Tariffs, Tomatoes & the Truth About Social Security

Capitalist Investor

In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, Tony and Derek dig into a hot economic debate: Are tariffs inflationary or deflationary? They break down the political and economic implications of Trump’s proposed tariff policies, explore historical lessons, and discuss which industries are most likely to win or lose.
Then, the guys shift gears to tackle a listener question about the “Big Beautiful Bill” and whether it actually helps retirees. Spoiler: If you’re under 65 or earning over a certain threshold, don’t expect much help.
You’ll also hear some real talk on:
Made in America vs. cheap imports
Why the market isn’t panicking (yet)
Tomato inflation?!
Who actually pays for tariffs—and how it could affect your wallet
Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or someone trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode delivers a no-fluff, practical look at what really matters for your financial future.
📩 Got questions? Email the show at [email protected]

Chapters

1. This Week’s Topics: Tariffs & Social Security (00:00:00)

2. Golf Season Woes & Mini Drivers (00:00:22)

3. Trump’s Tariff Deadline Explained (00:01:37)

4. What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Exist? (00:02:26)

5. COVID’s Wake-Up Call & Domestic Reliance (00:03:19)

6. The Long Road to U.S. Manufacturing (00:04:20)

7. Are Tariffs Inflationary? Case For and Against (00:05:20)

8. Tariffs, Oil Prices, & Inflation Complexity (00:07:08)

9. $300 Billion in Tariff Revenue? (00:08:11)

10. Where Does That Money Go? (00:09:12)

11. The Deflationary Case: Strong Dollar, Slower Growth (00:10:13)

12. Domestic Jobs vs. Cheap Imports (00:11:01)

13. Who Really Pays Tariffs? (Hint: Not China) (00:12:04)

14. Manufacturing Pauses & Uncertainty (00:13:12)

15. Tariffs’ Impact on Raw Materials & Homebuilders (00:14:00)

16. Winners & Losers by Sector (Retail, Tech, Ag) (00:14:54)

17. Historical Tariff Lessons from 2018–2019 (00:16:10)

18. Is GDP Growth the Bigger Concern? (00:17:09)

19. The “Tariff Board” & Market Reaction (00:18:06)

20. Global Deals & Trump’s Tariff Logic (00:19:18)

21. Listener Question: Social Security “Big Beautiful Bill” (00:20:28)

22. Income Limits & Age Restrictions Explained (00:21:11)

23. Why the Bill Isn’t a Slam Dunk for Retirees (00:22:03)

24. The Only Way Out: Revenue & Domestic Growth (00:23:06)

25. Tip Taxes, Seniors & $6K Deductions (00:23:29)

26. Final Thoughts & Contact Info (00:24:45)

27. Legal Disclaimer (00:25:18)