As we near a potential deal regarding the federal debt ceiling, some Americans are breathing a sigh of relief. The chances of our nation defaulting on its debts have been lowered, at least for now. But inflation continues to impact our wallets, and we’re faced with an important question: Even if the debt ceiling is suspended, what will...
While the hot real estate market of the last few years has cooled, many would-be younger homebuyers continue to struggle to purchase homes in the face of limited housing supply. The current shortage of housing stock in the U.S. has many causes. In the wake of the Great Recession, the U.S. drastically cut the number of new home builds,...
AUSTIN, Texas, May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The price of gas has roughly quadrupled over the past 20 years, while average life expectancy has grown astronomically. These trends have many wondering about their long-term wealth. Persistently high inflation has plagued American consumers and retirees for the past year. A Federal Reserve...
A few days ago, I wrote about the importance of protecting the things we value most. For most of us, that means working extra hours or putting extra effort into making financial plans. But for others—for those who have served and continue to serve in our nation’s armed forces—protecting what matters most can come with the greatest...
When you hear the key phrase “the things that matter most,” what comes to mind? For many Americans, I imagine family and individual freedoms are close to, if not at, the top of that list. I know when it comes to my financial decisions, I always keep my children in mind—for both how I can ensure they are provided for currently and how my...
On May 16, 2023, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that “the U.S. economy hangs in the balance” if lawmakers don’t act swiftly to increase the U.S. debt ceiling—the total amount that the federal government is allowed to borrow. The debt ceiling may be reached as early as June 1, 2023. As regular readers of “Gold News & Views”...
Right now, economic headlines are providing some mixed messages. On May 5, 2023, for example, The New York Times reported, “U.S. employers added 253,000 jobs despite economic worries,” and on May 8, 2023, CNBC reported, “Recession fears [have] eased.” But at the same time, MarketWatch reported on May 8, 2023, “U.S. markets fear...
AUSTIN, Texas, May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2023, the Federal Reserve began researching a digital form of the dollar, making the U.S. the latest country to explore an official digital currency. Critics contend that digital forms of currency make private consumer transactions vulnerable to government oversight. In the newest episode of...
I recently ran across an April 28, 2023, MarketWatch article with a headline that begins: “America’s personal savings just hit $1 trillion.” It then goes on to ask whether CDs, I-bonds, or online savings accounts would be the best place to put that extra cash. I’m a big believer in being prepared. It’s why I keep an eye out for these...
On April 20, 2023, MarketWatch reported, “The U.S. economic index sank 1.2% in March and fell for the 12th month in a row, continuing to signal a recession later in 2023.” That same day, Fox Business reported, “The Fed says a mild recession is in the cards this year.” A day later, on April 21, 2023, CNBC reported that according to one...
In the wake of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, consumer confidence in our banking system has been shaken. Many Americans are no longer certain whether their deposits are safe and have turned to other assets like gold to help diversify their portfolios should their financial institution of choice run into any trouble. This reduction of...
Sometimes, one of the best ways to look to the future is with an eye on the past. On April 7, 2023, The New York Times wrote, “It’s clear that [Federal Reserve] policymakers recognize that there is a good chance of a sharp [economic] slowdown soon. Their own policies are at least partly responsible for making that happen.” Meanwhile,...
