In Today’s Issue

What to Expect in This Issue:

• Retirement’s Overlooked Challenge: Many retirees spend years building savings, but fewer have a clear strategy for how to spend those assets once retirement begins.

• Why the 4% Rule May Not Be Enough: The traditional retirement withdrawal rule can be a starting point, but inflation, market volatility, taxes, health care costs and longevity all require a more personalized plan.

• June Jobs Report in Focus: Investors will be watching Thursday’s employment numbers closely for signs of whether the labor market is strengthening or slowing.

• Consumer Confidence Under Pressure: With Americans still concerned about inflation, unemployment and the cost of living, this week’s consumer confidence update could offer important insight into household sentiment.

• Retail Earnings Could Reveal Spending Trends: Reports from Nike, General Mills and other consumer brands may show how higher prices are impacting everyday buying decisions.

• Fed Rate Expectations Remain Front and Center: Strong job growth and persistent inflation could keep pressure on the Federal Reserve as it weighs its next move on interest rates.

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Top Financial and Economic News

Retirement’s Overlooked Challenge: How to Spend Without Running Out

CBS News highlights a retirement planning issue many Americans overlook: “decumulation,” or the strategy for spending down savings after years of building them. While many people focus heavily on saving, far fewer have a clear plan for withdrawing money in retirement. According to Corebridge Financial research cited by CBS, only 31% of Americans know what decumulation means, and only 29% of workers age 55 and older have a withdrawal plan. The article also notes that some retirees may actually underspend because they fear running out of money, even when they have enough saved.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• Saving for retirement is only half the equation. Retirees also need a thoughtful plan for how to turn savings into sustainable income.

• The traditional 4% rule can be a helpful starting point, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Market swings, taxes, inflation, health care costs, fees, and longer retirements can all change what is realistic.

• Fear of running out of money can lead some retirees to spend far less than they could, limiting the retirement lifestyle they worked hard to build.

• Guaranteed income sources, such as Social Security, pensions, or certain annuities, may help cover essential expenses and give retirees more confidence with discretionary spending.

• The key takeaway: retirement planning should include both accumulation and decumulation. Having a withdrawal strategy can help retirees protect their future while still enjoying the present.

Jobs, Inflation and Consumer Confidence Take Center Stage in Short Holiday Week

Investors will be watching this week’s economic data closely, especially the June jobs report due Thursday. May’s report showed continued labor market strength, with employers adding 172,000 jobs and unemployment holding at 4.3%, but consumer sentiment remains weak. More than half of Americans expect unemployment to rise in the next year, according to the University of Michigan’s consumer survey.

The week also brings fresh insight into consumer confidence and household spending. The Conference Board will release its Consumer Confidence Index Tuesday, while major companies including Nike, Constellation Brands and General Mills report earnings. Their results may offer a clearer picture of how inflation, higher prices and cautious spending are affecting American consumers.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• This week’s jobs report matters because it may influence expectations around the Fed’s next move on interest rates.

• Strong hiring could signal economic resilience, but it may also give the Fed more reason to stay focused on inflation.

• Consumer confidence will be just as important as employment data. If Americans are worried about jobs, gas prices and the cost of living, that caution can show up in spending.

• Retail and consumer brand earnings will help reveal whether inflation is changing buying behavior, especially among lower-income households.

• With markets coming off a weaker week and the holiday shortening trading, investors should expect heightened attention on every data point tied to jobs, inflation and consumer demand.

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Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

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In Today’s Issue

What to Expect in This Issue:

• Inflation continues to accelerate as rising energy and gas prices push consumer costs higher.

• Fed officials signal that interest rates could remain elevated as markets watch for possible rate hikes later this year.

• A look at when it may be time to rethink your financial advisor — especially if communication, transparency, or planning support has declined.

• Helpful planning tools, including the Hedge Protection Calculator.

• Partner updates and an exclusive offer from our partner.

From Our Partners

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Top Financial and Economic News

Inflation Accelerates as Energy Prices Push Costs Higher

Inflation continued to rise in May, with the Consumer Price Index up 4.2% from a year earlier — the highest level since April 2023. Much of the increase was driven by energy costs, especially gasoline, which rose more than 40% year over year. While core inflation remains more contained at 2.9%, rising oil and commodity prices are starting to show up in areas like airfare, delivery services, jewelry, coffee, and food.

Markets reacted negatively to the report, with stocks falling, oil prices moving higher, and bond yields rising. Investors are now watching the Federal Reserve closely, as futures markets suggest growing expectations for at least one rate hike before the end of the year.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• Inflation is being driven heavily by energy, but higher oil prices can spread into the broader economy if they remain elevated.

• Gas, airfare, delivery services, food, and shipping-sensitive goods are already showing pressure.

• Core inflation is still relatively contained, but the risk is that energy costs begin pushing non-energy prices higher.

• The Federal Reserve is likely to stay cautious for now, but markets are increasingly pricing in rate hikes later this year.

• For consumers and investors, this is a reminder that inflation can return quickly — and portfolios should be prepared for periods of volatility, rising costs, and shifting Fed policy.

When Your Financial Advisor Stops Adding Value, It May Be Time to Move On

Changing financial advisors can feel uncomfortable, especially when there is a long relationship and shared history. But at the end of the day, it is a business relationship — and one that should provide clear value, guidance, and confidence.

The article highlights several warning signs that it may be time to reconsider your advisor: poor communication, lack of a clear financial plan, confusing explanations, not feeling heard, and unclear fees or compensation. A strong advisor should be proactive, transparent, easy to understand, and willing to educate clients — not leave them guessing.

It also emphasizes the importance of working with a fiduciary, someone legally and ethically required to put the client’s best interests first.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• Your financial advisor should be proactive, not just responding after you raise concerns.

• A clear financial plan matters — including goals, asset allocation, and how your strategy should adjust over time.

• If you do not understand what your advisor is recommending or why, that is a red flag.

• Transparency around fees is critical. “No fee” often means compensation is coming from somewhere else.

• You should feel heard and respected, especially when discussing major life goals, retirement, debt, or savings.

• Working with a fiduciary can help ensure your advisor is putting your interests first.

• If the relationship no longer provides confidence, clarity, or value, it may be time to explore better options.

From Our Partner

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Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• 📈 Why the Fed is preparing markets for the possibility of higher interest rates

• 💳 Record credit card debt and what rising delinquencies reveal about consumer health

• ⚠️ The growing pressure inflation continues to place on household finances

• 🛡️ How investors can evaluate portfolio risk in an environment of persistent inflation and economic uncertainty

• 🔍 A free Hedge Protection Calculator to help assess your current financial exposure

From Our Partners

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Top Financial and Economic News

Fed Stands Pat, but Signals Inflation Fight May Require Rate Hikes Ahead

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at 3.5%–3.75% for a fourth consecutive meeting, marking the first policy decision under new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh. While rates were held steady, the message from policymakers was notably hawkish.

Fed officials now see inflation as the primary threat, driven by persistent price pressures and economic fallout from the Iran conflict. Updated projections show roughly half of policymakers expect one or more rate hikes before year-end, while only one official still expects a rate cut.

Warsh also began reshaping the Fed's communication strategy, reducing forward guidance and emphasizing flexibility. He declined to provide his own rate forecast but repeatedly stressed the Fed's commitment to restoring price stability.

Key economic forecasts:

• Inflation expected to end 2026 at 3.6% (well above the 2% target)

• Core inflation projected at 3.3%

• GDP growth expected at 2.2%

• Unemployment expected to remain low at 4.3%

Markets reacted negatively, with Treasury yields rising sharply and stocks declining as investors adjusted to the possibility of higher rates.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• The Fed's stance has shifted from "when will cuts begin?" to "will hikes be necessary?" That's a significant change in the rate narrative.

• Inflation remains the Fed's top concern. Despite political pressure for lower rates, policymakers appear willing to keep policy restrictive—or tighten further—to regain credibility on inflation.

• Economic resilience is giving the Fed room to stay hawkish. Strong growth, healthy employment, and elevated asset prices reduce the urgency for rate cuts.

• Warsh appears focused on rebuilding Fed flexibility. By reducing forward guidance, the Fed is signaling it wants to react to incoming data rather than pre-commit to a policy path.

• Higher-for-longer interest rates are becoming the base case. Investors expecting aggressive easing may need to adjust expectations.

• Persistent inflation continues to challenge traditional stock and bond portfolios. If inflation remains above target while rates stay elevated, investors may continue seeking assets that can help preserve purchasing power.

• The bond market took the message seriously. Rising Treasury yields suggest investors are increasingly pricing in the possibility of additional tightening rather than rate relief.

Americans Drowning in Record Credit Card Debt as Delinquencies Hit Highest Level Since the Financial Crisis

American consumers are increasingly relying on credit cards to cover everyday expenses as inflation, elevated borrowing costs, and economic uncertainty strain household budgets.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, credit card debt has climbed to a record $1.25 trillion, while approximately 13% of credit card accounts are now at least 90 days delinquent—the highest delinquency rate since 2008.

With average credit card interest rates hovering around 21%, many households are finding it difficult to keep up with monthly payments. At the same time, Fidelity reports that more Americans are tapping into their 401(k) retirement savings to cover current expenses, raising concerns about long-term financial security.

The combination of rising consumer debt, declining savings rates, and higher borrowing costs suggests growing financial stress across many American households.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• Consumers are showing signs of financial exhaustion. Record credit card balances and rising delinquencies suggest many households are relying on debt not for discretionary spending, but to cover necessities like food, housing, and everyday expenses.

• High interest rates are turning short-term debt into a long-term burden. With average credit card rates above 20%, even modest balances can quickly become difficult to repay.

• The surge in 401(k) withdrawals is particularly concerning. When Americans begin tapping retirement accounts to meet current obligations, it often signals deeper financial strain beneath the surface of economic data.

• The economy is becoming increasingly divided. While asset owners have benefited from strong stock markets and rising wealth, many working families are struggling with the cumulative effects of inflation and higher borrowing costs.

• Consumer spending has been a major driver of economic growth. If rising debt burdens force households to pull back spending, it could create headwinds for future economic expansion.

• Persistent inflation continues to erode purchasing power. Even as inflation has moderated from its peak levels, elevated prices across essential categories continue to pressure household budgets.

• Financial resilience matters more than ever. Periods of elevated debt, inflation, and economic uncertainty often highlight the importance of maintaining liquidity, reducing high-interest liabilities, and diversifying beyond traditional paper assets.

From Our Partner

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Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• Inflation Hits a 3-Year High
  Why rising prices are putting renewed pressure on retirement savings and long-term purchasing power.

• Dollar Slips as U.S.-Iran Deal Calms Markets
  A preliminary peace deal pushed oil prices and Treasury yields lower, but also sent the dollar to a 10-day low.

• Recession Warnings Haven’t Disappeared
  The economy is still growing, but inflation, consumer strain, tariffs, geopolitics, and AI market risk remain major concerns.

• Hedge Protection Calculator
  A quick tool to help investors see how protected their retirement may be from market volatility and inflation risk.

• Partner Offer
  A special opportunity to get up to $1,000 in savings.

From Our Partners

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Top Financial and Economic News

Dollar Slips as U.S.-Iran Deal Calms Markets — But Uncertainty Remains

The U.S. dollar fell to a 10-day low after U.S. and Iranian officials announced a preliminary agreement to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The news pushed oil prices and Treasury yields lower while lifting investor appetite for riskier assets.

The dollar index dropped 0.34%, while the euro, sterling, yen, and bitcoin all gained ground. Analysts noted that markets are encouraged by the possibility of peace, but remain cautious because key details — especially around Iran’s nuclear program — have not yet been addressed.

Investors are also watching a major week for central banks, including rate decisions from the Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, Bank of England, and Reserve Bank of Australia. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady, but markets are watching closely for signs that inflation concerns could keep policy tighter for longer.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• A weaker dollar shows how quickly global events can shift investor sentiment.

• The preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement may ease immediate oil and inflation fears, but markets are not treating this as a done deal yet.

• Lower Treasury yields and a softer dollar often reflect growing expectations that economic pressure may ease — but inflation remains a major concern.

• Central banks are still in focus, and the Fed’s tone this week could matter more than the rate decision itself.

• For investors, this is another reminder that currency values, energy prices, inflation, and geopolitical risk are deeply connected.

• Periods like this highlight why many people look for diversification outside paper assets when confidence in the dollar or global stability feels uncertain.

Recession Warnings Haven’t Disappeared — Here’s What Investors Should Watch in 2026

The U.S. economy is still growing in mid-2026, supported by steady consumer spending, a resilient labor market, and major investment tied to artificial intelligence. But recession concerns remain, especially as inflation stays above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and interest rates remain elevated.

The article highlights several key risks that could pressure the economy this year, including policy uncertainty, tariffs, geopolitical conflict, stubborn inflation, weakening consumers, and the possibility of an AI-driven market bubble. While a recession is not guaranteed, experts say investors should focus less on predicting the exact timing of a downturn and more on preparing their portfolios for volatility.

Recommended strategies include maintaining adequate cash reserves, staying diversified, focusing on quality bonds and defensive sectors, and avoiding panic-driven decisions. The main message: uncertainty is high, but preparation matters more than prediction.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• The economy may still be expanding, but the warning signs are hard to ignore.

• Inflation remains one of the biggest risks because it limits how quickly the Fed can step in if growth slows.

• Consumers are under pressure from higher prices, debt, and borrowing costs — and that could become a bigger drag on the economy.

• The AI boom has helped fuel markets, but if expectations get too far ahead of reality, it could create another source of volatility.

• Geopolitical risk, tariffs, and energy prices are still major wildcards for investors.

• This is not a time to rely on one asset class, one sector, or one economic outcome.

• Diversification, liquidity, and protection from paper-market volatility should remain top priorities.

• For retirement savers, the key question is not whether a recession happens tomorrow — it’s whether your portfolio is prepared if it does.

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Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• Inflation Hits a 3-Year High — Consumer prices rose 4.2% annually in May, driven largely by a surge in energy costs.

• Federal Debt Reaches a Critical Milestone — Debt held by the public has reached $31.3 trillion, roughly the size of the U.S. economy.

• Hedge Protection Calculator — See how protected your retirement may be against market volatility.

• Exclusive Partner Offer — Learn how you could qualify for up to $1,000 in free silver.

From Our Partners

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Top Financial and Economic News

Inflation Hits 3-Year High as Energy Prices Surge

Consumer prices rose 4.2% annually in May, marking the highest inflation rate in three years. The increase was largely driven by a sharp jump in energy prices, which climbed 3.9% for the month and 23.5% over the past year. While overall inflation remains a concern for consumers and policymakers, core inflation — which excludes food and energy — came in slightly softer than expected, suggesting some underlying price pressures may be easing.

Read More

OUR TAKE

Inflation may be meeting expectations on paper, but families are still feeling the squeeze where it matters most: gas, food, electricity, healthcare, and everyday essentials. The jump in energy prices is especially concerning because it can ripple through the broader economy if costs remain elevated. While softer core inflation offers some relief, this report is a reminder that the cost-of-living pressure is far from over — and the Federal Reserve may have little room to move quickly on rate cuts..

Federal Debt Reaches a Critical Milestone — and Americans Could Feel the Impact

Federal debt held by the public has reached $31.3 trillion, roughly the size of the entire U.S. economy. According to the GAO, debt is now growing faster than the economy and is projected to continue rising if Congress does not address ongoing deficits. Key drivers include spending outpacing tax revenue, rising Social Security and Medicare costs, and nearly $1 trillion in annual interest payments on the debt.

Read More

OUR TAKE

This is not just a Washington problem — it can become a household problem. As federal debt grows, Americans could face higher borrowing costs, slower wage growth, and more expensive goods and services. The longer policymakers wait to address the issue, the harder and more painful the solutions may become. For families, retirees, and future generations, this is another reminder that financial stability depends not only on personal planning, but also on the broader economic environment.

From Our Partner

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Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

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Courtesy of Chris Vermeulen and American Alternative Assets

P.S. If today's issue helped you, forward it to one friend who needs it.

In Today’s Issue

• Bitcoin Falls Below $60,000 – Crypto markets slide as ETF outflows, liquidations, and weak sentiment pressure prices.

• Inflation Pressures Intensify – The Fed reports rising costs across the economy as energy prices continue to climb.

• Our Take – What these developments could mean for investors, portfolios, and safe-haven assets.

• Featured Tool: Hedge Protection Calculator – Measure your portfolio's exposure and explore protection strategies.

• Partner Insights & Exclusive Offers – Resources and opportunities from trusted partners.

From Our Partners

Your growth team woke up to a briefing they didn't ask for.

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Top Financial and Economic News

Bitcoin Falls Below $60K as Crypto Selloff Accelerates

Bitcoin dropped below $60,000 for the first time since October 2024, extending a sharp weekly decline. Weak ETF demand, Strategy's bitcoin sale, rising yields, and fading investor confidence pressured both crypto and crypto-related stocks.

Key Points

• Bitcoin fell to a low of $59,764

• Down 17% this week

• Bitcoin ETFs ended a record 13-day outflow streak

• ETF assets fell from $107.8B to $80.4B

• Coinbase, Circle, and Strategy sold off sharply

• Rising yields and weak sentiment added pressure

• Investors are questioning bitcoin's "digital gold" narrative

Read More

OUR TAKE

Bitcoin's decline reflects weakening sentiment rather than a fundamental change in its long-term outlook. With ETF flows slowing and key bullish catalysts delayed, volatility may continue. However, historical pullbacks of this magnitude have often created opportunities for long-term investors willing to weather short-term uncertainty.

Fed Report Warns Inflation Pressures Are Intensifying Across the U.S.

A new Federal Reserve report shows inflation is accelerating across most regions of the country, driven largely by higher energy costs tied to Middle East disruptions. Rising fuel prices are increasing costs for businesses and consumers alike, while persistent inflation is reducing expectations for interest rate cuts.

Key Points

• CPI inflation rose to 3.8% in April, up from 3.3% in March

• Inflation remains well above the Fed's 2% target

• Higher energy prices are driving increases in shipping, groceries, packaging, and fertilizer costs

• Gas prices are about 36% higher than a year ago

• Businesses face growing margin pressure as costs rise faster than selling prices

• Consumer spending is showing signs of weakness amid higher living costs

• Economic uncertainty is discouraging energy producers from expanding output

• Markets now see a higher probability of a Fed rate hike than a rate cut this year

Read More

OUR TAKE

Inflation is proving far more persistent than policymakers had hoped. Rising energy costs are spreading throughout the economy, pushing up prices on everyday goods and squeezing both consumers and businesses. With inflation moving further away from the Fed's target, interest rates are likely to remain elevated longer, creating additional pressure on household budgets and economic growth.

From Our Partner

Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

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It’s at 5pm Eastern Time. Today.

>>> Click here to register and join

Here's what I want you to keep in mind before we start: So much of what we plan for in this stage of life is about preservation. Protecting our savings. Hedging against uncertainty. Making sure our families are taken care of when we're not here to do it ourselves.

Those things matter. They matter a lot.

But the deepest thing you can leave behind isn't a number on a balance sheet. It's you, in your own words: the lessons, the stories, the wisdom that only you carry.

If any of these sound familiar:

• "I've always thought I should write a book one day…"

• “I have stories my family hasn't heard"

• "I want to leave them something more than money"

• "I just have no idea where I'd even begin"

…this is exactly what today is for.

Give us 60 minutes. There’s no pressure. 

You’ll receive a  clear, simple path from where you are right now to a finished book in your hands, and in the hands of the people who love you.

>>> Click here to register and join

See you at 5pm ET,

Chandler Bolt

P.S. Hop on a few minutes early. The opening few minutes are where the foundation gets laid—you don't want to miss them.

Hey Friends,

If you could sit down today with your grandfather, or your grandmother and hear them tell the story of their life in their own words…

Would you take that meeting?

Most of us would say yes in a heartbeat. We'd cancel the rest of the day.

And yet, the majority of us never give that same gift to the people coming after us.

Not because we don't want to. Because life is busy. Because writing a book sounds like a thing other people do. Because we're not sure where we'd even begin.

Here's the thing: your kids and grandkids aren't going to remember the exact return on a portfolio you built. They're going to remember the version of you that gets passed down through stories.

And right now, you're the only person on earth who can write yours.

The lessons that came from a hard year. The decisions you're proud of. The ones you'd take back. The values you want carried forward.

All of it lives in your head right now. A book is simply the way to get it out, in a form that lasts long after you do.

Tomorrow at 5pm Eastern Time, our friends at Selfpublishing.com are running a free session that walks you through exactly how to do this—even if you've never written so much as a journal entry. It’s called, How To Write And Publish Your Book (Even If You Haven't Started Writing Yet).

>>> Click here to register now

In an hour together, we'll cover:

• How to choose what your book should be about (it's simpler than you think)

• The shortest path from "I have stories" to "I have a finished book"

• How to do this without giving up your nights, weekends, or peace of mind

• Why the right time to start is almost always sooner than people expect

You've spent decades building something worth protecting.

This is about protecting the part of it that no one else can preserve for you.

To your story,

Chandler Bolt

Hey Friends,

If you've been paying attention to the world lately, you've probably had a quiet thought running in the background: "I've worked my whole life to build this. I just don't want to lose it."

Markets swing. Inflation chips away at what a dollar buys. Headlines remind us every day how much sits outside our control.

So we focus, rightly, on protecting what we've built. Diversifying. Hedging against volatility. Making sure that what we worked for is still there for our families when we're gone.

But there's one part of your legacy that no market, no policy shift, and no global event can ever touch.

Your story.

The lessons you've learned. The decisions that shaped your life. The values you want your kids and grandkids to carry forward long after you're not at the dinner table anymore.

Most people never put any of it down. It lives in their head, in scattered conversations, in a few photos in a drawer…and then it's gone.

That's why I want to invite you to something a little different from the usual financial conversation.

On Wednesday, June 3 at 5pm Eastern Time, our friends at Selfpublishing.com are hosting a free training called, How To Write And Publish Your Book (Even If You Haven't Started Writing Yet).

It's about something every one of us can do—turning a lifetime of experience into a book that becomes part of the legacy you leave behind.

>>> Click here to register for the free training

This isn't about becoming a famous author. It's about making sure your story doesn't disappear with you.

Hope you'll join us.

To what lasts,

Chandler Bolt

P.S. You don't need to be a writer. You don't need a finished idea. You don't even need to know where to start. That's exactly what the training is for.
 

In Today’s Issue

• Social Security Cuts? Inflation Warning Signs Are Growing – Why rising debt and government spending could increase pressure on entitlement programs and the dollar.

• JPMorgan Sounds the Alarm on U.S. Debt – David Kelly outlines five potential debt scenarios, including a path toward a fiscal crisis.

• Putin Signals Escalation in Ukraine – Russia's latest threats and military actions raise concerns about broader geopolitical instability.

• Hedge Protection Calculator – See how market declines could impact your retirement portfolio and explore risk-management strategies.

• Exclusive Partner Opportunity – A special offer designed to help investors strengthen their long-term financial positioning.

From Our Partners

Private Credit Belongs in the Fixed-Income Sleeve. Against Those Benchmarks, the Numbers Aren't Close.

For the trailing twelve months ending March 31, 2026:† ·

• Percent ABS: 14.6% net returns after losses

• High-yield bonds: 8.9%

• Leveraged loans: 6.1%

• Investment-grade bonds: 4.5%

Private credit isn't an equity substitute. It belongs in the fixed-income sleeve — and against bond benchmarks, the performance gap is hard to dismiss. A collateralized loan with a fixed coupon and a defined repayment schedule fills the same portfolio role as a bond, with different terms and a different risk profile.

What you access on Percent:†

• 17.0% current weighted average coupon rate

• 93.5% of performing deals pay monthly fixed-rate coupons

• Deal terms 6–24 months

• Full borrower documentation before you commit a dollar

• Starting at $500 $2B+ total issuance. 1,000+ deals. 60,000+ accredited investors. 0.44% lifetime net loss rate on asset-based deals.

Review the performance numbers on Percent.

^{Alternative investments are speculative. No assurance can be given that investors will receive a return of their capital. †Past performance is not indicative of future results. Benchmark indices shown for market context only and are not directly comparable to Percent's performance. Terms apply.}

Top Financial and Economic News

JPMorgan’s David Kelly Warns America Is “Going Broke Slowly” — Debt Crisis Risks Grow as Federal Debt Heads Toward 130% of GDP

JPMorgan strategist David Kelly warns that America's debt burden is on an unsustainable path, with federal debt expected to rise from roughly 101% of GDP today to as high as 130% by 2036. Even under the most optimistic scenario, debt continues to increase. Kelly outlines five possible outcomes, ranging from slow fiscal deterioration to a full-blown debt crisis triggered by loss of confidence in Treasury markets. He argues that meaningful spending cuts or tax increases remain politically unlikely, leaving the U.S. on a path of steadily rising deficits and borrowing costs.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• U.S. debt continues to grow faster than the economy, increasing long-term fiscal risks.

• Rising debt and deficits may put upward pressure on inflation, interest rates, and government borrowing costs.

• Political gridlock makes meaningful debt reduction unlikely in the near future.

• Investors should consider diversification strategies designed to protect against currency debasement and fiscal instability.

• Physical gold has historically served as a hedge during periods of rising debt, inflation concerns, and declining confidence in government finances.

Putin Signals Escalation as Ukraine War Stalemate Deepens

As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, President Vladimir Putin appears poised to intensify missile and drone attacks on Kyiv amid a battlefield stalemate, growing economic pressures, and signs of declining public support at home. Ukraine has increased successful long-range strikes inside Russia, damaging military and energy infrastructure while slowing Russian advances. Meanwhile, Russia faces economic stagnation, rising taxes, labor shortages, and growing public frustration. Analysts suggest Putin may be escalating the conflict to reinforce domestic support and regain momentum, while Moscow has also issued new warnings to Ukraine’s Western allies, raising concerns about broader regional escalation.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• The war continues to show no clear path toward a negotiated resolution, increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

• Escalating attacks and threats toward NATO-aligned countries raise the risk of broader regional instability.

• Prolonged conflict is placing growing strain on Russia’s economy, labor force, and domestic support for the Kremlin.

• Ongoing geopolitical tensions can contribute to volatility across energy, commodity, and financial markets.

• During periods of heightened geopolitical risk, investors often seek safe-haven assets such as gold to help preserve wealth and reduce portfolio volatility.

From Our Partner

Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• Americans are drowning in $18.8T of household debt — and financial stress isn't letting up

• Peter Schiff says the dollar's glory days are over as the US Dollar Index slips below 98

• Our take on what both mean for your retirement savings

From Our Partners

$1.1 Billion in Art Sold in Less Than Three Hours

A single evening only brought in $1 billion at auction one other time, Paul Allen’s estate in 2022.

Christie’s May 18 evening sale was headlined by:

• Pollock: $181.2M, nearly 3x his previous record

• Brancusi: $107.6M, second highest sculpture price ever

• Rothko: $98.4M, a new record for the artist

Obvious outliers, but the evening capped a spring auction season that totaled $2.5 billion (roughly 2x last year). This follows a Q1’26 that saw the postwar contemporary art market grow 23.1%.

Masterworks offers investors the opportunity to invest in blue-chip contemporary and post-war art. Since 2017, it has offered over 500 artworks and raised over $1 billion in total investments.

29 exits to-date have delivered net annualized returns like 16.5%, 17.6% and 17.8% on sold works held over 12 months.

Join 70,000+ members in adding art to their portfolios.

Skip the waitlist here.

Skip the waitlist here.

^{*According to Masterworks data. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investing involves risk. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cd}

Top Financial and Economic News

Americans are under intense financial stress as household debt reaches $18.8T

American household debt has hit $18.8 trillion, and financial stress isn't letting up. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling's Financial Stress Forecast sits at 6.6 out of 10 — nearly double the post-pandemic low of 3.5 — and is expected to climb higher. Only 63% of Americans can cover a $400 emergency. Inflation remains punishing: ground beef up 19%, coffee up 29%, gas up 28%, eggs still 54% above pre-pandemic prices. The verdict: Americans aren't recovering. They're adapting to a painful new normal.

Read More

OUR TAKE

$18.8 trillion in household debt. Only 63% of Americans can cover a $400 emergency. This isn't a rough patch — it's the new normal. While the government keeps printing and everyday costs keep climbing, the dollar buys less every year.

Peter Schiff warns ‘the dollar’s glory days are over’ as US Dollar Index slips below 98

The US Dollar Index has dropped below 98, failing to hold even a modest safe-haven rally during recent Iran-related tensions — a sign, according to economist Peter Schiff, that the dollar's dominance is fading. Schiff warns that BRICS nations are increasingly holding gold over dollars, war costs could top $1 trillion, and a weakening dollar means higher oil prices, rising interest rates, and accelerating inflation. His bottom line: de-dollarization is no longer a theory — it's happening now.

Read More

OUR TAKE

The dollar couldn't even hold a war rally. When global crises no longer send investors fleeing to the dollar, the world is sending a clear message — and smart money is already listening. Central banks are stacking gold. BRICS nations are dumping US debt.

From Our Partner

Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• The proposed $100K Social Security benefits cap and what it could mean for retirees

• Why Social Security insolvency fears are growing louder

• Inflation pressures building across the U.S. economy

• Could stubborn inflation trigger a stock market correction?

• How rising costs are squeezing American consumers

• A hedge protection calculator to help assess your financial risk

• Exclusive partner offer for patriotic investors

From Our Partners

Cap table management that works for you

Managing your cap table shouldn’t drain your time or derail your budget. Pulley takes the complexity and surprises out of equity management with intuitive workflows, audit-ready compliance, and accurate reporting—all backed by support and pricing you can rely on.

CFOs and finance leaders trust Pulley to stay compliant with key tasks like 409A valuations, ASC 718 reporting, or 83(b) elections without incurring expensive legal fees or getting bogged down with manual work. With Pulley, you get 100% audit-defensible data, powerful tools, and real expertise.

Learn more here

Top Financial and Economic News

A $100K Social Security Cap Proposal: What to Know and How to Protect Your Retirement

Social Security is now projected to face insolvency in less than seven years, potentially triggering a 24% cut in benefits unless reforms are made. In response, policy experts are proposing a new “Six-Figure Limit” that would cap Social Security benefits at $100,000 annually for retired couples and $50,000 for single retirees beginning at full retirement age.

Supporters argue the proposal would primarily impact the highest-income earners while helping strengthen the long-term solvency of the Social Security system. Depending on how the cap is indexed over time, projections estimate it could reduce a significant portion of Social Security’s funding gap and save between $100 billion and $190 billion over the next decade.

Read More

OUR TAKE

Americans paid into Social Security their entire working lives expecting the system to be there when they retire. The fact that Washington allowed the program to drift toward insolvency is a failure of leadership and fiscal responsibility.

Any reform should protect hardworking middle-class retirees first — not punish everyday Americans who depend on these benefits to survive. The real solution starts with restoring fiscal discipline, cutting reckless government spending, and protecting the retirement security taxpayers were promised.

Will the Stock Market Care as Brutal Inflation Hits Consumers?

Rising inflation and soaring energy costs are putting growing pressure on the U.S. economy, even as stock markets continue rallying behind the AI boom. Wholesale inflation surged to 6% in April — the highest level since 2022 — while transportation, warehousing, and fuel-related costs climbed sharply, signaling that inflation is spreading far beyond gas prices.

At the same time, consumers are beginning to show signs of strain. Retail sales growth is slowing, interest rates remain elevated, and the Federal Reserve has backed away from hopes of near-term rate cuts. Despite these warning signs, markets continue pushing higher largely due to a narrow surge in semiconductor and AI-related stocks.

Economists warn that if consumer spending weakens further, Wall Street may no longer be able to ignore the broader economic slowdown. With inflation remaining stubbornly high and economic uncertainty growing, markets could face a sharp correction if confidence begins to crack.

Read More

OUR TAKE

The economy cannot run forever on hype while everyday Americans struggle with rising prices, high interest rates, and shrinking purchasing power. Wall Street may be celebrating the AI boom, but Main Street is feeling the pressure of inflation every time families fill up their gas tanks, buy groceries, or pay their bills.

Washington’s reckless spending and weak economic leadership helped fuel this inflation crisis, and now hardworking Americans are paying the price. The country needs policies focused on restoring economic stability, lowering costs, strengthening domestic energy production, and protecting the financial future of the American people — not just propping up stock market bubbles.

From Our Partner

Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• Why experts warn a U.S. debt default could threaten Social Security benefits

• America’s $39 trillion debt crisis and what it means for the economy

• How rising interest rates could make the next recession even worse

• Why Washington may be running out of financial options

• A hedge protection calculator to help assess your portfolio risk

• Exclusive partner offer inside for patriotic investors

From Our Partners

Why ‘Eatertainment’ Brands Are Worth Billions

Before a restaurant sells any food, they need to buy it. That costs up to 35% on every dollar.

But Tipsy Putt’s business model cuts that number to less than 20%.

It’s called “Eatertainment,” the same model that turned TopGolf and Bowlero into billion-dollar companies.

Tipsy Putt is on a mission to dominate the mini golf slice of the Eatertainment space. Their mini golf, craft cocktails, and local eats have already drawn 5,000+ active members. And out of those three revenue streams, the highest-margin one (mini golf) requires no inventory whatsoever.

The result?

Five profitable California locations

22x revenue growth from 2020-24

75% more potential revenue per square foot

Now, they’re bringing this model to San Francisco, America's #3 foodie city. It’s going to address a Bay Area market of 7 million people. You can invest in Tipsy Putt’s SF flagship location before it opens.

I’m Ready to Invest

^{This is a paid advertisement for Tipsy Putt Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.tipsyputt.com/}

Top Financial and Economic News

U.S. Debt Default Could Be the Biggest Threat to Social Security

America’s growing debt crisis is raising serious concerns about the future of Social Security. Rising deficits, soaring interest payments, and the risk of a U.S. debt default are putting increasing pressure on the federal government’s ability to fund retirement benefits.

As more taxpayer dollars go toward paying interest on the national debt, fewer resources may be available for programs seniors depend on. If the situation worsens, Americans could face delayed payments, reduced benefits, or cuts to Social Security despite paying into the system for decades.

Read More

OUR TAKE

Americans kept their promise by working hard, paying taxes, and contributing to Social Security for decades. Washington failed them through reckless spending, endless debt, and financial mismanagement.

Social Security should never suffer because politicians couldn’t control spending. Americans deserve leaders who will protect taxpayers, secure retirement benefits, and put the people before politics.

Top economist says $39 trillion national debt leaves government worse prepared for recession than ever

America’s $39 trillion national debt is raising fears that the country may be dangerously unprepared for the next recession. Economists warn that the federal government and the Federal Reserve no longer have the same financial tools available to stabilize the economy like they did during past crises.

Persistent inflation is limiting the Fed’s ability to slash interest rates, while massive government borrowing is driving up long-term interest rates across the economy. At the same time, Washington has increasingly relied on short-term debt to finance spending — a temporary solution that experts say cannot continue forever.

If a recession hits, falling tax revenue and rising unemployment costs could force the government to borrow even more money at a time when investors may be less willing to lend. The result could be higher borrowing costs, weaker economic growth, and fewer options to protect American families from financial hardship.

Read More

OUR TAKE

Washington’s addiction to reckless spending has left America financially vulnerable at the worst possible time. For years, politicians ignored the warning signs, piled on trillions in debt, and treated taxpayer dollars like monopoly money.

Now the bill is coming due.

The American people will be the ones paying the price through higher interest rates, rising costs, weaker retirement security, and a government with fewer tools to fight the next economic crisis. America needs fiscal responsibility, stronger economic leadership, and policies that put hardworking citizens ahead of endless debt and political dysfunction.

From Our Partner

$992 Billion in Art Could Change Hands. Why Are These 71,105 Investors Paying Close Attention?

Deloitte ran the numbers. They project UHNW art and collectibles wealth -- already at $2.5 trillion -- to hit $3.47 trillion by 2030.

The institutional world has been quietly preparing for this. Back in 2011, 25% of wealth managers surveyed offered art-related services. In 2024, 51%. Family offices now average a 13.4% allocation to art and collectibles.

And it’s not just because they love art. It’s because they like the math.

These positions were built over decades through private dealer relationships most investors never had. The access just wasn't there.

Masterworks is changing that by allowing individuals to invest in shares of blue-chip artwork by artists like Basquiat, Warhol, and Picasso. Their track record to-date:

• 71,000+ investors

• $1.3B deployed across 525+ artworks

• 29 closed sales

• Net annualized returns like 16.5%, 17.6%, and 17.8%, not including those unsold.

Skip the waitlist to join Masterworks.

^{Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.}

Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• Why traders fear inflation pressures may be far from over

• Bank of America’s warning on higher-for-longer interest rates

• Gold IRAs explained: what investors should know

• Rare coins vs bullion — key differences

• Hedge Protection Calculator: test your portfolio against another crisis

From Our Partners

Bloomberg: "No reliable safe havens." Billionaires have been investing elsewhere. Here's how to get in.

Bloomberg's Marcus Ashworth wrote plainly recently: "No more reliable safe havens."

After all, the S&P fell over 7% from the February peak. Bonds, even with less risk, are barely keeping pace with inflation.

So-called "diversified" portfolios have gotten hit from multiple directions.

Meanwhile, the world’s wealthiest have been setting records in another asset class.

Circumstances are always unique, but after the dot-com bust, it grew roughly 24% annually for a decade. After 2008, roughly 11% annually for 12 years.

Blue-chip art.

Why? It trades globally in multiple currencies, has scarce supply, and has shown near-zero correlation to equities since 1995.*

With Masterworks, 70,000+ investors allocated $1.3B fractionally across 500+ artworks featuring Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso.

Accredited? You can invest in a diversified portfolio of postwar and contemporary art alongside two other real assets. From 2017-2025, the mix would’ve beat the S&P 500 by 3.1x.

See if you can improve your portfolio performance all in one diversified strategy.

Our subscribers skip the waitlist

^{*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Important Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd}

Top Financial and Economic News

‘Not a Chance Hormuz Opens’: How Wall Street’s new NACHO trade bets on a prolonged oil shock

Wall Street traders have a new phrase for what’s happening in the global economy right now: the “NACHO trade” — short for “Not A Chance Hormuz Opens.”

Why does that matter?

Because some of the world’s biggest investors are beginning to accept that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may not be temporary… and that could have massive consequences for oil prices, inflation, shipping costs, food prices, and ultimately the average American consumer.

Even with headlines about ceasefires and negotiations, oil remains elevated above $100/barrel, insurance costs for cargo ships are still dramatically higher than normal, and bond markets are starting to price in the possibility of a prolonged inflation shock.

This is one of those stories that quietly affects nearly everything:
Gas prices.
Groceries.
Retirement accounts.
Interest rates.
The overall cost of living.

Definitely worth the read if you want to understand why many analysts believe inflation pressures may be far from over.

Read More

OUR TAKE

President Trump has made lowering energy costs and strengthening the U.S. economy a major priority, but global instability and supply-chain disruptions can still create short-term inflation pressures that affect everyday Americans.

That’s why many retirees and investors continue looking for ways to diversify beyond traditional paper assets. Physical gold and silver have historically helped investors preserve purchasing power during periods of inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty.

Fed unlikely to cut interest rates until second half of 2027, Bank of America says

Bank of America is now warning that the Federal Reserve may not lower interest rates until the second half of 2027 — a major reversal from earlier expectations that rate cuts could begin this year.

Analysts say stubborn inflation, rising energy prices tied to the Iran conflict, strong job growth, tariffs, and even AI-driven economic shifts are making it increasingly difficult for the Fed to justify easing monetary policy anytime soon.

Inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, while the labor market continues outperforming expectations. As a result, Wall Street is beginning to adjust to the possibility that “higher for longer” interest rates may become the new normal — impacting mortgages, borrowing costs, consumer spending, and retirement planning for millions of Americans.

Read More

OUR TAKE

President Trump has made strengthening the economy and lowering costs for Americans a key priority, but persistent inflation and global instability continue creating uncertainty across financial markets.

That’s why many investors continue looking for ways to diversify beyond traditional paper assets. Physical gold and silver have historically been viewed as long-term hedges during periods of inflation, elevated interest rates, and economic volatility.

From Our Partner

Stop spending more time double-checking your books than growing your business. BELAY provides the financial clarity and "peace of mind" you need to lead with confidence. Get your time back today. Get the Free Guide

Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• Turning Paper Into Gold — How Gold IRA rollovers work, what investors should know about tax-free transfers, and why physical gold is becoming part of more retirement conversations.

• Numismatic Coins Explained — The difference between bullion and collectible coins, why rare coins can carry huge premiums, and the risks many buyers overlook.

• Hedge Protection Calculator — Explore how gold historically performed during periods of economic uncertainty and market downturns.

From Our Partners

Investors are watching this fast growing tech company.

🚨 No, it's not the publicly traded tech giant you might expect… Meet $MODE, the disruptor turning phones into income generators.

📲 Mode’s 32,481% revenue growth ranked them #1 on Deloitte’s list of fastest-growing companies in software. They aim to pioneer "Privatized Universal Basic Income" powered by technology, not government, and their EarnPhone has already helped consumers earn & save $1B+.

Secure your shares in Mode Mobile at $0.52/share

^{Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com. This is a paid advertisement for Mode Mobile’s Regulation A+ Offering.}

^{Mode Mobile recently received their ticker reservation with Nasdaq ($MODE), indicating an intent to IPO in the next 24 months. An intent to IPO is no guarantee that an actual IPO will occur.}

^{The Deloitte rankings are based on submitted applications and public company database research, with winners selected based on their fiscal-year revenue growth percentage over a three-year period.}

Top Financial and Economic News

Turning Paper into Gold: How to Rollover Your IRA

More investors are quietly moving portions of their retirement savings into physical gold as concerns around inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty continue to grow. What was once seen as a niche strategy is becoming a mainstream conversation around diversification and long-term wealth protection. From tax-free rollover strategies to the IRS rules many people don’t realize exist, understanding how Gold IRAs work may change the way people think about protecting their retirement savings.

Read More

OUR TAKE

• Gold IRAs are becoming a more mainstream diversification strategy.

• The article simplifies what many investors assume is a complicated process.

• Direct rollovers are emphasized as the safest, most tax-efficient option.

• Physical gold is positioned as a hedge against inflation and market volatility.

• IRS compliance and approved storage are critical.

• Partial diversification is common — investors don’t need to move their entire retirement account.

Step-by-Step Guide to Numismatic Coin Investment

Numismatic coin investing focuses on rare and collectible coins whose value comes from scarcity, condition, history, and collector demand — not just metal content. Unlike bullion, which closely tracks gold or silver prices, numismatic coins can carry massive premiums and behave independently from the metals market. The piece explains how grading, rarity, and market demand drive value while also warning that the rare coin market is highly specialized, less liquid, and riskier for inexperienced buyers.

Read More

OUR TAKE

Rare coins can be fascinating and valuable, but they are far more speculative than traditional bullion investing. The biggest takeaway is that numismatics are driven by collector demand, not just gold prices — which means prices can rise or fall regardless of what the metals market is doing. For most investors focused on stability and wealth preservation, bullion offers simpler pricing, stronger liquidity, and lower risk. Numismatics are better suited for experienced collectors who understand grading, rarity, and long-term market dynamics.

From Our Partner

Your Boss Will Think You’re an Ecom Genius

Optimizing for growth? Go-to-Millions is Ari Murray’s ecommerce newsletter packed with proven tactics, creative that converts, and real operator insights—from product strategy to paid media. No mushy strategy. Just what’s working. Subscribe free for weekly ideas that drive revenue.

Sign up for free

Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

This interactive calculator shows exactly how your retirement portfolio would have performed during the 2008 financial crisis—with and without gold as part of your strategy.

In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

• How gold historically helped reduce downside risk

• Your potential “protection allocation” for diversification

• The long-term performance difference through the market recovery

This isn’t speculation. It’s based on real historical market data.

Test Your Portfolio Against the 2008 Crisis

Exclusive Offer from Our Partner

In Today’s Issue

• Why silver’s recent surge is grabbing investor attention in 2026

• The key factors driving silver demand higher

• What Americans should know before converting a 401(k) into gold

• Common rollover mistakes that could trigger taxes or penalties

• A helpful resource for planning a precious metals retirement strategy

From Our Partners

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Top Financial and Economic News

Silver’s 127% Surge: Why the “Other Precious Metal” Is Back in Focus

Silver has experienced a remarkable resurgence, climbing significantly as investors seek protection against inflation, economic uncertainty, and increasing industrial demand. According to American Alternative Assets, silver’s dual role as both a precious metal and an industrial commodity is creating renewed interest among investors in 2026.

The article highlights how expanding demand from solar technology, electronics manufacturing, and green energy initiatives continues tightening global silver supply. At the same time, investors looking for alternatives to volatile equities are increasingly considering silver as part of a diversified wealth preservation strategy.

Unlike many speculative assets, silver has historically maintained intrinsic value while also benefiting from industrial usage trends that continue growing worldwide.

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OUR TAKE

Silver is no longer being viewed simply as “gold’s little brother.” Investors are beginning to recognize its unique combination of affordability, industrial demand, and inflation-hedging potential. While volatility remains part of the equation, silver’s growing role in global manufacturing and renewable energy makes it an asset many investors are watching closely heading into the second half of 2026.

The Full 401(k)-to-Gold Conversion Rules Investors Need to Know

As economic uncertainty continues, more Americans are exploring Gold IRAs and 401(k) rollovers to diversify retirement savings beyond traditional paper assets. American Alternative Assets recently published a guide outlining the key rules and considerations investors should understand before converting retirement accounts into precious metals-backed IRAs.

The guide explains how direct rollovers can help investors avoid unnecessary taxes or early withdrawal penalties while maintaining the tax-advantaged status of retirement funds. It also outlines IRS regulations surrounding approved precious metals, custodians, and storage requirements.

For many retirement savers, the appeal comes down to diversification and protection against inflation, currency devaluation, and market volatility.

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OUR TAKE

Retirement diversification has become increasingly important in today’s market environment. Many investors spent decades relying heavily on stock market growth alone—but recent volatility has exposed the risks of overconcentration. Gold IRAs aren’t about replacing traditional investments entirely; they’re about building a more balanced and resilient retirement strategy for uncertain times.

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Tool You Should Check Out

Hedge Protection Calculator

What if you could rewind to 2007—with the benefit of hindsight?

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In less than 60 seconds, you’ll discover:

• How much your portfolio may have lost during the 2008 crash

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