The journey of the Dow Jones Industrial Average from early August 2008 to January 2011 encapsulates a tumultuous period in the global financial markets. In August 2008, the Dow stood at 11,784, reflecting a relatively stable economic environment. However, the ensuing months saw a precipitous decline, with the index plummeting to 6,645 by March 2009, marking a significant downturn triggered by the global financial crisis. This period represented one of the most challenging times for investors, businesses, and economies worldwide, as market volatility surged and confidence plummeted.

The Federal Reserve estimates that in 2023, credit card delinquencies will rise by 50% while consumer debt will reach $17.5 trillion. According to a recent Clever Real Estate survey, 23 percent of Americans report that they are adding to their credit card debt on a monthly basis, and three out of five Americans have credit card debt. Additionally, according to the poll, 59% of millennials and 48% of Americans use credit cards for necessities.

The Federal Reserve estimates that in 2023, credit card delinquencies will rise by 50% while consumer debt will reach $17.5 trillion. According to a recent Clever Real Estate survey, 23 percent of Americans report that they are adding to their credit card debt on a monthly basis, and three out of five Americans have credit card debt. Additionally, according to the poll, 59% of millennials and 48% of Americans use credit cards for necessities.

Both inflationary pressures and global dangers are currently increasing. China's period of exporting deflation has come to an end due to its inflationary monetary and fiscal policies, which have increased salaries and costs. Finally, there are repercussions from the Federal Reserve's 14-year suppression of interest rates to almost zero, which opened the floodgates of credit. Unfavorable demographics, changes in global supply chains, depletion of resources, and other factors make it impossible to contain inflationary pressures.

What will happen when the market finally recognizes that the entire economy is truly beginning to break apart at the seams, if stock prices are going to start falling simply because inflation is running a little bit hotter than expected? The commercial real estate crisis is gaining momentum, consumer delinquency rates are skyrocketing, banks across the nation are facing severe financial difficulties, huge firms are laying off employees in large numbers, and the number of homeless people is increasing at the quickest rate ever. However, if you choose to disregard all of those minor things, you may act as though everything is OK.

Recessions are awful, according to popular opinion, therefore let's make sure they never happen. Stated differently, let us criminalize them by inundating the financial system and economy with Federal Reserve monetary stimulation and increasing federal stimulus through higher deficit spending.

The last forty years' history "proves" that these policies successfully end recessions: since 1981–1982, all recessions have been brief and shallow, essentially consisting of a trouble patch lasting one quarter.

As we navigate through periods of economic volatility and fundamental shifts in markets, technology, and global economies, the value of patience cannot be overstressed.

This approach, rooted in foresight and steadiness, is crucial as we head toward a future marked by significant changes, promising not just survival but prosperity in the new economic order.

"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.