Although end-of-life Medicare spending accounts for a relatively large slice of its budget, it’s tough to cut for a reason that none of us would expect.…
Six More Facts We Need To Know About Social Security
Although Social Security solvency has not been in the headlines, it remains a massive challenge that we need to understand.…
Why Social Security Needs Immigrants
Because unauthorized immigrants pay billions of dollars in payroll taxes, they are one solution to the Social Security solvency problem.…
Why The Japanese Economy Has a Growth Problem
Including minimal growth and deflation, Japan’s economic problems reflect unsuccessful fiscal and monetary policy that have little room to maneuver.…
Part 2: What To Do When More People Are Old
Facing an aging population and more entitlements, countries that are encouraging more births to expand the labor force might be creating a bigger problem.…
What If One Quarter of Your Population is Old?
As a growing demographic, the aging population in China has been targeted by businesses selling consumer goods and residential and financial services.…
Our Weekly Roundup: From Dental Care to Haircuts
This week’s everyday economics stories include income elasticity of demand, positive externalities, GDP, economic indicators, human capital & entitlements.…
Do You Want a Healthcare Nudge?
Primarily for fiscal reasons, in Japan, most 40-74 year olds get their waist size checked each year. A part of the required annual physical exams from local government or employers, waist size is moni…
China's Demographic Flipflop
The wait list for the most popular retirement home in China has topped 10,000. With 1100 available beds and just 11 beds emptying annually, it could take 100 years for someone to get a spot. Part of t…
Population Growth: China's One-Child Policy
Does being an only child matter? Our answer starts with a sunflower seed story. There once was a poor Chinese farmer who believed he could excel at nothing but sunflower seeds. Traditionally sold in b…