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    From “Million Bazillion”: Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?

    enJuly 04, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Fort Knox gold storageFort Knox is a secure location for the US government's gold storage, but it also presents an opportunity for a daring heist due to its high-profile status.

      Fort Knox, a military base in Kentucky, is known for its gold storage vault, making it one of the most secure places in the world. The US government holds a significant amount of gold there, but the reason behind it is complex. In this episode of Million Bazillion, Bridget and Ryan answer a listener's question about why the US has so much gold in Fort Knox and what it's used for. They reveal that Fort Knox is not only a secure location for the government's gold but also a potential opportunity for a daring heist. Listeners can learn about the history and significance of Fort Knox while being entertained by the hosts' playful banter. Don't miss this exciting and informative episode. For those interested in developing healthy financial habits for their kids, check out Greenlight, the debit card and money app for kids and teens. Sign up now and get one month free and an extra ten dollars at greenlight.com/million.

    • Fort Knox Gold SecurityDespite the public's fascination with Fort Knox's gold, access is heavily restricted due to high security measures, making it impossible for civilians to see or touch the gold.

      Fort Knox, a famous American landmark, is home to a vast amount of gold. However, access to the fortress is heavily restricted, making it impossible for civilians to take tours or even come close. A young girl had imagined selling a bar of gold and donating the money to various causes, but in reality, the gold at Fort Knox is kept under the highest security. The discussion also revealed that there are numerous Fort Knox enthusiasts from around the world who appreciate the historical significance and value of the gold stored there. The exact amount of gold in Fort Knox is estimated to be worth billions of dollars and could fill nearly 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

    • Fort Knox gold reserveFort Knox, a highly secure location, holds a significant portion of the US government's gold reserve, emphasizing the importance of safe and wise savings.

      Fort Knox, one of the most secure places in the world, holds a significant portion of the US government's gold reserve. This gold was moved there during World War II for safety reasons, and the US ended up with a large gold reserve due to various international policy decisions. Although Fort Knox doesn't usually offer tours, an exception was made for a children's educational podcast. The gold at Fort Knox plays a crucial role in the history of the US currency and economy, making it an essential topic for discussion. This conversation also highlights the importance of saving money wisely, as demonstrated by Greenlight Infinity's high savings rate.

    • Dell deals, Fort Knox goldDuring Black Friday and July deals, Dell Technologies offers savings on laptops, monitors, mice, and electronics, including the powerful and portable XPS 15. Fort Knox holds a significant amount of US Treasury's gold, along with historical artifacts, but the exact number of gold bars is unknown.

      Dell Technologies is currently offering significant savings during their Black Friday and July deals on select laptops, monitors, mice, and other electronics and accessories. The XPS 15, powered by Intel Core processors, is a standout option, providing a balance of power and portability with stellar visuals and immersive sound. Fort Knox, on the other hand, holds a substantial amount of the US Treasury's gold, along with other valuable historical artifacts. Not all the Treasury's gold is kept at Fort Knox, with some stored at West Point and the US Mint in Denver. The exact number of bars of gold in Fort Knox's vault is unknown, as the plans to the vault are known only to a select few people. The tour of Fort Knox also revealed that the US has held other valuable items in its history, such as original copies of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

    • Gold storage securityAttempts to steal gold from the US Treasury are common, but robust security measures ensure its safety as a valuable asset during economic instability

      The United States Treasury keeps a large amount of gold as an asset due to its value and potential usefulness during economic instability. During a tour of Fort Knox, Bridget and Ryan, who had stolen their identities, attempted to enter the facility to rob the gold. However, they were stopped by the Mint Police. The real Bridget and Ryan, hosts of a podcast called Million Bazillion, were left outside and expressed their disappointment at the situation. The gold is kept as a backup plan, and there is always a demand for gold, especially during economic uncertainty. The conversation also revealed that Bridget and Ryan had a history of schemes and impractical ideas. Despite the confusion and the unsuccessful tour, the importance of keeping the gold as a valuable asset was emphasized.

    • Fort Knox vulnerabilityTwo intruders exploited a vulnerability to enter Fort Knox's vault, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and robust security systems to protect valuable assets

      Fort Knox, housing a vast amount of the nation's gold supply, maintains strict security measures to protect its valuable contents. However, the episode highlighted a potential vulnerability when two intruders managed to enter the vault through a deceptive means, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and awareness. Despite the close call, the U.S. continues to hold onto its gold due to its worth and value as a national reserve. The episode's plot may have seemed far-fetched, but it serves as a reminder of the potential risks and the importance of robust security systems.

    • Fort Knox, gold reservesFort Knox symbolizes national wealth and security, but access is tightly controlled; learn to make informed financial decisions like Fort Knox does.

      Fort Knox, the United States' gold reserve, is a symbol of national wealth and security. However, it's important to remember that access to such resources is tightly controlled, and individuals cannot take home samples or rob them. This episode of Million Bazillion reminded us of the importance of making informed financial decisions, just as Fort Knox carefully manages its gold reserves. The podcast, brought to you by Marketplace from American Public Media, encourages listeners to learn more about money through their website and podcast academy. The episode was funded in part by the Cy Sims Foundation and NextGen Personal Finance. Greenlight, a debit card and money app for kids and teams, was also featured as a trusted tool for families to learn about earning, saving, and investing wisely. Listeners can sign up for a free month and an extra ten dollars by using the promo code "million" at greenlight.com.

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