Decades-Old Investment Wisdom From Albert Einstein
Notes From The Field By Simon Black
March 3, 2020 Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico
Albert Einstein is rumored to have said that “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it ... he who doesn't ... pays it.”
These days interest rates are near zero. The average savings account currently pays .09% interest per year, according to the FDIC. So over the course of a decade, saving $100 with compound interest would give you a grand total of $109.37.
But at the same time, the opposite force is working against us. Inflation currently stands around 2.5%. And that compounds too. What $100 can buy now will cost $102.50 next year. After ten years, assuming inflation stays the same, it will cost $128. So just by saving $100 for ten years, you’ve lost $18.63 of real value.
That’s why these days, you have to invest to make money. Luckily stocks, real estate and pretty much every asset class is close to all time highs right now.
But last week's “coronavirus drop” is a good reminder that it’s not going to last forever.
If you have substantial unrealized capital gains, and you’re looking for an exit strategy, there is one available right now. It allows you to compound your current gains for almost six years before paying capital gains tax.
I’m talking about Opportunity Zones. These were created by Trump’s tax reform law to reward investors who fund projects in distressed areas.
One of the major benefits of investing in an Opportunity Zone is the chance to compound your gains BEFORE you pay taxes on them.
For instance, if you bought $100,000 worth of stocks that are now worth $200,000 you have $100,000 worth of capital gains. At current tax rates, you could owe as much as $23,800.
But by investing those $100,000 of gains in an Opportunity Zone, you can defer paying those taxes until 2026. That means the $23,800 that would have gone to taxes instead grows from the new investment.
Let’s say that the new investment increases in value by 10% each year. When the time comes to pay the capital gains taxes on the original investment, you will have earned an EXTRA $18,363 just from deferring taxes.
In addition, after holding the Opportunity Zone investment for several years, you’ll finally pay tax on your original capital gain, but at a discounted rate. (Technically they call this a ‘step-up in basis’, so instead of being taxed on $100,000 you are taxed on a gain of $90,000.)
This can save you even more money.
But there is yet another major tax benefit of Opportunity Zones.
If you keep your funds in the Opportunity Zone for ten years, you’ll NEVER pay tax on the capital gains from your Opportunity Zone investment.
So to continue our example, say that after ten years, your $100,000 Opportunity Zone investment has compounded into $259,374-- a total capital gain of $159,374. Your total capital gains tax bill will be ZERO.
Remember, ALL capital gains are eliminated on Opportunity Zone investments held for at least 10 years. So if you invest in the next Facebook and turn $100,000 into $100 million you still owe ZERO capital gains taxes on that $99,900,000 gain.
But like most good things, this won’t last forever.
And some of the benefits have already expired.
For instance, you could have had a 15% step-up in basis on your original capital gains (i.e. only paid tax on $85,000 instead of $100,000).
But you had to hold the Opportunity Zone investment for seven years. And with the deadline to pay the original capital gains set at the end of 2026, it is too late to hold the investment for seven years.
But you can still get the discount of 10% by holding for five years, as long as you get into an Opportunity Zone by the end of 2021.
It’s worth looking into. And a good place to start is our new in-depth article: Opportunity Zones: Ultimate Guide and My Personal Experience.
To your freedom & prosperity, Simon Black, Founder, SovereignMan.com
Frank Giustra: Reckoning Upon Us as Global Debt Surpasses $365 TRILLION
Daniela Cambone: 10-31-2026
“You can’t change the course of history.” Join Daniela Cambone in Rome for an exclusive sit-down with Frank Giustra, as he connects today’s debt and currency risks to the fall of empires and shares how investors can prepare.
Clif High Warns of Banking System Collapse: Could Gold and Silver Benefit?
Capital Insight: 11-1-2026
This Capital Insight episode examines Clif High’s discussion of potential disruptions to the international banking system, sovereign debt, central banks, and the future of money.
High argues that established financial institutions could face significant disruption as the existing debt-based monetary system comes under pressure.
He also discusses how these changes could affect the broader economy, including the possibility of a downturn, and why he believes gold and silver could benefit from a potential restructuring of the financial system.
High’s prediction of a new asset-backed digital currency he calls the “Treasury Dollar”
"Countdown To Cutting Off Dealings With The International Development Bank": The US Treasury Extends The Deadline For Settling Financial Transactions Until December 1st.
The US Treasury Department announced an extension of the deadline for ending financial transactions with the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance of Iraq until December 1, after imposing sanctions on it in mid-October, on the grounds of accusations of facilitating Iran’s access to the US dollar and establishing financial relations with entities linked to Tehran.
Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY RESET WATCH: AI INVESTMENT BOOM RAISES NEW DEBT AND MARKET RISKS
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is driving enormous investment in data centers, chips, and computing infrastructure, while raising questions about borrowing, market valuations, and the financial risks tied to future growth.
Is a New Financial Order Taking Shape? | Susan Kokinda & Michelle Makori
Miles Franklin Media: 11-1-2026
Michelle Makori, President & Editor-in-Chief of Miles Franklin Media, speaks with Susan Kokinda, Coalitions Vice Chair of the Michigan Republican Party and co-founder of Promethean Action, about why she believes President Donald Trump is challenging the foundations of the global financial system and potentially laying the groundwork for a major monetary and economic restructuring.
Kokinda explains why she believes Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and monetary policy advocate Judy Shelton could play pivotal roles in reshaping the international financial order, including the possibility of a new Bretton Woods-style system and a greater role for gold in backing U.S. debt.
TNT:
Tishwash: US Chargé d'Affaires: Iraq is charting a course towards opportunity and prosperity for its people
The Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, Steven Fagin, affirmed on Saturday that Iraq is charting a course toward opportunity and prosperity for its people.
The embassy stated in a press release that "the US Embassy in Baghdad hosted a reception in honor of the Chargé d'Affaires, Ambassador Steven Fagin, with the attendance of Iraqi officials and distinguished guests."
The Chargé d'Affaires expressed his "vision for strengthening and expanding the horizons of the US-Iraqi partnership," and thanked "all the guests for their contribution to solidifying the strong relations between the two countries."
Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.
RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR Update as of Sun. 1 Nov. 2026
Compiled Sun. 1 Nov. 2026 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington
Judy Note: On Wed. 21 Oct. 2026 the Central Banking Structure in London (allegedly) experienced a massive liquidity drain. In reality, this was the official global roll out of the new gold/asset-backed ISO 20022 currency of our new Global Financial System. The return to the gold standard worldwide was (allegedly) taking place in 47 major banking networks – all at the same time.
CBI Denies Raising Travelers' Dollar Allowance
2026-11-01 06:17 Shafaq News- Baghdad The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) on Sunday denied reports that it had raised the dollar allowance for travelers from $2,000 to $3,500, describing a document circulating on social media as fake.
CBI Media Director Haider Ghazi told Shafaq News that the document, which purported to announce an increase in the allowance, was forged and that no such decision had been issued.
Good Morning Dinar Recaps,
GLOBAL TRADE RESET WATCH: QUAD NATIONS STRENGTHEN SUPPLY-CHAIN COOPERATION
The United States, Australia, India, and Japan are expanding cooperation on critical minerals, semiconductors, trusted technology, and reliable trade routes to reduce vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
7 Surprising Benefits of Failure
By Kentin Waits WISEBREAD
Everyone loves a success story, and the world is filled with them. But what about stories of failure? Can't they be as just as educational? Just as inspirational? Equally insightful?
After all, a single big win is often built on several losses. It's a truth perfectly captured in the words of Japanese industrialist and automaker, Soichiro Honda, "Success is 99% failure."
KTFA
Saturday Night Video
FRANK26….10-31-26….PROSPERITY
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie and Omar in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#
HOLLY CELIANO: RV UPDATES! The Great Wealth Transfer & Latest Financial News | Oct 30, 2026
Chris Real World: 10-30-2026
In an insightful analysis by financial commentator Holly Celiano, recent industry developments illustrate how digital assets are no longer operating in isolation. Instead, they are steadily positioning themselves as vital components of a unified, highly efficient economic infrastructure.
This transition represents an evolutionary upgrade rather than a radical replacement of traditional systems, balancing regulatory responsibility with technological progress.
Rob Cunningham: The Global Release, Indebted to Enriched
10-3-2026
What if one day this fictional geopolitical thriller becomes a non-fictional reality?
THE GLOBAL RELEASE
from indebted to enriched
One coordinated release. Seven days of fallout.
At the same instant, designated custodians receive two words:
Basrah Heavy, Medium Crude Record Weekly Losses
2026-10-31 Shafaq News- Basrah Iraq’s Basrah crude grades ended the week down by around 0.15%, despite gains in the final trading session and rising global oil benchmarks.
Basrah Heavy crude climbed by $1.09, or 1.49%, in the final session to settle at $74.11 per barrel, but recorded a weekly loss of $0.10, or 0.13%, from $74.22 at the start of the week.
Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,
GLOBAL PAYMENTS RESET WATCH: BRICS PAYMENT SYSTEM GAINS ATTENTION AS COMMON CURRENCY REMAINS A DISTANT GOAL
A new policy report urges BRICS nations to advance cross-border payment cooperation and local-currency settlement, while acknowledging that creating a shared currency remains a much greater challenge.
It’s Hard To Reform A Country That No Longer Shares Values
Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black / Sovereign Man) October 30, 2026
On September 17, 1787, 81 year old Benjamin Franklin sat in a room in Philadelphia with a speech in his hand that he was too weak to deliver.
A fellow delegate read it to the Constitutional Convention for him.
Franklin had reservations about the draft Constitution. His speech admitted there were “several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve.”
Ariel: Iraq Sending the Budget Back for Recalculation
10-31-2026
Remuneration & Recalibration: Iraq Sending The Budget Back For Reconciliation/Recalculation
We Will Jump Right Into This Report
The Return-to-Sender No One Wants to Explain
The Ministry of Finance doesn’t send a budget back to the drawing board because the formatting needs tweaking. That document traveled all the way to the Council of Ministers the executive nerve center and then boomeranged straight back to the people who wrote it with what amounts to a sticky note reading “recalculate everything.”
KTFA:
Clare: The Minister of Transport discusses with Uber the company's entry into the Iraqi market.
10/30/2026 Baghdad /
Minister of Transport Wahab al-Hassani discussed with the CEO of Uber Middle East the company's desire to enter the Iraqi market under its original brand, and opportunities for exchanging expertise and experiences in the transportation sector.
According to a ministry statement, the company representative affirmed that "the security stability that Iraq is witnessing has been a primary incentive for moving towards the Iraqi market and offering its services there."
MilitiaMan & Crew: The New Trade Pipes: Why Everything You Know About Markets Is Wrong
10-30-2026
The Crew: Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man
No drama. No intrigue. No songs and dances. Just straight, factual news that I read and interpret to the best of my ability after being an avid Dinar investor and insanely obsessed Dinarian for over 15 years.
Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn
KTFA
Sunday Night Video
FRANK26….11-1-26….DOLLAR DYING
This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only
Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie and Omar in Iraq and guests
Playback Number: 605-313-5163 PIN: 156996#