, the role of governments in establishing trust in currency, and the implications of currency debasement and inflation. The episode concludes with a reflection on the responsibilities of modern central banks in managing economic activity.
My Top Ten List of Dad Skills
In this special Father's Day edition of the Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte reflects on the essential role of fathers in shaping their children's lives. He shares a top 10 list of skills that every dad should focus on, emphasizing the importance of self-love, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. Temte encourages fathers to embrace their journey of continuous improvement and to model these skills for their children, highlighting that being a dad is a lifelong learning experience.
Trust, Confidence, and Money
In this episode of the Saturday Morning Muse, Andrew Temte discusses the evolution of money, emphasizing the critical role of trust and confidence in economic systems. He explores how governments have historically been involved in issuing money to enhance trust, referencing the Code of Hammurabi as an early legal framework. The conversation also touches on the U.S. dollar's status as a reserve currency and the implications of the US national debt on global trust in the currency.