In this episode, we discuss how Meta and its algorithms shape what we see online, why the penny has finally been discontinued, and the legal and economic complications that follow from eliminating small denominations. For the “foolishness of the week,” we highlight a small-town newspaper that was awarded a $3 million settlement stemming from an unlawful raid, and the First Amendment implications it raises. We examine the disconnect between a sluggish economy and soaring asset prices, discuss how Fed policy and excess liquidity fuel inflation in financial markets, and consider what rising bubbles in stocks, housing, gold, and bitcoin mean for retirement planning and long-term investment behavior. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:37 Meta Entertainment and Hot Wheels 04:49 The Discontinuation of the Penny 06:45 How Eliminating Pennies Would Affect Retailers and Consumers 11:18 Who Actually Has the Power to Change U.S. Currency 12:49 Reflections on U.S. Currency 15:57 Foolishness of the Week: $3 Million Newspaper Raid Settlement 18:05 Press Freedom, Accountability, and Government Overreach 20:58 Understanding Financial Bubbles 24:29 Why the Markets Aren’t Reflecting Economic Reality 27:35 The Fed’s Liquidity Regime and Phantom Wealth 33:56 Unintended Consequences of Economic Policies 37:55 Investing in a Changing Economy 38:49 Retirement Planning in a Bubble-Driven Economy 41:11 Learning from Historical Economic Events 43:14 Personal Anecdotes and Economic Trends 45:12 Future of Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices