The Truth About Taxes: Who Really Pays — and How the System Is Rigged

 Chris Markowski delves into pressing issues surrounding financial freedom, human trafficking, the complexities of the tax code, the healthcare crisis, and the need for mental health reform. He emphasizes the importance of exposing the truth behind these societal problems and advocates for systemic change to protect vulnerable populations and ensure fairness in economic policies.

Chris Markowski, the Watchdog on Wall Street, delves into the complexities of the financial world, emphasizing the importance of truth over narratives. He discusses the current economic indicators, the alarming state of consumer debt, and the impact of tariffs on the economy. The conversation also covers the housing market crisis, challenges in commercial real estate, and the role of personal CFO programs. Markowski critiques the fallacy of free services and highlights the monopolistic issues in food delivery and agriculture, advocating for a more secure food system.

Chris Markowski discusses the importance of understanding financial reality, the principles of Adam Smith's capitalism, and the moral philosophy behind economics. He critiques the current state of government involvement in the economy, the retirement crisis facing Gen X, and the flaws in traditional investment strategies. Markowski also highlights the entertainment nature of financial media and the missteps of private equity firms, particularly in relation to Ivy League investments. The episode concludes with a discussion on the implications of Goldman Sachs' connections to Jeffrey Epstein and the broader issues of accountability in the financial sector.

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  Is the private credit market on the verge of a blow-up, or is it just a headline frenzy? This episode breaks down the Blue Owl $1.4B asset sale, what it really means for investors, and why short-term swings can mislead the public. From the rise of private credit and private equity to the decline of IPOs over the past decades, we reveal how Wall Street has evolved—and why caution and understanding intrinsic value matter more than hype.

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  Fourth-quarter GDP numbers came in below expectations, but how bad is it really? This episode explains the real drivers behind growth, consumer spending, and government impact, tracing U.S. economic performance from Reagan through Biden. From weak post-recession recoveries to Trump’s pre-COVID growth, we explore how true free-market principles—Adam Smith capitalism—can unlock strong, sustainable GDP growth. Stop chasing headlines and understand what really moves the economy.

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  Trump’s tariff policy takes a major hit as the Supreme Court shuts it down — but markets barely react. This breakdown explores why the ruling was expected, how tariffs really work as a tax on consumers, and what the administration might do next. From claims about trillions in investment to trade deficit realities, this episode challenges the political narrative and explains the economic impact moving forward.

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  A deep dive into the broken healthcare system in America, examined through the lens of Occam’s razor. This episode explores why insurance costs remain high, claims are routinely denied, and private equity firms profit from government programs. From personal struggles with medical bills to systemic inefficiencies, discover why the current system seems designed to fail — and what a future universal healthcare model might really look like.

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  A controversial look at mental health policy, homelessness, and public safety in America. This discussion examines the sharp decline in mental institutional care since the 1950s, questions whether current approaches are truly humane, and explores the broader societal impact of untreated mental illness. Are current systems failing those who need help most — and what solutions should be considered?

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  A proposed 10% property tax increase in New York City sparks debate over government spending, millionaire taxes, and the future of businesses and residents. This breakdown explores the state’s budget challenges, rising costs for landlords and homeowners, and the potential ripple effects on rents, commercial real estate, and economic sustainability. Is the system pushing people and businesses out — and what happens next?

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  A classic story about 10 men splitting a dinner bill reveals a bigger debate about tax fairness — from the Bush tax cuts in 2003 to today’s fight over wealth taxes and the ultra-rich. This breakdown explores who really pays taxes, how billionaires legally avoid income taxes through stock and borrowing strategies, and why the 75,000-page tax code favors powerful interests. The real problem isn’t just tax rates — it’s a system that rewards complexity over fairness and creates an American aristocracy.