The Illusion Collapses

The Illusion Collapses

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  July 21, 2025

When King Louis XV died in 1774, nearly all of France breathed a collective sigh of relief.

The late king, along with his predecessor— the legendary Louis XIV— had indebted France up to its eyeballs with endless war, waste, and lavish spending.

Sure, Versailles was gorgeous. But the interest payments were eating the royal Treasury alive. And everyone knew that France was in serious trouble... so when the king died, people became hopeful that change was coming.

The new king, Louis XVI, was young, bright, energetic, and wildly popular. People desperately believed that he would finally be the one to reform the system and fix the nation’s gargantuan problems.

And initially things went very well. One of the young king’s first orders was to appoint an economic libertarian named Jacques Turgot as his chief minister.

Turgot made his principles crystal clear from day one: France would not declare bankruptcy. It would introduce no new taxes. And it would incur no new debts.

In short, Turgot planned to fix the nation’s finances through massive spending cuts—something everyone acknowledged was long overdue. He also aimed to improve the efficiency of the state, and there were plenty of obvious, sensible reforms to be made there as well.

Unfortunately for France, it didn’t last long.

Turgot made enemies fast— which wasn’t very surprising given that he was threatening the political class’s taxpayer-funded gravy train. Nearly everyone— the Church, the media, the nobles— turned on Turgot and called for his removal.

So by May of 1776, just 18 months after Turgot took office, the King dismissed him.

At that point, it became painfully clear that the necessary reforms weren’t going to happen. In fact France went in the opposite direction— providing major financial support to America— until finally hitting rock bottom in 1789 at which point France suffered its own revolution, along with the Reign of Terror, multiple wars, hyperinflation, and more.

When it comes to making much needed reforms, I see a lot of similarities between 1770s France and 2020s America.

When Donald Trump won the 2024 election, there was real cause for optimism.

Trump had a strong economic record already. He talked during the campaign about the need to cut the deficit. He hammered the regulatory state. He made it clear that America couldn’t keep limping along funded by infinite debt and magical thinking.

Then he brought in real firepower.

Elon Musk was elevated to head the DOGE initiative to take a chainsaw to government waste. Like Jacques Turgot in 1774, Elon found all sorts of garbage in Washington: redundant agencies, overlapping missions, and entire programs that were taxpayer-funded scams.

Most importantly, Elon identified spending cuts that, along with a strong deregulatory push to unleash growth, could have steered the ship in the right direction again. America’s debt problems wouldn’t vanish overnight, but they could start improving.

Plus, after years of ‘leadership’ from Joe Biden, i.e. a guy who shook hands with thin air and abandoned tens of billions of dollars of military equipment to America’s sworn enemy in Afghanistan, the US had elected someone whose first instinct upon his attempted assassination was to cheer Americans to fight.

Things certainly started well. In his first days as President, Trump issued a handful of powerful executive orders. The border was closed. DOGE started to gain traction. The woke nonsense ground to a halt.

But then he went all-in on tariffs, arguing they were the solution to America’s financial problems. Instead of offering the stability that businesses need to plan and grow, however, the ‘plan’ was a chaotic mix of on-again, off-again policies with no clear objective.

Then, just as DOGE was proposing serious spending cuts, the government did a 180 and backed a massive funding bill that added trillions to the deficit. Nearly everything that Elon found was ignored.

And in the end, Congress rescinded a whopping $9 billion of waste out of the hundreds of billions identified.

Then Trump and Elon had a falling out. Elon walked. And, just like that, it started to look—once again—like business as usual in Washington.

Still, optimists could hold out hope. Maybe it was just a year-one strategy—pass the big spending bills early, stabilize politically, and tackle reform in year two.

I’ve long argued the window is still open to arrest America’s decline. But they are pushing it dangerously close to the edge.

And then came Epstein.

No, it’s not an economic issue. It doesn’t directly affect bond markets or Social Security or the Fed.

But it is a major crack— perhaps the final crack— in the illusion that anything is going to change.

They are refusing to hold Epstein’s buddies accountable, to reveal what happened, and to deliver on a key promise of transparency that they made repeatedly.

 And instead of leveling with the public—even if the truth was ugly—they chose to gaslight voters.

Trust in every major institution was already near historical lows prior to this Epstein issue. Now it will only get worse.

The Swamp, the Deep State, the runaway bureaucracy— whatever you want to call it, clearly lives on.

They’re not cutting the deficit. They haven’t significantly rolled back regulations. Reforming Social Security isn’t even on the table, just 8 years from insolvency. Spending keeps accelerating, with no plan to slow down.

Meanwhile, interest on the national debt has already blown past $1 trillion annually, which could easily triple within a decade.

Foreign governments and central banks—once the biggest buyers of US debt—are quietly backing away.

The White House is already planning on installing their own yes-men to the Federal Reserve, virtually guaranteeing a money-printing bonanza in the years to come... with the obvious effect being tons of inflation.

If you had put your Plan B on hold, it’s probably time to dust off the cobwebs.

The world’s not ending. America will not cease to exist. But it’s becoming ever more likely that the fiscal, social, and inflationary challenges ahead cannot be ignored.

To your freedom,  James Hickman  Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/the-illusion-collapses-153204/?inf_contact_key=98fc82d484be096c2c8e8401c5ba74ad611c10abb7b3657801e6f799df81c049

4 Simple Money Habits From Mark Cuban That Could Transform Your Life

4 Simple Money Habits From Mark Cuban That Could Transform Your Life

Peter Burns  Sat, July 26, 2025   GOBankingRates

For those trying to build wealth, Mark Cuban is a perfect example of how to get it done. From living in a shabby apartment with roommates to currently having a net worth of $6 billion, Cuban has made smart money moves that paid off big.

While some of the moves he made to get to where he is were complex, he used a lot of simple strategies as well. Here are four of Cuban’s most helpful money habits that can help you improve your finances.

Don’t Use Credit Cards

When asked about credit cards, Cuban has repeatedly said, “If you use your credit cards, you do not want to be rich.” It’s a valid point, as credit cards have left many in crippling debt. In 2024, the average consumer debt from credit cards was $6,730 per person. Adding a high interest rate to that amount each month can quickly derail any attempts you’re making to build wealth.

Cuban said the best way to invest is to pay off your credit cards and then cut them up. Currently, the average credit card interest rate is around 20%. As Cuban explained, if you pay off your credit card, you’ve just earned that amount of interest back instead of continuing to pay it.

Live Below Your Means

Even after Cuban had made millions, he was careful with his money. When he was just coming into his wealth, he read a book called “How to Retire by the Age of 35,” which told him to live like a student and save as much as he could. He then called his broker and told him to invest his money as if he were a 60-year-old, despite his young age. Cuban said he was worried that he would lose that money and wanted to live off of it for a long time.

Living below your means involves spending less than you earn. This will keep you out of debt and let you put more money toward your savings and investments. You can live below your means through careful planning and intentional spending.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/4-simple-money-habits-mark-121814224.html

3 Key Signs You’re Losing Money By Saving Too Much

3 Key Signs You’re Losing Money By Saving Too Much

Andrew Lisa  Sat, July 26, 2025  GOBankingRates

Saving money is essential, but saving too much in a traditional savings account could be quietly costing you. If you’ve already maxed out your 401(k) contributions, built a robust emergency fund that exceeds the recommended three to six months of living expenses, and still have cash piling up, it might be time to rethink your strategy.

While it’s great to be financially cautious, over-saving can mean missing out on better returns and long-term growth. Not sure if you’re overdoing it? Here are three key signs that your savings account might be too full — and what you can do to make your money work harder for you.

Your Emergency Savings Is Overstuffed

Building an emergency fund is a smart financial move, but there is such a thing as saving too much. The general rule of thumb is to set aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses. But once you’ve hit that target, continuing to stuff your emergency fund can be a waste.

“Having excess cash beyond an emergency fund can mean missing out on potential returns from investing,” said Fluent in Finance founder, Andrew Lokenauth. “The opportunity cost of playing it too safe with savings can be substantial over decades.”

So, how much is enough? It depends on your lifestyle and income stability. According to Christopher Stroup, a certified financial planner (CFP) with Abacus Wealth Partners, dual income households can typically aim for three months of expenses. On the other hand, single-income earners or those with variable income should aim for six months for added financial security.

Once you have a solid emergency cushion in place, you should consider putting your excess money towards other investments.

You’ve Maxed Out Your Retirement Accounts

If you consistently have money left over after maxing out your IRA, 401(k) and other tax-advantaged retirement accounts each year, it may be time to put that money elsewhere. Saving for the future and your retirement is crucial, but you could be losing purchasing power to inflation over time as your cash earns little interest.

As accredited financial counselor and founder of Retire Certain, Camille Gaines explained, even the most high-yield savings accounts lose value to inflation over time. Instead, try putting that extra money somewhere it can do more for you, like in a money market account.

“Safe money market accounts that do not fluctuate in value can be seen as a good alternative to keeping money in a savings account that pays little interest and has a negative real return after inflation,” said Gaines. “More than two months’ worth of living expenses in a savings account is too much given the ability to earn around 5% from easily accessible money market accounts.”

Money market accounts — not to be confused with money market funds — deliver yields that are typically higher than standard deposit accounts with some checking account features like bill pay and limited monthly check writing. By redirecting your surplus cash into more productive accounts, you can earn more on your money over time.

Your Savings Are Growing, But So Is Your Debt

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/5-key-signs-keeping-too-140047713.html

What Every Millionaire Can Learn From Jimmy Buffett’s Mistake

$275M Inheritance Fight: What Every Millionaire Can Learn From Jimmy Buffett’s Mistake

Angela Mae  Tue, July 22, 2025   GOBankingRates

Renowned singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett died in September 2023, leaving behind a $275 million estate. The bulk of Buffett’s assets went into a marital trust with his widow, Jane Slagsvol, as the main beneficiary. Slagsvol is a co-trustee, along with Buffett’s long-time business manager, Richard Mozenter.

Unfortunately, there’s been a massive legal dispute between Mozenter and Slagsvol over that trust. Specifically, Slagsvol is petitioning to remove Mozenter as co-trustee for three primary reasons.

The first is that he’s failed to generate enough income with the trust’s investments. The second is that he hasn’t kept her abreast of the trust’s various investments, expenses and income. And the third is that, according to her, Mozenter has been “openly hostile” and appears to be working against her best interests.

According to Slagsvol, the trust is estimated to receive less than a 1% return rate — not enough to cover her annual expenses. Along with this, Mozenter received $1.7 million in trustee fees in 2024.

In response to all this, Mozenter also seeks to remove Slagsvol as co-trustee.

If you’re a millionaire, you could learn a few things from the way Jimmy Buffett handled his estate so you don’t make the same mistake.

Choose Your Trustees Carefully

When you have a massive estate, it’s crucial that you choose your trustee — or trustees — carefully. It’s not always enough to pick someone you’ve known for a long time or who you’re married to.

“Choose your trustee like you’d choose a CEO; someone trustworthy, financially literate and emotionally neutral. If you don’t have that person within the family, appoint a professional or corporate trustee,” said Craig Parker, assistant general counsel at Trust & Will and a California state bar-certified specialist in estate planning, trust and probate Law.

With larger, complex estates, having co-trustees can be a good strategy. But you’ll want to make sure they trust one another and work well together. If all else fails, you could name a trust protector who will step in if either trustee can no longer perform their role.

Be Extremely Clear With Your Estate Plan

The importance of being clear with how you want your assets managed and doled out can’t be understated. While Buffett might have believed choosing his wife and business manager as co-trustees was enough, anything that’s left unclear can lead to major legal battles down the road.

“Clear, detailed estate planning is essential. That means establishing a comprehensive trust, updating it regularly and communicating intentions openly with beneficiaries,” said Parker. “Clarity reduces conflict; vagueness invites it.”

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/275m-inheritance-fight-every-millionaire-160124796.html

7 Frugal Money Habits That Could Destroy Your Finances

7 Frugal Money Habits That Could Destroy Your Finances

Cynthia Measom   Wed, October 16, 2024  GOBankingRates

If you find yourself constantly looking for ways to save every single penny, you might be overlooking the bigger picture. Frugality, while an admirable trait, can lead you to make choices that might seem smart in the short term but actually cost more in the long term regarding finances, time and quality of life.

 “Letting the concept of frugality take over life so you are neglecting the bigger picture for small savings can backfire,” said Allison Sanka, accredited financial counselor, financial coach and principal and founder of Journey Financial Wellness. “That immediate dopamine hit of saving a few cents that makes you feel like you’re making progress towards your financial goal — like paying off debt or saving — can actually cost more if you do the math.”

Here are seven frugal habits that aren’t actually good for your finances.

Driving Miles to Different Stores To Get Good Deals

Sanka said that while the savings you might gain by driving from store to store to save a few dollars on sale items versus shopping once a week at one store might seem like a good idea, it’s not. Instead, she said any savings will likely be wiped out when you figure in the cost of your time, gas and wear-and-tear on your vehicle.

Driving To Another Town To Save on Gas

Sanka also said that driving to the next town to save 10 cents a gallon on gas could be more costly than the savings. For example, if your car holds 15 gallons, and you need 14 gallons to fill it up, you’ll save $1.40. Arguably, that could add up to over $140 over the course of the year if you fill up a couple of times a week, but you also have to think about whether that savings is worth your time, gas expenditure to get there and back and the wear-and-tear on your car.

Totally Depriving Yourself of Something You Enjoy

“You will not get rich by not ever buying a $4 coffee and depriving yourself of something you enjoy from time to time,” Sanka said. “Again, it’s about balance; instead of coffee out every day, try buying coffee as a treat on Monday mornings to get you going for the workweek. Then you can look forward to it as a treat.”

Buying Stuff Only Because of the Low Price

Sanka said that focusing on the low cost of an item instead of the need is a mistake that’s not good for your finances. “I see people in the frugal community buying things simply because they’re 75% off or they have a coupon for it (sometimes a marketing tactic to get you to spend) even if it’s not a need,” she said. “If you spent $5 on something you don’t really need, you spent $5 too much.”

Buying Items in Bulk When You Don’t Really Need Them

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/7-frugal-habits-aren-t-110109306.html

7 Key Signs You’re Wealthier Than You Think

7 Key Signs You’re Wealthier Than You Think

Caitlyn Moorhead  Tue, April 29, 2025 GOBankingRates

Controversial but consummately successful podcaster Joe Rogan once said he felt like he’d “made it” financially when he had enough money to eat at a restaurant at night without feeling guilty and stressed about what it cost the following day.

Rogan’s net worth is now estimated at $200 million, which is all the money in the world — unless you’re Elon Musk. That makes Rogan’s $200 million fortune he made bloviating opinions less than 0.05% of Musk’s $391 billion fortune he made buying cars and rocket ships.

The point is that how you feel about wealth is subjective and can come from many sources. In a country where more than half of all six-figure earners reportedly live paycheck to paycheck, how do you know if you’re rich, or at least richer than you think? Here are eight key signs you may be wealthier than most Americans.

You Make More Than the Median Earner

Your salary, of course, plays a significant role in your ability to accumulate wealth and has a lot to do with how you measure up to the masses.

“The median household income in the U.S. is around $75,000,” said Joel Ohman, certified financial planner and CEO of Clearsurance. “So, if you make more than that, your income is higher than half the people in the country.

“Of course, how far $75,000 takes you will depend on where you live. For example, you have a lot more buying power with $75,000 a year in Glendive, Montana, than you would in Orange County, California.”

Since the cost of living varies so dramatically from one place to the next, area median income (AMI) is a more accurate yardstick to measure your comparative wealth.

HUD Loans by commercial property financing firm Janover offers a state-by-state AMI breakdown with metro, non-metro and total AMI variants. Fannie Mae has a map-based AMI lookup tool that allows for much more granular and local detail.

You’ve Met the Standard Saving Milestones

Even the most impressive income is no indication of wealth if you spend more of it than you make, which so many high earners seem to do. The more accurate barometer, then, is how much you have in the bank.

“If you’re making higher than an average salary and have saved four times your annual income, and you’re in your 20s, you’re doing very well,” said Ohman.

Ohman’s benchmark is exceptionally high. The standard guideline is to have the equivalent of your annual salary saved by age 30, three times your salary by 40, six times by 50, eight times by 60 and 10 times by 67.

Several studies have shown that more than half the country is behind on those milestones, so even being on par with your decade’s goal lands you a spot among the more affluent half.

You’re Not Drowning in Outstanding Financial Obligations

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/signs-wealthier-think-152349259.html  

4 Surprising Things That Could Impact Your Wallet If a Recession Hits

4 Surprising Things That Could Impact Your Wallet If a Recession Hits

June 14, 2025  by  J. Arky  GOBankingRates

The stock market took one of the worst nosedives at the beginning of April as President Trump’s tariffs and plans to reshape the global economy seemed to only drive fear into the market, sending investors fleeing. Now everyone wants to know: is a recession on the way?

It could very well be, with trade wars ramping up and inflation about to reach record levels. However, that doesn’t mean that they are the only factors driving a potential recession. In fact, a few other economic mechanisms are at play that could affect you and your family’s money.

Lower Gas Bills

If you have been feeling the strain of filling up your car’s tank, there might be a bit of a reprieve on the way if a recession does come: gas prices could fall. In fact, prices at the pump usually go down in a recession as lower demand can lower the supply and the cost, according to Marcus Sturdivant Sr., advisor, managing member and chief compliance officer at The ABC Squared². 

“This recession would be on the heels of tariffs and the U.S. publicly endorsing ‘drill baby drill’ as a strategy,” Sturdivant explained. “Flooding the market with gas during an economic slowdown, all things being equal, will make the prices at the pump lower, but the escalating tariffs, trade war and an environment where oil makes money at $70 per barrel versus the $100 per barrel of the past.”

Sturdivant pointed out that even with tariffs, with increased production, there is already a record domestic output, meaning that the price for fuel should come down.

Less Alarming Market News

The stock market can decline during a recession, but that does not necessarily indicate a cause for alarm in the opinion of William Bergmark, personal finance expert and finance editor at Credwise.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/economy/surprising-things-that-could-impact-your-wallet-if-a-recession-hits/?hyperlink_type=manual

Fidelity Says This Is a Surprising Risk of Holding Too Much Cash — Do You Have Too Much?

Fidelity Says This Is a Surprising Risk of Holding Too Much Cash — Do You Have Too Much?

March 13, 2025  by  Gabriel Vito

Cash feels like the safest bet to most people. It’s steady, predictable and always there when you need it. But according to Fidelity’s research, holding too much cash could quietly erode your wealth rather than protect it.

With interest rates falling and inflation still creeping up, the value of cash is shrinking. While having some cash on hand is necessary for emergencies, Fidelity’s long-term data shows that cash has historically been the worst-performing asset class, significantly lagging behind stocks and bonds even during volatile market conditions.

As Melanie Musson, a finance expert with InsuranceProviders.com, explained: “Cash has value but definitely does not increase in value, and it almost certainly will decrease in value.”

Investment Alternatives to Holding Too Much Cash

Stocks: The Growth Machine

Fidelity’s data makes one thing clear: Stocks have historically outperformed cash, even during volatile markets. Their analysis shows that a $5,000 annual investment in stocks from 1980 to 2023 (even at market peaks) would have grown exponentially, while the same investment in cash would have resulted in a fraction of that return.

The long-term trend is even more striking. According to data from Ibbotson Associates, large capitalization stocks (think S&P 500) returned 10.4% annually from 1926 to 2024, compared to 5.0% for long-term government bonds and just 3.3% for T-bills.

Robert R. Johnson, professor of finance at Creighton University, puts that into perspective: “One dollar invested in the S&P 500 at the start of 1926 would have grown to $18,212 (with all dividends reinvested) at the end of 2024. That same dollar invested in T-bills would have grown to $24.”

The difference isn’t just significant — it’s the difference between building wealth and barely keeping up.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/investing/strategy/fidelity-surprising-risk-of-holding-too-much-cash-do-you-have-too-much/?hyperlink_type=manual

How A Crypto Billionaire’s Crazy Plan Could Save Social Security [Podcast]

How A Crypto Billionaire’s Crazy Plan Could Save Social Security [Podcast]

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  July 17, 2025

Bitcoin today is trading at around $120,000. If you’re willing to pay double the price, i.e. $240,000, please contact me immediately. I’ll happily sell you some of mine.

Why would anyone do that? I don’t know. But that’s exactly what investors are doing when they buy shares in “Strategy,” formerly known as MicroStrategy.

The company currently holds about 580,000 Bitcoin, worth roughly $69 billion. But the market values the company at more than $124 billion. In other words, investors are paying nearly double just for the privilege of owning Bitcoin through a corporate intermediary.

Crazy, right? Yet Strategy’s Executive Chairman and co-founder Michael Saylor has managed to convince legions of investors to do just that— pay 2x the Bitcoin price.

He does so by presenting a bunch of made-up metrics to investors— terms like “Bitcoin Yield”, “Bitcoin Multiple”, “BTC $ Income”, and my personal favorite, “Bitcoin Torque”.

One of Saylor’s most clever ideas was to borrow money from investors to buy Bitcoin; the company issued billions of dollars of corporate bonds (which are supposed to be a ‘safe’ and stable asset), then used all the money to buy Bitcoin— an extremely volatile risk asset.

And this is why I think Michael Saylor should be the next Treasury Secretary— or at least be tapped to save Social Security.

I’m only half joking. Because Saylor’s idea to borrow money to buy Bitcoin might be one of the only ways to save Social Security without a serious tax hike or other financial pain.

Let me explain—

The Social Security system was built on a simple formula: workers and businesses pay taxes into the system, and those taxes fund the retirement checks to beneficiaries.

For decades, Social Security ran a surplus—more payroll tax revenue coming in than benefits going out. And that surplus was parked in a giant trust fund.

Unfortunately, though, Social Security’s trust fund was only allowed to invest in one thing: US government bonds.

The result? Pitiful returns averaging a measly 2%.

Now Social Security is running a deficit— the monthly benefits are exceeding payroll tax revenue. So the program’s administrators make up the difference by dipping into the trust fund.

The Social Security Administration officially estimates the fund will be fully depleted by 2033. And when that day comes, benefits will be automatically slashed by about 25%.

Cutting Social Security benefits would be political suicide. So the most likely solution is a major increase to the payroll tax.

But there may be another way.

What if the government were to borrow a bunch of money to start a Sovereign Wealth Fund... And that fund could invest in a diversified, real-world portfolio run by America’s many talented investment managers. Real estate. Commodities. Equities. Precious metals. Crypto. The kinds of assets that can actually grow.

This is exactly what Michael Saylor did. He borrowed heavily from the bond market to buy risk assets. Maybe the US government should do the same.

If the fund could manage, say, 9% annual returns over the past few decades— they could easily pay 6% to bond holders and pocket the extra 3%. Mathematically it works— such a return would reverse Social Security’s looming insolvency if the fund were of sufficient size.

There’s obviously risk in the plan, which is why I’m half-joking. But Social Security is in dire enough shape that all options ought to be considered.

Coincidentally, Congress is discussing setting up a Sovereign Wealth Fund this week... Though I’m not holding my breath on this, let alone any meaningful reform on Social Security.

Peter and I both believe that the inevitable outcome here is that the Federal Reserve will step in to print money and bail out both Social Security AND the Treasury Department.

In fact the White House is already identifying potential candidates to replace Fed chairman Jerome Powell when his term expires next year, as well as other members of the Fed’s board.

It’s pretty clear they want people at the Fed who will cut rates, print money, and bow to the President. So there’s a very good chance that, next year, the Fed will become much more subservient to the White House.

Such a Fed would not hesitate to engage in ‘quantitative easing’ (i.e. ‘money printing’) to the tune of trillions of dollars in order to save Social Security, or to finance massive US government deficits. 

The end result will almost certainly be a major bout of inflation— probably similar to 1970s style stagflation.

It’s why we continue to assert that real assets are very sensible investments because they tend to perform so well during inflationary times.

You can hear my complete thoughts on this wild idea in today’s short video, which you can watch here.

For the audio-only version, check out our online post here.
Finally, you can find the podcast transcript for your convenience, here.

To your freedom,  James Hickman   Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/how-a-crypto-billionaires-crazy-plan-could-save-social-security-153184/?inf_contact_key=0f2a3e818718e268287453d654c835d48dcae2ba3297e07f93219ba341147496

Congress Looks To Hijack Crypto To Pay For Deficit Spending [Podcast]

Congress Looks To Hijack Crypto To Pay For Deficit Spending [Podcast]

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  July 16, 2025

It’s “Crypto Week” on Capitol Hill with all sorts of crypto legislation on the docket— including the so-called GENIUS Act that aims to regulate stablecoins.  I’m not sure the GENIUS Act is in fact genius, but it might be a pretty clever given its potential benefit to the Treasury Department and government bond market.

On its surface, the bill aims to provide a formal regulatory framework for anyone who wants to issue stablecoins, i.e. digital assets that are typically pegged to the US dollar to maintain a “stable” value.

But beneath the surface, the GENIUS Act is a way to funnel more money into US government bonds.

I’ve written about this many times before: the US government is hopelessly addicted to irresponsible spending. Multi-trillion-dollar deficits are no longer the exception—they’re the baseline.

And these massive deficits require the Treasury Department to borrow more money from the bond market.

Problem is that some of the biggest buyers of US government debt securities— specifically foreign governments and central banks— are starting to lose their appetite to invest more money in Treasury bonds.

So Uncle Sam is feverishly trying to drum up more lenders.

Enter the GENIUS Act— which requires stablecoins to be backed by “safe” assets, like... US government bonds!

The Treasury Department is probably hoping that some of the crypto wealth tied up in Bitcoin’s latest all time highs will flow into stablecoins... and thus into the US Treasurys backing them.

But if they think this is the silver bullet to fix America’s fiscal mess, they should think again.

Unlike traditional long-term bond buyers who help lock in funding for decades, stablecoin issuers (according to the GENIUS Act) will only be able to buy the shortest term US government debt, like 90-day T-bills.

This means that the Treasury Department will face constant pressure to refinance a major chunk of its debt every few months.

We discuss this in today’s podcast— where we also answered some reader questions about stablecoins.

One reader, for example, asked if stablecoins are a good way to diversify out of the US financial system.

My answer? Not really.

Once the GENIUS Act passes, most of these stablecoins will be issued by US-based companies and regulated by US government agencies. And over time, more and more agencies will likely encroach into the stablecoin industry— the SEC, IRS, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, etc.

That means if the government wants to restrict, freeze, or confiscate your digital dollars, they won’t even need to break a sweat. It just takes a phone call and a compliance letter.

More importantly, even if the coin maintains its 1:1 dollar peg, it’s still tied to the dollar. And if the dollar loses value due to inflation—which it is and will almost certainly continue to do—then your stablecoin will depreciate right alongside it.

Bottom line— holding a stablecoin doesn’t matter if the underlying currency is unstable. You’re not really diversifying any sovereign or currency risk.

If you're looking for real diversification—something that actually hedges against the US dollar and protects your purchasing power—stablecoins aren't the answer.

Gold, productive assets, other crypto, foreign stocks and financial accounts… those are the tools for genuine financial diversification.

If you want to hear my full thoughts on the GENIUS Act, stablecoins, and the implications to the US Treasury market, listen to this short podcast here.

 For the audio-only version, check out our online post here.
Finally, you can find the podcast transcript for your convenience, here.

To your freedom,  James Hickman  Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/podcast/congress-looks-to-hijack-crypto-to-pay-for-deficit-spending-podcast-153173/?inf_contact_key=ba595f2d77e748d6b5635b37d628a3ec4f9b01715505ef303c31d9437c9672ec

Don’t Withdraw From Your Savings Account on This Day of the Week

Don’t Withdraw From Your Savings Account on This Day of the Week

Cindy Lamothe  Thu, July 17, 2025  GOBankingRates

We all have our quirks — some of us avoid checking our bank balance after a weekend splurge, others swear by budgeting apps and color-coded spreadsheets.

But did you know what day you tap into your savings could actually matter?

It might sound a little superstitious, but there’s some logic behind it. Before you hit “transfer” on your savings account, here’s why you might want to pause — especially on the particular day of the week below.

Monday Is the Worst Day To Pull Money From Your Savings Account

Monday is frequently the worst day to pull money from your savings account for a number of important reasons, according to Rami Sneineh, vice president of Insurance Navy.

For one, he said banks usually catch up with transactions from the previous weekend on Monday, which can cause discrepancies in your account balance.

“If you are taking a withdrawal early Monday morning, the movement could settle before your weekend transactions have a chance to properly update,” he added.

That means you could end up spending more than you actually have in the bank, which could lead to overdraft fees and your payment could be declined if the funds have not been taken yet.

Most People Are Paid on Fridays — Creating Downturn in Funds

In addition to the above, Sneineh said numerous individuals are paid on Fridays, which can create a natural downturn in funds by the time Monday comes around.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/don-t-withdraw-savings-account-150216996.html

3 Money Habits That Can Help You Stay Ahead — Even If a Recession Hits

3 Money Habits That Can Help You Stay Ahead — Even If a Recession Hits

Gabrielle Olya   Fri, July 11, 2025  GOBankingRates`

Although most experts believe we’ll be able to steer clear of a recession this year, many Americans are still worried about the possibility of an economic downturn. A recent survey conducted by Talker Research and Affirm found that 58% of Americans believe a recession is still inevitable and 77% have changed how they manage their finances as a result of ongoing economic conditions.

If you’re feeling anxious about what’s ahead, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Here are three practical, expert-backed strategies to help you recession-proof your finances and feel more in control, no matter what the economy does next.

Understand the Fine Print Before You Borrow

There’s no shortage of payment options to use when making a purchase, from paying with cash to using a credit card or a buy now, pay later service. If you’re opting for one of the latter two options, make sure you know exactly how future payments will work.

“It’s smart to choose payment options that deliver clarity — like fixed terms, no hidden fees and no compounding interest,” said Vishal Kapoor, SVP of product at Affirm.

According to the survey, 41% of Americans say predictable payments are especially important, and nearly half (49%) seek out options with no surprise fees.

Choosing transparent, fixed payment plans makes it easier to manage your money, avoid surprise costs and stay on track financially.

Limit Financial Anxiety by Avoiding Economic Noise

It’s easy to get into a panic state about the economy when you’re inundated with social media and news sources telling you a recession is on the way.

“Stay informed … but not overwhelmed,” Kapoor said. “Understanding the economy can help you make smarter decisions, but too much noise can lead to unhelpful worrying.”

Instead of doom-scrolling, stick to trusted sources like the Federal Reserve and other reputable news outlets, and focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t.

Build a Flexible Budget and Plan for the Unexpected

Make moves now that will set you up for success in the future — no matter what that looks like. This includes making moves like saving up an emergency fund.

“Planning a few ‘if-then’ scenarios can make your finances more resilient,” Kapoor said. “Make sure your payments align with your cash flow and that you have some flexibility built in.”

TO READ MORE:   https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/3-money-habits-help-stay-110213902.html

The Health Benefits of Giving

The Health Benefits of Giving

Four ways working to improve others' lives may improve — and lengthen — your own

You don't need a doctor to tell you giving feels good.

But research can shed light on the science behind that helper's high — and long-term physical and psychological benefits that may follow it.

Why giving feels good

A study on charitable donation in which researchers performed functional MRI scans on donors' brains showed that after donating a part of their brains "lit up," or became active. (The MRI scans are used to detect neurological activity.) .

The part of the brain that controls feelings of reward and pleasure lit up. This is called the mesolimbic system, which is also activated by things like food, drugs and sex.

But that's just the physiology of it. There's also a growing body of research that links different types of giving to greater quality of life, including the following potential health benefits:

1. Greater self-esteem and satisfaction with life.

Much of the research focuses on volunteering for organizations or informally helping loved ones. Researchers consistently find that these activities can lead to greater self-esteem, life satisfaction and sense of purpose.

Younger adults may not benefit as much as older adults because they are more likely to volunteer out of obligation. (For example, they may feel they have to help out at their children's school.) Older adults are more likely to seek out purposeful volunteer roles in their communities.

But volunteering can give a sense of purpose to people of all ages. 

2. Lower risk of depression.

Perhaps because of such positive feelings, giving may decrease your risk of depression and depressive symptoms such as sadness or lack of energy.

One study of older adults found that those who helped their loved ones experienced greater feelings of personal control over their lives. This feeling, in turn, decreased the likelihood that they would experience depressive symptoms.

TO READ MORE: https://www.rush.edu/news/health-benefits-giving