"The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine" is a non-fiction book by Michael Lewis, published in 2010. The book delves into the build-up of the housing and credit bubble during the 2000s that led to the financial crisis of 2007-2008. It's a compelling narrative that focuses on the lives and experiences of several key figures who predicted and profited from the crisis.

Ever wondered what the future holds? With a crystal ball, the mysteries of tomorrow are unveiled. Imagine gazing into its depths and witnessing the course of events yet to unfold. We understand the allure of peering into the unknown – it's like having a roadmap for your financial journey.

In speaking to the annual shareholders meeting in April of 2022, Warren Buffett offered some insight into where things were at the time. As you know, Mr. Buffett has been known to be on of the shrewdest investors of our time.

He lambasted Wall Street for encouraging speculative behavior in the stock market, effectively turning it into a “gambling parlor.” (Remember, from two years ago).

Instead of increasing productivity, efficiency, or innovation, trillions in nearly cost-free capital went into manipulation, speculation, and the stifling of competition. All things considered, the Fed's ZIRP has left the economy devoid of diversity and dominated by bloated monopolies, cartels, and platforms that produce addictive, low-quality goods and services that lower productivity across the board.

After a period of economic contraction and correction in investment markets, opportunity often arises from the recalibration of values and priorities. As prices adjust to more realistic levels, assets become more affordably priced, allowing investors to acquire valuable investments at lower costs. Businesses restructure and innovate to adapt to the new economic environment, leading to the emergence of new industries and revitalization of existing ones. Consumers adjust their spending, leading to shifts in demand that can open new markets or expand existing ones.

In this moment of quiet reflection, I hope you find a renewed sense of hope, while remembering just how loved we are to have been blessed with the presence of Almighty God in human form, the one we know as Jesus!

In the ever-shifting landscape of investment markets, appearances can be deceiving. At first glance, these markets present themselves as a straightforward interplay of supply and demand, guided by rational decisions and clear financial data. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex and sometimes opaque world, where not everything is as it seems.

Picture this: it's 1990, the iconic movie "Home Alone" is playing in theaters, and you're on a routine trip to the grocery store. The shelves are stacked with familiar products, but what truly stands out when we reflect back are the prices. Fast forward to 2023, and a trip to the same grocery store paints a very different picture. This blog post dives into the transformative journey of grocery prices from the 'Home Alone' era to the present day.

With a patient mindset, we can weather storms, embrace periods of growth, and eventually witness the dawn of new opportunities and achievements. So, let's hold on to the belief that the days ahead will be bright, knowing that our patience today lays the foundation for a more vibrant and fulfilling tomorrow.

Washing your car during a thunderstorm might seem like a clever use of nature's resources, but it's actually a risky and potentially dangerous activity. The primary concern lies in the unpredictable and hazardous nature of thunderstorms themselves. Thunderstorms are often accompanied by lightning, which can strike suddenly and with deadly force.

The reality is the Fed hasn’t done enough to stop price inflation. They haven’t tightened enough to stop the borrowing. But they have tightened enough to break an economy that is rooted in artificially low interest rates.

On Veterans Day, we honor the brave military men and women who have protected our freedoms for generations. We're grateful for their sacrifice and the importance of a strong, caring government that provides for our veterans' needs. As we reflect, we recognize the connection between a healthy economy and a robust government to support our veterans. They deserve our nation's support and work towards a society that values and cares for them.

The history of the U.S. economy is a tapestry woven with the threads of human nature, knotted with the cycles of greed and caution, speculation, and correction.

Rates and inflation are rising for an extended period, QT is operating automatically in the background, and for the first time in a long time, stocks are on their own after being supported by the Fed since 2008—a situation that isn't working out well for them.

The mainstream media exults every time retail sales come in higher than anticipated as evidence of how robust and powerful the American consumer is. According to Peter Schiff's podcast, these retail sales figures don't indicate a robust economy. They just represent how Americans are getting less for more money. And to make matters worse, they are drowning in debt as a result.

With all the smoke and mirrors the government throws at us every day, it can be pretty hard to tell what is real, and what is not. Follow me on a journey to get a handle on what some believe is real inflation.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been calculated differently by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) since 1980 in order to take product substitution and quality improvements into consideration.

Federal spending is so out of control that it only took three months for the federal debt to increase by one trillion dollars to over 33 trillion dollars. In contrast, it took almost 200 years for the federal debt to reach one trillion dollars. So the federal government racked up more debt in the last three months than it did from the ratification of the US Constitution until Ronald Reagan’s first term! There will be even more shocking increases in the future since, according to some experts, federal debt is increasing by approximately 14 billion dollars a day.

Given the current economic trends marked by inflation and high valuations, a normal market correction could be on the horizon. The subsequent recovery cycle is likely to reward those who exercise patience and long-term vision.

Navigating the economic landscape these days is more like white-water rafting than a serene paddle downstream. While uncertainty is the only constant, staying well-informed can serve as your lifejacket. Keep tabs on both the domestic and global economies, pivot your investment strategies as needed, and above all, remain patient. These challenging times will pass, and those who have armed themselves with knowledge and flexibility will be in the best position to reap the rewards. Stay tuned for more timely insights, and until then, keep your financial seatbelt fastened.

The topic of behavioral economics and its impact on investment decisions, particularly in turbulent times, is both fascinating and crucial for investors to understand. During periods of market instability, emotions like fear and greed can easily take the driver's seat, often leading to impulsive decisions that could harm long-term investment goals. Whether it's panic selling during a market dip or getting caught up in the euphoria of a bubble, emotional choices tend to be reactive and can result in missed opportunities or significant losses.