As told to Marc. A Wojno
How did your family react to your doing economic stand-up?
My father told me I'd never make it because there was no demand. How did you respond? I said, "Don't worry, Dad. I'm a supply-side economist. I just stand up and let the jokes trickle down."
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
But seriously... What he actually said was—and keep in mind that he's a first-generation American, has never had a TV and is divorced from popular culture—"Come on, Yoram, be reasonable: Give me the name of a single Jew who's made it in stand-up comedy."
But an economist comedian? Don't you worry about bombing?
I worry more about bombing when I teach introductory microeconomics at 8 a.m. When things aren't going well, I just keep throwing stuff out. It's just like what the Treasury Department has been doing for the past year and a half.
How would you describe the state of the economy before the crash?
It was like a hamster that had been running on its little wheel nonstop for eight years. As a microeconomist, I think that the hamster needs rest. Macroeconomists, on the other hand, think that the hamster needs to be fed methamphetamines.
What's the difference between a microeconomist and a macroeconomist?
To paraphrase political satirist P.J. O'Rourke: Microeconomists are wrong about specific things; macroeconomists are wrong about things in general.
What can we do to boost the economy?
Shortly before the 2008 election I did a gig in Wichita, Kan. A woman at my dinner table told me she was afraid that if Obama were elected president she'd be wearing a burqa in five years. So after the election I sent her a catalog of them along with a note that said, "Look, I'm not trying to rub it in. It's just that the economy needs you to buy the burqa now."
Any tips on how to manage our personal finances?
One word: Vicodin. It maintains its value like gold, it's extremely liquid—just drive around town at 2:00 a.m. and you'll find a thriving market—and if stocks tank, just down a couple to feel good about your portfolio.
-
Think You Know How to Be Happy in Retirement? These 9 Stats May Surprise YouWhen it comes to your retirement happiness, don't believe everything you hear. We've turned to solid research for the facts on finding your bliss in retirement.
-
If You're Retired or Soon to Be, Don't Miss These Tax BreaksThe OBBB offers some tax advantages that are particularly beneficial for retirees and near-retirees. But they're available for only a limited time.
-
Waiting to Retire to Give to Charity? 3 Reasons to Do It NowYou could wait until retirement, but making charitable giving part of your financial plan now could be far more beneficial for you and the causes you support.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
