Analyzing Finance with Nick

In this video, we break down the concept of prole drift—how once-elite tastes, traditions, and aesthetics gradually get adopted, simplified, and mainstreamed until they lose their original prestige. From fashion to dining to entertainment, we explore the mechanics behind this social and cultural shift, the forces accelerating it, and why it’s nearly impossible to reverse once it begins.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Prole Drift01:24 Defining Prole Drift02:35 Economic Necessity and Social Mobility04:41 Examples of Prole Drift in Modern Society09:29 Cultural and Ideological Shifts17:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJoin My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subscribePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ9Qr2raeqEdjs4JQAF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas PardiniWebsite: http://nickpardini.com​​​​AF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas PardiniBecome a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TEgC3UwJ2wI6m40rJOAFA/joinEmail Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

Happy October everyone! With the MLB playoffs in full swing, we're diving into the economics of Major League Baseball. This video discusses the financial dynamics of MLB teams, including how they generate revenue, spend on players, and the growing spending disparities. We classify teams into three major spending tiers: 'Spending to Win', 'Spending to Draw', and 'Not Bothering to Try', and analyze the impact of revenue sharing and luxury taxes. Learn how the business side of baseball affects team performance and what can be done to create a more competitive and balanced league. Join us for an in-depth look at the business of America's pastime.00:00 Introduction to the Economics of Baseball01:06 Breaking Down Team Spending Categories01:18 Top Spenders: The 'Spending to Win' Teams03:53 Mid-Tier Teams: 'Spending to Draw'06:42 Low Spenders: The 'Not Trying to Win' Teams09:23 Understanding Revenue Sharing in MLB13:44 Luxury Tax and Its Implications23:33 Conclusion and Viewer EngagementJoin My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subscribePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ9Qr2raeqEdjs4JQAF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas PardiniWebsite: http://nickpardini.com​​​​AF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ABecome a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TEgC3UwJ2wI6m40rJOAFA/joinEmail Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

In this episode of Analyzing Finance with Nick, we explore the complex relationship between social class and marriage. Nick delves deep into the historical shift in marriage trends from the 1960s to the 2010s, highlighting how marriage has transformed from a universal rite of passage to a luxury brand marker. He discusses how different social classes view and approach marriage, the economic and social factors driving the decline in marriage rates, and the implications for social mobility and community stability. Drawing from Charles Murray's 'Coming Apart,' Nick provides a detailed analysis of marriage trends across different socioeconomic groups, from the dependent class to the old money elite, examining motivations, financial considerations, and societal impacts. Join us as we take a comprehensive look at how marriage perpetuates class differences and what that means for societal cohesion and trust.00:00 Introduction: The Evolution of Weddings00:17 Exploring Social Class and Marriage01:09 Historical Shifts in Marriage Trends02:04 Economic and Class Forces Impacting Marriage05:43 The Cost of Weddings and Its Impact10:05 Marriage Dynamics Among the Dependent Class11:20 Working and Precarious Class Marriage Trends14:59 Middle Class Marriage Stability16:53 Independent Professional Class Partnerships20:01 Marriage in the Elite Classes30:14 Conclusion: Class, Marriage, and Society

Everyone travels. But not everyone disappears.Is Travel Escapism of the Upper Classes? This video explores how the upper classes have historically used travel not for relaxation—but for strategic distance. From Lord Byron and Victor Hugo to Hugh Hendry in St. Barts and crypto bros in Dubai, elite travel has always doubled as soft exile, image management, and class camouflage.We unpack:Why elite travelers don’t care about affordabilityThe difference between a vacation and a vanishing actHow prole drift has made luxury tourism... commonThe real class tells: remoteness, duration, flexibility, and silenceIf your entire friend group is at the same Marriott in Cabo—this one’s for you.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Escapism Across Classes02:41 Historical Examples of Elite Escapism04:37 Modern-Day Elite Travel and Escapism15:58 Travel as Escapism for the Professional ClassJoin My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subscribePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ9Qr2raeqEdjs4JQAF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas PardiniCitations:Video on Video Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBVbdnBvew8Video on Sports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s4TrAyBe-4Website: http://nickpardini.com​​​​AF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ABecome a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TEgC3UwJ2wI6m40rJOAFA/joinEmail Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

The U.S. dollar isn't just a currency—it's the fulcrum of global finance. In this video, we dive deep into the major dollar bull and bear cycles since 1971: what drove them, what ended them, and how they reshaped the global economy each time. From the Volcker shock and the Plaza Accord to the 1990s tech boom, the 2000s EM supercycle, and the post-COVID dollar surge, we trace the macro forces behind each turn. You'll also learn which asset classes and equity sectors outperform in strong vs. weak dollar regimes—with data, historical context, and tactical insight.If you've ever wondered how dollar cycles shape everything from emerging market crises to gold bull markets and U.S. tech rallies, this is your full-spectrum briefing.oin My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subscribePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ9Qr2raeqEdjs4JQAF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas Pardini#budget #fiscalpolicy #trump Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Overview00:21 Historical Context: Nixon and the Gold Standard01:26 US Dollar Cycles: Key Drivers and Trends03:45 Major US Dollar Cycles Since the 1970s11:01 The 1990s Dollar Bull Market14:22 The 2000s Dollar Bear Market18:41 The 2010s Dollar Bull Market24:06 Current Trends and Future Predictions28:05 Winners and Losers from Weak DollarWebsite: http://nickpardini.com​​​​AF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas PardiniBecome a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TEgC3UwJ2wI6m40rJOAFA/joinEmail Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

The Impact of Social Class and Longevity on Wealth InequalityIn this episode, the speaker delves into the correlation between social class, longevity, and wealth inequality. The presentation posits that longer lifespans may be a significant factor in wealth disparity, rather than wealth leading to longer lives. Key points include how older generations accumulate more savings and investments, benefitting from compounding returns over extended periods. Fiscal policies and social security structures also contribute to this intergenerational wealth transfer. The talk suggests reevaluating economic and tax policies to allow earlier financial support from older to younger generations, which could mitigate some of the economic pressures on younger people.00:00 Welcome and Event Overview00:27 Introduction to Social Class and Longevity00:41 Wealth Inequality and Lifespan01:15 Impact of Longer Lifespans on Wealth02:45 Inheritance and Financial Maturity03:54 Fiscal Policies and Wealth Redistribution05:10 Economic Incentives and Age Gap06:15 Health Improvements and Workforce Participation09:25 Generational Wealth Conflict10:28 Solutions and Policy Recommendations12:12 Conclusion and Q&A

Weddings aren’t just expensive—they’re economically irrational.In this video, we break down how the average wedding in America now costs over $36,000, and in places like Los Angeles, it's closer to $45,000—more than the after-tax income of the typical local worker.We chart the rise in:Wedding costs per guest 📈Declining guest counts since 2000 📉Real price trends for rings, honeymoons, photographers, and more 💍How weddings compare to inflation (CPI) since 2000 💵Using hard data from The Knot, BLS, and national wage reports, this analysis shows how marriage has become a luxury good—not a rite of passage.If you’re planning a wedding, thinking about class and culture, or just trying to understand modern financial pressures, this is a video you can’t afford to skip.Join My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subs...Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ...AF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas Pardini#oldmoney #economics #travel Become a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos: / @afnick Email Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comChapters:00:00 Introduction: The Rising Costs of Weddings01:14 Breaking Down Wedding Expenses02:32 Inflation and Wedding Costs07:23 Cultural and Economic Drivers10:25 Future Trends and Final ThoughtsDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

Why Founders Lose Control: The Generational Decline of Business OwnershipIn this episode of Analyzing Finance with Nick, we explore why many old money families no longer own the companies or assets that originally made them wealthy, focusing especially on the decline of founder control. We discuss how, by the third generation, over 92% of S&P 500 companies have transitioned to professional management, with founding families retaining minimal stakes. Key reasons include generational disinterest or lack of aptitude, estate tax pressures, diversification strategies, and public company pressures. We also highlight the impacts of technological disruption, poor estate planning, and the role of outside investors. Tune in to understand the various economic forces that lead to founding families being displaced from their businesses and consider the pros and cons of these transitions.Join My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subscribePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ9Qr2raeqEdjs4JQAF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas Pardini#oldmoney #economics #travel Become a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TEgC3UwJ2wI6m40rJOAFA/joinEmail Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comChapters:00:00 Introduction: The Illusion of Control01:00 The Decline of Founder Control03:23 Generational Challenges and Dilution07:32 Diversification and Its Impact10:22 Public Company Pressures14:44 Conclusion: Economic Forces at PlayDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

What happens when someone turns against the very class that raised them? In this video, we break down the concept of the class traitor — individuals who, by choice or necessity, aligned themselves with the interests of the lower classes or the populist tide, often to the fury of their elite peers. From Gaius Marius and Julius Caesar breaking the Roman oligarchy… to FDR’s New Deal rebellion against his patrician upbringing… to Alan Greenspan’s Ayn Rand-to-Federal Reserve pivot… and modern figures like J.D. Vance or Luigi Mangione — we trace the motives, consequences, and historical weight of elite defection.Link to Old Money Luxury Video on Luigi Mangione: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM8GfMA55NgCheck out our friend and collaborator's "Old Money Luxury" channel for more info on this case and much more: /  @oldmoneyluxury  . His deep dive on Luigi Mangione's family is the best researched biography I have found on the topic. Was it principle, ambition, or survival? Tune in for a crisp tour through centuries of class betrayal.Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subscribePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ9Qr2raeqEdjs4JQAF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas Pardini#oldmoney #economics #travel Become a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TEgC3UwJ2wI6m40rJOAFA/joinEmail Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

Most people assume that the companies built by America’s most iconic founders—Ford, Procter, Kellogg, Rockefeller—are still controlled by those same families. The truth? They’re not.In this video, we break down how many founding families still own a material stake in the companies they created, how many lost control over time, and who the real power players are today. The answer is fewer than you think—and it’s not who you think.We’ll cover:How founder control works (and how it disappears)A list of companies still run by founders or their heirsWhy family firms outperform—until they don’tThe rise of institutional ownership and proxy controlJoin My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subscribePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ9Qr2raeqEdjs4JQAF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas Pardini#oldmoney #socialclass #poor Website: http://nickpardini.com​​​​AF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas PardiniBecome a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TEgC3UwJ2wI6m40rJOAFA/joinEmail Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

In this video, we unpack the social geography of wealth and leisure across Europe, focusing on the contrasting class codes embedded in the French Riviera—one of the world’s most storied coastal playgrounds.We explore:The legacy haunts of old European money: discreet family villas in Cap d’Antibes, Cap Ferrat, and Ramatuelle, passed down through generations and hidden behind oleander hedges.The brash, high-visibility incursions of new wealth: mega-yachts in Monaco, champagne beach clubs in Saint-Tropez, and designer-label excess in Cannes.What your Riviera destination says about your lineage, liquidity, and social fluency—and how old money manages to signal wealth by not signaling at all.Join My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/Website: http://nickpardini.comSchedule a Consultation: https://forms.gle/X4PRyPn2gWjudtBw9Specialized Consulting Service: https://afwithnick.com/bookLink to Upcoming Tour Locations: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/80560975783Get Old Money Reading List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/subscribePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3e5cwqQ9Qr2raeqEdjs4JQAF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas Pardini#oldmoney #socialclass #poor Website: http://nickpardini.com​​​​AF with Nick Tour Survey: https://forms.gle/cFeyBNBcCS6jz5f7ASeeking Alpha: Nicholas PardiniBecome a Member for Early Releases and Bonus Videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7TEgC3UwJ2wI6m40rJOAFA/joinEmail Questions to askafundmanager@gmail.comDisclaimer:Anything in this channel is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. All information contained herein is based upon information available to the public. No representation is made that it is accurate or complete. No mention of a particular security, index, derivative, or other instrument on this channel is an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein, nor does it constitute an opinion of the suitability and appropriateness of investing in any financial instrument. Please consult your investment advisor and do you own research before making any trading or investment decisions

First sports, now I critique video games. My answer may surprise you.

The 1980s weren’t just shoulder pads and synthesizers—they were the launchpad for a new era of American capitalism. This video unpacks the forces behind the U.S. economic boom from 1982 to 1990: Paul Volcker’s war on inflation, Reagan’s supply-side revolution, massive federal deficits, and the rise of Wall Street as the command center of the economy.We’ll break down how the U.S. went from recession and stagflation to surging GDP growth, soaring asset markets, and a new class of financial elites. Was this real prosperity—or a speculative sugar high built on debt and deregulation?Using charts, quotes, and hard data, we separate the myth from the math.Join My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/

Were the 1990's the best time to be alive? In this video, I explain the economic boom of the 1990's. I break down how catalysts such as the tech bubble, the echo baby boom, and the end of the cold war brought on a decade of prosperity along with the lessons we can learn from it today.Join My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/

This isn't just a story about wages or inflation—it's a global history of who truly made it into the middle class and who never did. We track this elusive group across empires and modern economies, from Roman scribes to postwar homeowners, Swiss retirees, and China's urban climbers. What defines a real middle class, and why does it keep shrinking? Follow the data.

Is there such a thing as “Catholic economics”? In this episode, we explore the surprising roots and enduring relevance of distributism—an economic philosophy grounded in Catholic social teaching. Championed by thinkers like G.K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc, distributism rejects both unchecked capitalism and state socialism, arguing instead for widespread ownership of productive property.We’ll break down the principles behind Rerum Novarum, Quadragesimo Anno, and other papal encyclicals that outline the Church’s views on labor, capital, the dignity of work, and the moral limits of markets. Whether you’re Catholic, curious, or just tired of the left-right economic binary, this video offers an alternative lens on how societies might structure their economies—with justice and subsidiarity at the center.

Ever wonder why some parts of Midwest cities feel super wealthy while others seem totally left behind? In this video, we break down how wealth is spread out across five major cities—Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Detroit—and what history, geography, and trends have to do with it.From fancy lakeside homes to up-and-coming neighborhoods, we’re talking old money, new money, and everything in between.👀 What’s inside:Detroit’s past and present money mapMinneapolis’ quiet wealthWhy Columbus is rising fastIndy’s glow-upWho really owns the lakefront in MilwaukeeIf you're from the Midwest (or just curious), this one's for you.Join My Substack and Email List: https://nickpardini.substack.com/

From polo fields to MMA cages, the sports we play often mirror the class structures we live in. This video explores how different sports—like polo, tennis, MMA, and football—reflect economic privilege, cultural access, and social mobility. Why is polo a pastime of the ultra-wealthy while MMA is a ladder out of poverty for many fighters? How did tennis become a symbol of upper-middle aspiration, and football a proving ground for working-class glory? We dig into the origins, costs, and cultural weight behind these sports to uncover what they really reveal about society’s class lines.

This is the iceberg of volatility

This video explains different options strategies in an iceberg educational format.