I’m the sort of person who prefers to act rather than react—especially when it comes to protecting myself and my family against an uncertain future. Take your car, for example. Would you rather have a good insurance policy before or after you get into an accident? The...
Yes, You Can Still Take That Summer Vacation
As someone who consumes a lot of financial news, I understand how it can often feel like we, as portfolio owners, are never allowed to let our guard down. For example, on June 13, 2023, Reuters reported that U.S. Bancorp CEO Andy Cecere foresees a “moderate” recession...
How to Help Preserve Your Wealth for Generations
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...
This Memorial Day, Take a Moment of Remembrance
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...
As Memorial Day Approaches, We Consider the Things That Matter Most.
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...
More Americans Are Turning to Gold in Uncertain Times.
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...
Americans Are Saving More. Where Should That Money Go?
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...
When Seeking More Information About the Financial World, Who Do You Trust?
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.”...
When Trust in Our Systems Fails, Financial Literacy Becomes More Important Than Ever
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...
As Recession Concerns Continue, Two Texas Lawmakers Suggest a New Gold-Backed Digital Currency
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...
Gold Just Jumped Again. How High Will Prices Rise in 2023?
I’ve never been one to gamble, but it certainly looks like 2023 might be one for the record books when it comes to gold prices. On March 23, 2023—just one week prior to this piece’s being published—gold was priced at $1,991.41/oz. That’s just $81.09 shy of gold’s...
As Uncertainty Surrounding Banks Persists, a Gold IRA Remains a Strong Option for Retirement Savings
When it looks like times might get tough, I don’t worry—I act. I do as much research as I can and then put that research to work by making the most educated decisions possible for myself, my family, and my financial future. And right now, it looks like many Americans...