The Banker Next Door

Episode 284: Government payments are the fastest growing source of income!

This episode examines a recent article in The Epoch Times (subscription required) titled “Government payments become fastest growing source of income: Report.” A new report from the Economic Innovation Group (EIG) states that Americans have become increasingly more dependent on government support. Older Americans are receiving more of these payments and yet public finances are under strain. Some of the issues include an aging and shrinking population. What can be done to create a more balanced solution?  

Episode 283: Should we give up checks?

This episode examines a recent article in The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) titled “We can’t give up paper checks, and that’s a gold mine for scammers.” Check fraud continues unabated. Scammers are taking full advantage of the continued widespread use of checks. Should consumers and businesses stop using checks as a payment method? If so, what will replace them?

Episode 282: Do people still use safe deposit boxes?

This episode examines a recent article in The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) titled “No one can find safe-deposit boxes anymore.” Have banks stopped providing safe-deposit boxes? Are consumers no longer utilizing safe-deposit boxes? Is this a good or a bad thing? Is there an opportunity for other providers to pick up this business?

BND: Strategy Room 12-14-2024

The Banker Next Door (BND) weekly live stream show. Strategy Room provides financial news, commentary, top stories in the business world, economic indicators, and all things banking for the week.

Episode 281: Is Fair Isaac's competitive advantage in trouble?

This episode examines a recent article in The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) titled “Invest in banking like Warren Buffett: Own a castle.” This article focuses on companies that diversify product lines by supplying or analyzing financial data. Fair Isaac is examined. They have recently raised their prices and their competitive advantage could be in question.

Episode 280: The Trump effect on crypto! (Crypto Series Part XIII)

This episode examines a recent article from The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) titled “Trump crypto craze sent bitcoin miners surging, but watch out.” The article considers the re-election of President Donald Trump and the affect this has had on the crypto industry, in particular crypto mining companies. Is investing in crypto mining companies the best way to invest in crypto? What are the risks?

Episode 279: Student borrowers have problems!

This episode examines two recent reports from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) related to student borrowers. The reports are titled “Annual report of the CFPB student loan ombudsman” and “CFPB survey reveals impacts of student loan debt relief and repayment challenges.” These reports highlight the problems with student loan servicing and the ongoing challenges that student borrowers face repaying the debt. Links to both reports are included below.  
Link: CFPB Controlled Report
Link: Insights from 2023-2024 Student Loan Borrower Survey

Episode 278: R.I.P. Bernard Marcus (Co-Founder of Home Depot)

This episode examines a recent article from The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) titled “Bernard Marcus, Co-Founder of Home Depot, dies at 95.” This article looks at Bernard’s life and his success with Home Depot. The rise of Home Depot changed the real estate industry. More homeowners became Do It Yourself (DIY), more people got into investing in real estate or flipping properties, and contractors found it easier to get all the tools, supplies, and materials they needed in one place. Bernard was a true example of the American entrepreneurial spirit.  

Episode 277: Is AI risk keeping board members up at night?

This episode examines a recent article from The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) titled “Why AI risks are keeping board members up at night.” Many board members in corporate America are trying to get their hands around artificial intelligence. What benefits can it bring? What pitfalls can it create? What does it mean for their employees? AI has the potential to radically change many business models. How board members adapt or don’t adapt to this change will determine a lot.  

BND: Strategy Room 12-7-2024

The Banker Next Door (BND) weekly live stream show. Strategy Room provides financial news, commentary, top stories in the business world, economic indicators, and all things banking for the week.