The Truth About Tariffs

The Lesson Started with a 13 Year Old’s Question

We talk a lot about passive income, market shifts, and building wealth that lasts.

But sometimes, a topic hits that feels “too political,” so we skip it entirely.

Today, we’re not skipping it.

Because this one—tariffs—isn’t just about trade wars and government headlines.

It’s about how the financial chessboard is being reset... and how smart investors (like you and me) can play to win.

This week, entrepreneur and friend Sharran Srivatsaa broke it down in a way that hit me hard—not as an agent or an investor—but as a dad and a builder.

Here’s the takeaway that stuck with me: “America isn’t in decline. It’s in redesign.”

Let’s dig into what that really means for all of us.

But first…

This Week’s Highlights

Market Insights: What's moving and what it costs  

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NOT A POLITICS LESSON, A BLUEPRINT RESET

The other night, Sharran’s 13-year-old son asked, “Dad, what are tariffs?”

That simple question led to a masterclass. And like Sharran said—most adults don’t really understand tariffs either.

So here’s the CliffsNotes version:

• Tariffs are tolls on stuff coming into the country.

• We used to rely on them heavily—pre-income tax era—and we were thriving.

• Post-WWII, we opened up and helped rebuild the world. That worked.

• But we forgot to rebalance. Others kept their tolls high. We didn’t.

• Now we’re correcting that. It’s not punishment—it’s protection.

• Some countries charge 10x more than we do. It’s time for a fair game.

• This isn’t about isolating. It’s about insulating. Jobs. Supply chains. Strength.

• Yes, some prices will go up—but it’s short-term pain for long-term positioning.

• Businesses are already pivoting. Manufacturing is coming back to the U.S.

• It’s not selfish. It’s strategic. You can’t give if you’re running on fumes.

The punchline? We’re not breaking down. We’re building differently.

💡 TAKEAWAY: REDESIGN MODE = OPPORTUNITY MODE

If you're reading this newsletter, you're not here to sit on the sidelines.

You’re here to invest well, live well, and make moves that matter—personally and financially.

And that means seeing moments like these not as warning signs… but as signposts.

We’re in a global redesign.

And when the rules shift, the builders win.

Here’s the mindset, straight from Sharran:

• Don’t argue the forecast—just dress for the weather.

• Track where money is flowing, not just where it’s been.

• Build more. Own more. Spend with strategy.

• Resets are messy. But mess is the middle of growth.

• Your mindset shapes your moves—fear freezes; vision builds.

The world is shifting.

The question is: what are you building with the new pieces?

Let’s keep stacking.

– Mike

P.S. When you’re ready, I’ll be right here.
Let’s talk about your next move - without pressure, without overwhelm.
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