Three categories: Goods, services, money.

[shikamaru]

My perspective changes on this so to seem fickle.

Precious metals are nothing but shine until the Chinese spun it into tiny wires.

My perspective has changed although it is more from a commercial/capitalist perspective.
Debt and taxes can be burdensome, but only if they aren't managed correctly in my opinion.

Debt is borrowed into existence. Taxes are assessed into existence.
If I exercise any control over the occurrence of the event; tax treatment of the funds; and management of the flow; the cost of debt and taxes can be deferred, reduced, off-set, covered, or even eliminated.

Done right:
Debt becomes tax free currency.
Taxes can be offset with deductions, credits, depreciation, et al.

That problem isn't debt and taxes per se, but the strategy and management of these obligations as well as where these obligations are tenured.