Before our PA Governor-appointed public official guest joins us, I discuss how autonomous cars expect to change real estate. Richard Vague, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Banking and Securities from 2020-2023 joins us. We’re in the state capital of Harrisburg, PA. We discuss America’s beginnings in real estate and banking from around 1800. He tells us about the health of banks in the wake of recent failures due to higher interest rates. I ask Richard about full reserve banks vs. fractional lending banks. Great Britain prohibited colonists from owning land west of the Appalachians.  The basis of early land wealth were crops grown on the land—wheat, corn, tobacco, indigo, and rice. Mortgages around 1800 were often 50% LTV and 6% interest rates. Here in the 2020s, Richard believes that private sector debt is a larger problem than public debt. Wherever debt growth is most rapid are where the economic cracks exist. Inflation benefits the Top 10% of the economic strata. Private debt becomes unsustainable around 225% of GDP. In the US, it’s currently 160%. You become insolvent when you cannot make interest-only payments. That’s true for you as an individual, or a nation. If these topics interest you, check out Richard’s new book, “The Paradox of Debt” at ParadoxOfDebt.com. Timestamps: America's beginnings with banking, real estate, and debt [00:00:01] Discussion on the historical influence of Pennsylvania banking on the formation of US banking, including figures like Robert Morris and Alexander Hamilton. The impact of autonomous vehicles on real estate [00:02:54] Exploration of the potential effects of autonomous vehicles on real estate, including reduced need for parking and changes in commuting patterns. The role of the Secretary of Banking and Securities in Pennsylvania [00:09:20] Insight into the responsibilities of the Secretary of Banking and Securities in Pennsylvania, including oversight of banks and consumer protections. The fractional reserve lending system [00:10:44] Explanation of how banks operate through fractional reserve lending and the possibility of full reserve banks. The origins of the US banking system and the role of Thomas Willing [00:12:06] Discussion on the founding of the US banking system and the involvement of Thomas Willing, the first banker in the United States. The land crisis of 1796-1797 and its impact on Robert Morris [00:14:14] Exploration of the financial crisis caused by land speculation and how it led to Robert Morris, a prominent figure in credit ratings, ending up in debtor's prison. The formation of the nation and its intersection with banking [00:21:50] Discussion on the short-term loans and interest rates during the formation of the United States and the role of debt in the westward expansion. Private sector debt and its growth [00:25:30] Exploration of the significant increase in private sector debt since World War II and the focus on the potential issues associated with it. Debt growth as an indicator of economic crises [00:28:23] Insight into how rapid debt growth, particularly in the private sector, can serve as a predictor of economic crises and the shortcomings of economic models that exclude debt as a factor. The paradox of debt [00:31:47] Debt creates wealth, using leverage and appreciation to generate wealth. The end game of private debt [00:33:29] When the requirement to service debt slows the economy down to near zero. Inflation profiting with real estate [00:37:42] Real estate is not just an inflation hedging vehicle, but an inflation profiting vehicle due to fixed interest rate debt and rising rents. Resources mentioned: Show Notes: GetRichEducation.com/472 Richard Vague’s new book: ParadoxOfDebt.com For access to properties or free help with a GRE’s Investment Coach, start here: GREmarketplace.com Get mortgage loans for investment property: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE  or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Invest with Freedom Family Investments. You get paid first: