What Rising Bankruptcies Reveal About the Economy

In this appearance on the Flyover Conservatives podcast, Dr. Kirk Elliott looks past headline economic data to a figure he says is hard to manipulate: bankruptcy filings, which he notes rose 11% in the first nine months of the year. He explains that bankruptcy is usually a last resort after months of missed payments, making it a telling measure of household strain alongside weak jobs reports, higher oil prices, and rising interest rates. He welcomes Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent adding Judy Shelton to his circle of advisors and her idea of a bond redeemable in gold. He then walks through Anthony Scaramucci's proposed economic plan, including a higher top income tax rate, capital gains taxes at death, a 5% value-added tax, and a later retirement age, explaining why he believes most of these measures would slow hiring and growth, while agreeing with efforts to lower drug prices. He argues that lower taxes and reduced spending are the better path, encourages viewers to weigh policy proposals with wisdom and discernment, frames physical gold and silver as tangible assets investors may want to consider during uncertain times, and invites viewers to schedule a consultation with the KEPM team.