Understanding Today’s Banking Risks—and What You Can Do About Them

In this episode of America’s Gold Authority® Podcast from U.S. Money Reserve, host Remmy Castillo is joined by Director of Education Brad Chastain, an 18-year veteran in financial and retirement planning education, and Sales Director Coy Wells, with over 15 years’ experience in  the precious metals industry, to unpack growing concerns about the safety and reliability of the U.S. banking system. 

Shrinking Banks, Rising Concerns 

Coy Wells opens the discussion with a sobering statistic: over 700 U.S. banks either failed or were absorbed by larger institutions in 2024. This wave of consolidation has rattled consumers—especially in rural areas—who’ve watched their trusted local banks disappear. The trend mirrors the early signs of the 2008 financial crisis, sparking fears that history may repeat itself. 

Brad Chastain adds context, noting the long-term shift toward “too big to fail” banking. In the last few decades, the U.S. has gone from over 14,000 banks to just over 4,000. When big banks take over small ones, lending to local communities often decreases, making it harder for small businesses and farmers to access capital. 

Regulation Can’t Keep Up 

The failures of major institutions like Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic in recent years prove that even with regulations in place, systemic risk remains. As Brad explains, banks are constantly evolving—often faster than regulators can adapt. Rising interest rates, for instance, have caused significant losses in banks’ bond holdings, further weakening their positions. 

Is the FDIC Equipped for a Crisis? 

While the FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000, Coy points out that its total reserves are limited—about $128 billion—far below what would be needed in a large-scale banking crisis. In a recent Congressional hearing, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and FDIC leadership voiced similar concerns. 

What Can Consumers Do? 

Brad emphasizes that banks should be used for what they were designed for—everyday liquidity needs, not long-term wealth preservation. Coy agrees, adding that customers often don’t realize how vulnerable they are if they hold more than FDIC-insured amounts in checking, savings, or certificates of deposit (CDs). 

The Case for Physical Gold 

In times of economic uncertainty, physical gold has historically provided powerful protection. Coy shares that during the 2000 and 2008 crises, while the U.S. dollar declined significantly, gold surged—offering average annual returns of over 40% in some periods. 

For those looking to diversify and safeguard their wealth, U.S. Money Reserve offers multiple gold ownership options, including physical delivery and self-directed gold IRAs. Both Coy and Brad explain how easy the process is, whether clients want to move funds from an existing retirement account into a gold IRA or use cash for immediate delivery. 

Real Asset vs. Paper Gold 

Many financial advisors offer gold ETFs, but as the team clarifies, these are paper assets—not physical metal. Only through firms like U.S. Money Reserve can consumers acquire real, tangible gold for either at-home storage or IRA holdings. 

Final Thoughts 

If you’re worried about the safety of your bank, your retirement funds, or your long-term financial stability, now is the time to act. The professionals at U.S. Money Reserve are standing by to help you explore gold as a secure and proven alternative. 

Call U.S. Money Reserve to speak with a knowledgeable Account Executive and learn how gold can protect what matters most—your future.