Inflation, the American Consumer and Recession

          There are signs that the economy is beginning to slouch toward recession.           This week, we’ll look at a few of those signs and some events that will have at least some effect on the US economy.           Let’s begin with the fact that inflation got hot again in August.  I have been repeatedly…

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US Dollar and Unsustainable Deficits

          Last week, I looked at the undeniable trend that the US Dollar, due to massive currency creation and weaponization, is losing its long-time dominance globally.  This week, I want to expand on that thought. Dr. Ron Paul, former presidential candidate and past guest on my RLA Radio program, wrote a piece offering his take…

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Unintended Consequences – Nothing New Here

          In my 2011 book “Economic Consequences,” I examined the notion of unintended consequences.  I offered several examples of government actions that may have been taken with good intentions (we can debate that another time) but ended up causing unpleasant, unintended consequences.           A couple examples are the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Endangered…

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Gold and Digital Currencies; An Update

There is a lot going on around the world that has the potential to change investing markets and global financial dynamics quickly and substantially.           In this weekly report, I have long been discussing that we will get inflation followed by deflation, with the inflation likely leading to currency changes.           When studying history, one…

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Fed Induced Deflation?

          In my books, “Economic Consequences” (2011), “New Retirement Rules” (2014, first edition), and “Revenue Sourcing” (2020), I reiterated the forecast of founding father, Thomas Jefferson, who suggested that if the American people ever allowed private banks to control the issue of the currency, the country would experience inflation, followed by deflation.           Ever since…

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Sobering Math and Your Retirement

         This week, as I was preparing my radio show and podcast, I was doing some research which led me to do some debt math, and the result was sobering.           By way of background, I headed down this research path after discussing the current level of debt that exists in the United States, both at…

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Two Outcomes – A Reminder

          In the June issue of the “You May Not Know Report,” a written newsletter delivered monthly to clients of our firm, I outline the Fed’s two policy options moving ahead.           Both options will produce a difficult economic and investing outcome for retirees and aspiring retirees.  And, both options require an investor prepare for…

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Very Disturbing Credit Card Data

          Previously, I have written about increasing debt levels in the country among those in the private sector.  In short, private sector debt levels have been increasing; specifically, credit card debt has been rising very quickly.           Rapidly increasing levels of credit card debt had me concluding that Americans were increasingly dealing with rapidly rising…

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Inflation and Debt Realities

          Ever since the updated “New Retirement Rules” book was published in 2016, I have been warning that debt excesses would lead to a severe deflationary environment.           While such an economic climate has not yet fully emerged, there are signs that we are entering such a period.  Stocks have fallen 20% from their peak,…

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The Problem with Fractional Reserve Banking and an Interesting Irony

          Last week, I discussed the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the harsh realities of the fractional reserve banking system.           Since I wrote that piece last week, there have been more bank failures and bank rescue packages.           Signature Bank followed Silicon Valley Bank.  Credit Suisse was propped up with a $54 billion…

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