The Panic of 1792
In this episode, Braden talks about the causes, effects, and aftershocks of the Panic of 1792, the first major financial shock in US history.
May 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Financial Files
Financial Files explores the stories, trends, and decisions that shape our financial world. From breaking down current market events to unpacking key concepts in personal finance, this podcast delivers clear, thoughtful insights without the jargon. We also dive into some of the most fascinating moments in financial history—uncovering what went wrong, what we can learn, and how it still impacts us today. Whether you're just getting started or already deep into the world of finance, Financial Files offers something for anyone curious about how money moves the world.
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Episodes
Rebrand and New Series
In this episode, Braden discusses the rebrand to financial files and introduces his first new series about the Financial Panics in US history. Hope you enjoy!
May 13, 2025•6 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Why Trump's Tariffs Will Fail
Today, Braden returns to discuss the new Trump administration's disastrous tariff policy. He discusses where the Trump team's heads are at, how they're misguided, and some short and long-term reasons for the stock market's crash and the failure of the policy. Enjoy the episode!
Apr 07, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 21
The Winner of the AI Revolution
In this episode, Braden discusses the first winner of the AI revolution: NVIDIA. NVIDIA, the GPU maker and AI extraordinaire, is the first winner, as it powers the capabilities of all these AI products that major technology players use. Braden runs through a brief company timeline and then shares his thoughts on the future. He also compares the company to the people selling pickaxes to the miners of the gold rush. After all, the people who made the most money during the gold rush weren't the pan...
Oct 30, 2024•-1 sec•Season 1Ep. 20
Weekly Stock Market Recap
Braden starts off his new weekly series, recapping the week in the stock market ending August 30th. He discusses key earnings announcements and economic data and previews a shortened week highlighted by Jobs data on Friday the 6th! Hope you enjoy this weekly recap and are excited for many more to come!
Sep 04, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The US has a Debt Problem
In this episode, Braden breaks down the $35 billion in US government debt so you understand what such a significant number means, how it affects the economy, and what the future likes. Additionally, Braden discusses Japan's crushing debt load, how the debt has affected the economy, and how the US debt profile differs from Japan's. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to more episodes soon!
Aug 28, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 19
The Banking System is Under Siege
Now that the dust has settled, Braden takes you on a wild ride to recount the turbulence within the banking system of the past last month. He recounts the collapse of Silvergate, Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and Credit Suisse and describes what it means for you and the regional banking system. Hope you enjoy!
Apr 11, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Saudi Arabia's Big Bet
In this episode, Braden details the steps Saudi Arabia is taking to turn their economy from one entirely dependent on oil to one entirely independent of oil. He describes the psyche of Mohamad bin Salman, the current Crown Prince and architect of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and tries to unwrap why he believes this transformation is so important. Moreover, Braden explains the importance of these moves in the geopolitical landscape and what it means for the cold war between the US and China. Hope ...
Feb 10, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 17
The Recession is Here
In this episode, Braden covers the layoffs from big companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, Salesforce, and Amazon. Braden seeks to answer the question if these layoffs and a falling stock market will lead to a recession that everyone has been talking about for nearly a year. Braden sees us at a fork in the economic road, and he details what will happen depending on the path we take. If you enjoy this episode, please leave a review or give a star rating. Happy listening!
Feb 03, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 16
ChatGPT and the Future of AI
In this episode, Braden provides a comprehensive analysis of ChatGPT. He describes what it is, what you use it for, and what it means for the future. He also discusses OpenAI, the company that released ChatGPT. He describes all the directors and the Silicon Elite that funded the project. Finally, he discusses what technology means for the future of work and the potential of Universal Basic Income.
Jan 20, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 15
The Investment Tree
In this episode, I break down the importance of where you invest, not what you invest in. Most hedge fund managers fail to exceed market returns, but you can exceed the returns of simply investing in the S&P 500 in a brokerage account by investing in the S&P in other accounts. Moreover, Braden covers the most important place to invest, in yourself. Enjoy!
Jul 15, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 14
The Bitcoin Paradox
In this episode, Braden describes the paradox between the two major types of Bitcoin holders. On one hand, you have people who want you to spend your Bitcoin as a currency; and on the other hand, you have other buyers wanting you to hold Bitcoin for the long-term as an inflation hedge. Braden breaks down what you need to know about this disconnect.
Jul 11, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 13
The Psychology of Saving
In this episode, Braden describes the psychology behind saving just for saving. He details how the mental benefits of saving are the most subtle yet the best reason to save, even when you don't have a goal. Moreover, Braden provides a mental roadmap for saving and building habits to grow your bank account.
Jun 11, 2022•29 min
Are we at risk of Stagflation?
In this episode, Braden breaks down the coming threat of stagflation. Stagflation is the combination of a stagnant economy and high inflation. Braden breaks down the previous instance of stagflation in the 1970s and describes how we could be in a similar position today. He then looks at how it could play out going forward, describing the two paths that follow.
May 10, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Stablecoins Explained
In this episode, Braden breaks down stablecoins. He describes what they are, why they are essential, and how you can benefit from knowing about them. Follow Braden along in the journey to understand the world of stablecoins!
Apr 11, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 11
What is the Stock Market?
Now, I know what you're thinking, everyone knows what the stock market is. But, I believe a few details underpinning the stock market are necessary to understand how it truly works. In this episode, I will dive into how the stock market works. First, I will describe what types of companies are in the stock market and why companies choose to go public. Then, I will move into the types of corporations and some crucial stock market metrics. Lastly, I will describe how to beat the stock market by fi...
Mar 01, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Is the Federal Reserve Crashing the Stock Market?
In this episode, Braden breaks down the Fed. He explains what it is, what it does, how it does it, and why. Moreover, Braden explains why the Fed has been in the news lately and why the market is crashing based on the Fed's moves.
Feb 18, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Bitcoin and the Blockchain
In this episode, Braden unpacks the complicated topic of bitcoin and the blockchain. He describes what bitcoin is, how it uses the blockchain, and three different investment theses. Is bitcoin trash, gold 2.0, or the future of money? Find out in this episode.
Feb 04, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 8
The Inflation that No One is Talking About
In the return to Finding Freedom in Finance, Braden discusses the inflation that no one is talking about, asset inflation. He flushes out a potential reason for the sharp rise in the prices of stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrencies since March of 2020. He also describes how the help the Federal Reserve gave to buoy markets is coming to a close, and that some deals in the stock market may be coming due to the fear of interest rate hikes.
Jan 20, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Diversification: Killing your Gains?
In this episode, Braden breaks down the pros and cons of diversification. He talks about what diversification is and who should diversify and who shouldn't. Keep listening to learn what diversification is and who should diversify.
Jun 23, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Banking Essentials
In this episode, Braden and two special guests talk you through the do's and don'ts of banking and credit.
May 10, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 5
How to Make your Money Work for You
In this episode, Braden and special co-host Orion Gregory along with special guest Michael Pritchard outline the 6 types of investing. The six types of investments are stocks, bonds, index funds, ETF's, real estate, and fixed income investments. Braden describes the chief driver of return is risk, and details the risk and return ratio for each investment. They also describe the inflation tax, and explain that you are actually losing money if you don't invest that money.
May 10, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Maximizing your Use of Credit
In this episode, Dhruv and Braden break down how an individual can maximize their use of credit. They discuss how credit drives the economy, and what that means for an average person. Braden and Dhruv discuss the components of credit scores, and how an individual person can use this knowledge to maximize their credit score and get the best credit card. They discuss what to look for in a credit card, and how anyone can maximize perks while minimizing fees.
Mar 31, 2021•20 min•Season 1Ep. 3
How to Budget for the Future
In this episode, Braden and Dhruv dive into a successful budget. They describe the largest expenses in a budget, and discuss how to minimize them with a special guest, Michael. Happy listening, and hope you enjoy our new intro and outro music!
Mar 15, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Finding Freedom in Finance Introduction
In the Finding Freedom in Finance teaser, Braden and Dhruv outline a scenario where an average person can become a millionaire. Afterwards, Braden and Dhruv outline the direction of the podcast, with a brief look into our future episodes and what to expect.
Jan 29, 2021•4 min0
Understanding Personal Finance
In the first episode of Finding Freedom in Finance, Braden and Dhruv break down the complex web of personal finance. Braden and Dhruv assert that understanding the big picture of personal finance is crucial motivation and information for anyone trying to take control of their financial future. Braden and Dhruv connect topics such as goal setting, self-control, budgeting, investing, debt, and the time value of money into a cohesive web that lays out the basic goals of personal finance and the pat...
Jan 29, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 1
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