hot take: 10m is definitely enough to retire in Singapore. wealth gap is real.wassieloyer (@wassielawyer):If you think 10m isn’t enough to retire, you live in Singapore.Literally everyone I’ve heard saying this lives in Singapore. ...

Wealth Distribution - The report addresses the wealth gap issue [1] Social Implications - The wealth gap is a topic of social concern [1]

Wealth Disparity - The report focuses on the wealth gap [1]

Economy Overview - The headline numbers of the economy look pretty good, with the stock market at record highs and more 401k millionaires than ever before [3] - The labor market shows 147,000 jobs added, which is right on average, and the unemployment rate is at 41% [4] - Inflation has been tamer than expected, with egg and gas prices decreasing, putting more money in people's pockets [5] Economic Slowdown - The economy is slowing down, with first quarter GDP growing only 05%, a significant decrease from the previous quarter's 24% [6] - This slowdown is attributed to less manufacturing, construction, and industrial production, with companies and small businesses pulling back due to tariff concerns [6] - Home affordability is a concern, with home prices at all-time highs and rising costs for buying or renting, leading to increased consumer debt and credit card APRs around 24% [7] Economic Challenges - The resumption of student loan payments is putting pressure on people's finances, leading to rising delinquencies [8] - The potential expiration of tariff freezes introduces uncertainty, with possible dramatic effects or more smoke than fire [9][10] - Cuts to subsidies, especially for lower-income individuals, Medicare, and SNAP programs, along with potential loss of healthcare, create uncertainty [11] Wealth Disparity - The widening wealth gap is a concern, as those who don't own stocks or assets like homes are being left out of the prosperity [12][13] - While half of Americans who own stocks or property are doing well, those trying to get a mortgage face rates of 66% and average home prices around $400,000 [14] - Tax cuts may have an opposite wealth effect, as those on Medicaid or SNAP may contribute less to the economy due to a lack of surplus [15][16]

Economic Cycle & Competitiveness - Leading countries' increased wealth leads to higher labor costs, reducing competitiveness compared to countries with lower labor costs [1] - Other countries imitate leading powers' methods and technologies, further diminishing the leading power's competitive edge [1] - Increased wealth leads to decreased work ethic, focus on leisure, and potential decadence [2][3] - Generational shift from wealth creators to inheritors results in less resilience and increased vulnerability [3][4] Financial Vulnerabilities - Prosperity leads to increased risk-taking and borrowing, creating financial bubbles [4] - Reserve currency status encourages excessive borrowing, leading to large debts with foreign lenders [6] - Short-term spending power is boosted, but long-term financial health and currency value are weakened [7] - Borrowing sustains power beyond fundamentals, financing overconsumption and military conflicts [7] Social & Political Implications - Wealth gaps widen due to the rich reinforcing their power through privileges like better education and political influence [5] - Growing wealth inequality leads to resentment and a perception of unfairness, potentially causing conflict if living standards decline [5][6]