Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of the Next Steps Show. This week, on the Next Steps Show, we welcome an accomplished CPA and esteemed author. Boasting an MBA from Case Western and a formidable 42-year career auditing nonprofits and governmental programs, our guests’ insights are invariably razor-sharp and imbued with seasoned wisdom. He has a proven track record of publishing in-depth examinations of complex issues such as social security and the 2008 financial crisis, courageously unearthing concealed truths. Now, he turns his discerning eye towards the sanctity of our vote, as explored in his latest book, Debunked?. Join us as we traverse his distinctive journey from music to business to becoming a dedicated crusader willing to put everything on the line to confront tyranny and governmental deceptions. Let's extend a hearty welcome to the Honorable Joe Fried, CPA.

Joe Fried attended Case Western Reserve University on a full scholarship and graduated with an MBA. He was subsequently hired as an auditor by Ernst & Young. In 1983, he established his own firm, from which he retired in 2021. Throughout his 42-year career, Joe conducted and supervised countless audits and was an AICPA-authorized peer reviewer for dozens of other audit firms.

In 2003, Joe published his first book, How Social Security Picks Your Pocket. This book chronicled the waste in the Social Security program and called for a private option for participants. Subsequently, Joe uncovered a scheme involving thousands of teachers in Texas participating in an illegal scam costing the Social Security program an estimated 2 billion dollars. They were masquerading as full-time janitors. He alerted the Social Security Inspector General, who responded, “We take your concern seriously and will open an audit ....” Thirteen months later, the audit was completed, and the Inspector General concurred with Joe’s 64-page analysis without exception. However, Joe soon experienced the power of the teachers' union and the reluctance of Social Security Administrators, who refused to cut off the fraudulent benefits.

After the 2008 financial crisis, Joe wrote a unique book called Who Really Drove the Economy into the Ditch. Unlike other analysts, Joe traced the roots of the crisis back to the early days of the Clinton Administration, with its push to eliminate the downpayment requirement for home mortgage loans. Joe’s newest book, Debunked?, is his most controversial and critical work so far, as it scrutinizes the sanctity of our vote. In Debunked?, all major issues of the 2020 election are discussed, and the elections in six crucial swing states are analyzed. Joe raises the question: were those states' elections truly certifiable?

This summer, Joe will publish a new book listing 23 election-related problems that need to be addressed before the 2024 elections. The book will include recommendations for each issue. Apart from his work, Joe is passionate about music. As a young man, he performed on his clarinet under Leopold Stokowski in Carnegie Hall. He still occasionally performs with his wife, Nina, a pianist. He quips that the transition from music to business is a long story, best shared over a couple of cold beers. Visit joefriedcpa.substack.com to learn more.

Listen in to learn what Next Steps one person has taken for the betterment of others.

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