About George J. Paulos

A self-described “economics junkie”, George came to the financial markets through a long and winding journey. As a youngster he was fascinated by science and technology. This passion led to a long career in electronics and computers. He was a pioneer in the introduction of personal computers and networks into the corporate office. In his consulting practice, he designed and deployed PC-based information systems for many top companies including Storage Technologies, Unisys, Control Data, Cargill, Honeywell, Ernst and Young, Marsh McLennan, United Healthcare, Computer Network Technology, and WebMD.

George’s father, James G. Paulos, was a prominent St. Paul, MN attorney and a successful investor who taught his young son about the basics of financial markets and started him on his lifelong investing journey. Slowly but surely he became entranced by the workings of economies and financial markets. This fascination led him to the University of Minnesota where he completed a BS in Business Administration with concentration in economics and finance.

During the 1990’s, George lived the technology bubble and became a highly sought-after “hired gun” for companies needing specialized information technology consultants. During that period he became concerned that the Information Technology boom was built on quicksand. The systems that were being deployed throughout Corporate America were often poorly conceived and implemented. The Information Technology “productivity miracle” seemed to be a cruel joke to many IT professionals who were on an endless treadmill of upgrades, migrations, and bug fixes. Too many times new and improved systems worked worse than the old ones. Promising technologies such as email and the Internet often came with debilitating “revenge effects” that could negate the very real productivity gains that these technologies can offer. These problems had a very real impact on corporate productivity because legions of expensive and highly skilled workers were required to baby-sit these “automated” systems. Yet the stocks of these companies soared without end as investors believed that the economy has no limits and everybody could be a stock market millionaire.

During the Internet mania of 1997-2000 George accepted consulting assignments with Internet-related firms. He experienced firsthand the havoc that a stock market bubble could create for hard-working employees and investors. He also saw the destructive greed permeating the Wall Street Industrial Complex. As a skeptical investor, George never bought into the “new economy” hype and always had a healthy mistrust of Wall Street “wisdom.” It was this skepticism that led to an investigation of alternative investment strategies. He joined a small but active community of investment professionals who shared a deep concern about the condition of the global financial system. George created the “Freebuck.com –Alternatives for Financial Freedom” website as a public forum and workshop for the investigation of alternative financial strategies to preserve and enhance personal wealth in challenging times. His relationship with the Alternative Investment community convinced him that gold and precious metals are a important core component of an effective wealth strategy. They are the only financial assets that cannot be defaulted upon. Since this revelation, George has been an active writer and analyst covering both the precious metals and general economics.

George has many diverse interests including outdoor sports, history, and music. He plays several musical instruments including guitar, keyboards, and electric bass. He has performed with music groups since high school and has made numerous recordings with popular Minnesota artists Jimmy Tune and Kirk Anthony. His musical accomplishments drew the interest of the noted 1950’s show group Sha Na Na who hired him as a featured sideman for several national tours. He currently resides in his hometown of St. Paul, MN.