The CFS Review

John Warren

5.0 (1)
Business

John discusses the economy and current news events.

49m ago

The Roaring Twenties...Again?

The Roaring Twenties… Again?The CFS Review | Episode 8 Episode SummaryAre we repeating the economic mistakes of the Roaring Twenties? In this episode of The CFS Review, John Warren examines the striking parallels between the economic optimism of the 1920s and the financial environment of the 2020s. From technological innovation and stock market speculation to expanding consumer credit and the pursuit of prosperity, history offers some sobering lessons. Drawing on decades of experience in banking, finance, and organizational leadership, John raises concerns about America's growing dependence on debt and the potential consequences of an economic correction. His central warning is simple: Debt is an advance on future earnings. Every dollar borrowed today represents income that must be committed tomorrow. Key Topics Discussed1. The Roaring Twenties and Today's Economy The 1920s brought extraordinary technological advancements, including automobiles, household electrification, radio, and motion pictures. Today's artificial intelligence, automation, and digital technologies are producing similarly dramatic changes. But technological progress does not eliminate economic risk. 2. Stock Market Speculation and the Illusion of Prosperity John compares the speculative enthusiasm of the 1920s with today's concentration in technology stocks, enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence, and questions about market valuations. 3. America's Consumer Debt Problem The episode examines the dramatic expansion of consumer credit between 1980 and 2026: Total consumer credit: approximately $351 billion to $5.224 trillion.Revolving consumer credit: approximately $55 billion to $1.368 trillion.Revolving credit's share of total consumer credit: approximately 15.6% to 26.2%.These figures illustrate the scale of America's growing reliance on borrowing. The dollar comparisons are nominal and have not been adjusted for inflation. 4. The Rise of Gambling and Prediction Markets Online sports betting, casino gaming, and prediction markets represent additional areas of concern. John discusses their extraordinary growth and the financial risks associated with speculative behavior. 5. Economic Policy and Unintended Consequences Historical protectionism and today's tariff debates raise important questions about government intervention, free markets, and policies that may unintentionally worsen economic difficulties. 6. The Risks for Nonprofits and Christian Ministries Organizations that depend on donations, program revenue, or borrowed funds may be especially vulnerable during economic downturns. John encourages nonprofit leaders to evaluate their debt obligations, financial reserves, revenue assumptions, and ability to withstand changing economic conditions. Practical TakeawaysEvaluate your personal or organizational debt honestly.Remember that borrowing commits future income.Distinguish genuine needs from purchases motivated by immediate gratification.Avoid assuming today's prosperity will continue indefinitely.Develop a realistic plan to reduce financial vulnerability.Seek qualified professional assistance when financial circumstances become serious.Maintain proper priorities rather than making prosperity the central pursuit of life.A Final ThoughtEconomic history does not repeat itself perfectly, but human behavior often reveals familiar patterns. The danger is not simply borrowing money. It is becoming so accustomed to credit and prosperity that we fail to recognize our financial vulnerability. John encourages listeners to approach their financial decisions with prudence, discipline, and a willingness to make necessary adjustments before circumstances force them to do so. Connect With The CFS ReviewVisit The CFSReview.com for additional episodes and commentary. Our YouTube channel is The CFS Review/ For information about CFS Financial and its work with nonprofit organizations, visit CFSFinancial.net. We welcome your comments and questions. Subscribe to The CFS Review on YouTube and your preferred podcast platform. Disclaimer: This episode provides general financial and economic commentary and does not constitute individualized investment, legal, or financial advice.
Nov 3

President Trump Has Disappointed Us

President Trump has disappointed many Americans—including conservatives who support several of his policies. Has his leadership style, rhetoric, and approach to governing undermined public confidence heading into the 2026 midterm elections? In this special Election Day edition of The CFS Review, John Warren examines ten controversies and policy decisions that he believes have contributed to growing dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. Topics include: Inflation, affordability, and unfulfilled economic expectationsTariffs and uncertainty for American businessesThe war with Iran and questions about U.S. strategyImmigration enforcement and its executionThe handling of the Jeffrey Epstein filesThe White House ballroom controversyContinued claims of widespread election fraudPresidential business interests and ethical concernsRepublican primary endorsements and personal loyaltyThe consequences for Congress, fiscal policy, and the national debtJohn also offers his personal predictions for the House and Senate elections—recorded before election returns began—and discusses what the results could mean for America's political and economic future. This episode offers candid commentary from a conservative perspective, recognizing the administration's accomplishments while questioning its leadership and priorities. Join the conversation: Do you believe President Trump's policies or his personal conduct have had the greater effect on public confidence? TheCFSReview.com Subscribe to The CFS Review for commentary on business, finance, leadership, economics, and public policy. #TheCFSReview #Trump #Midterms2026 #Election2026 #PoliticalAnalysis
Oct 24

Ukraine War: Costs, Peace, and Policy Reflections

Ukraine War: Costs, Peace, and Policy Reflections In this episode of The CFS Review, we examine the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war, its staggering human and economic costs, and the difficult path toward a lasting peace. We discuss renewed diplomatic efforts, the Trump administration's approach to negotiations, Russia's territorial ambitions, Ukraine's sovereignty and security concerns, and Europe's responsibility for supporting Ukraine. We also consider the enormous financial consequences of the war, including reconstruction costs estimated at $588 billion, and the hundreds of thousands of lives lost since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The central question is whether the United States and its allies can help negotiate an end to the killing without creating conditions for another war. As we consider these issues, we must distinguish between a temporary ceasefire and a lasting, enforceable peace. The CFS Review https://thecfsreview.com https://cfsfinancial.net
Oct 16

How to Avoid Hiring Us

How to Avoid Hiring Us How can Christian schools, churches, and other nonprofit organizations thrive and become financially sustainable without hiring a consultant? In this episode of The CFS Review, John Warren shares the story of CFS Financial, founded in 2013, and lessons learned from helping approximately 250 organizations, primarily Christian schools. Drawing on his experience as a former bank CEO and nonprofit consultant, John offers practical guidance on understanding your organization's value proposition, developing strategic plans that actually work, establishing measurable objectives, and maintaining healthy relationships with lenders. He also discusses effective communication, fundraising, enrollment practices, and the importance of remaining faithful to your organization's mission. Above all, Christian organizations must remember their purpose. Financial sustainability is important, but advancing God's kingdom, making disciples, and remaining faithful to biblical truth must remain central. Christian education offers a remarkable opportunity to influence generation after generation. Learn more about CFS Financial: https://www.cfsfinancial.net The CFS Review — Business • Finance • Leadership
Oct 10

Customer Service is an Economic Indicator

Customer Service is an Economic Indicator In this episode of The CFS Review, John Warren looks at the economy from an unusual perspective: the decline in customer service. He discusses economic cycles, consumer and business confidence, inflation, government spending, the rapidly growing national debt, and why companies often cut expenses as economic conditions weaken. Could deteriorating customer service be another warning that the economy is beginning to slow? John explains why he believes what consumers experience every day may tell us something that traditional economic statistics don't.
Oct 3

A Deal With Iran is Impossible

A Deal With Iran is ImpossibleIn this episode of The CFS Review, John Warren examines the ongoing negotiations with Iran and explains why he believes a lasting, enforceable agreement with the Iranian regime is unlikely. John looks beyond the negotiations themselves to the religious and ideological beliefs that influence Iran’s leadership. He discusses the historical division between Sunni and Shia Islam, the origins of Islam, and concepts such as jihad, Sharia, submission, and the ummah. He argues that understanding these beliefs is essential to understanding the motivations of Iran’s religious leaders. Relentless Truth Extra - 3 - tr… The episode also considers the limits of military action, the prospects for regime change, Iran's missile capabilities, and the Trump administration's approach to negotiations. John explains why he believes the United States should have very low expectations that negotiations will produce an agreement capable of accomplishing its objectives. Relentless Truth Extra - 3 - tr… Topics include: Iran and U.S. negotiations; Sunni and Shia Islam; Iran's religious leadership; jihad and Sharia; the difference between Iran's leadership and the Iranian people; President Trump's approach to Iran; and why John believes an enforceable agreement is unlikely. The CFS Review Business • Finance • Leadership • The Economy • Current Events cfsfinancial.net
Sep 26

Is Socialism Really So Bad

Episode 2: Is Socialism Really So Bad?Socialism is a word used frequently in American political and economic debate—but what does it actually mean, and how does it differ from Marxism, communism, or simply having government programs? In this episode of The CFS Review, John Warren examines the basic economic ideas behind socialism and capitalism, beginning with the fundamental question of who owns and controls the means of production. He discusses Marx's critique of capitalism, the importance of incentives, private property, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the ability of a market economy to create new wealth rather than merely redistribute existing wealth. The discussion also distinguishes socialism from ordinary government services and social programs. Social Security, Medicare, public schools, highways, and other government activities do not by themselves make an economy socialist. Instead, the deeper economic question is: Who gets to decide how resources are owned, allocated, and used? The episode then turns from economics to a darker chapter in American history: Carrie Buck and the 1927 Supreme Court case Buck v. Bell. Her forced sterilization provides a sobering example of what can happen when government is given extraordinary authority over decisions and rights that ordinarily belong to individuals. Ultimately, the episode raises a larger question that goes beyond economics: What view of human nature should underlie the way we organize society and distribute power?

7 Episodes

John discusses the economy and current news events.

Creator

John Warren
Years Active

2026
Episodes

7
Rating

Clean
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