5 Biggest Financial Regrets of Older Americans — And How You Can Avoid Them

5 Biggest Financial Regrets of Older Americans — And How You Can Avoid Them

David Nadelle  Fri, April 18, 2025  GOBankingRates

As one continues down the road of life, it’s a journey filled with unique experiences, challenges and opportunities for growth, shaping who you are and what you become. Enjoying the adventure isn’t without its difficulties, however, and many can’t help but regret the things they didn’t do along the way.

Regrets might be inevitable, but you can’t let them consume you. It’s always best to get a head start and avoid things you feel could come back to haunt you when you’re older. But even if you’re already “up there” in age, it’s never too late to practice sound financial strategies.

Business Insider asked over 1,000 Americans between the ages of 48 and 90 their views on retirement regrets, and their insights shed light on how challenging retirement and planning for it can be. People retire at different ages and for different reasons, but here’s what Business Insider and others had to say about five common financial retirement regrets, starting with under-saving for their retirement years.

Not Having Enough Retirement Savings

Not surprisingly, not having enough money to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in retirement was the biggest regret most retirees have, according to not only Business Insider but the 2022 working paper “Financial Regret at Older Ages and Longevity Awareness,” published by Abigail Hurwitz (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and Olivia S. Mitchell (University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School).

Not saving more was the biggest regret for 52% of Hurwitz’s and Mitchell’s survey respondents.

Saving early and consistently through your working years is the smartest course of action, but it’s really never too late to get started learning and earning. If you’re retired, you can try to play the market and up the risk in your investment portfolio, but it might be a better idea to adjust your spending and find ways to increase your income.

Taking Social Security Benefits Early

Assuming it still exists when the time comes for you to retire, Social Security is one of the steadiest income streams and inflation hedges you can have later in life. However, unless you have serious financial or health difficulties or expect to live a shorter life, starting Social Security early decreases the amount of benefits you’ll get over your lifetime.

According to Transamerica’s 24th annual retirement survey, the median age at which retirees began receiving benefits is 63, and nearly three in ten retirees began receiving benefits at age 62, the earliest age available, resulting in a significantly reduced payment. Only 4% of retirees waited until age 70 to receive benefits.

If you’re nearing the age where you can start claiming Social Security, holding off until you’re 70 should be a goal you take very seriously.

Not Pursuing Education More

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/5-biggest-financial-regrets-older-110325306.html

“Tidbits From TNT” Saturday Morning 4-19-2025

TNT:

Tishwash: Al-Nusairi confirms that the Central Bank's approach to banking reform and development contributes to accelerating Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization. 

During his participation in the specialized workshop held by the Ministry of Trade to discuss Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization, Samir Al-Nusairi, Economic and Banking Advisor, emphasized the role of the banking sector in contributing to accelerating Iraq's accession to the organization and the important role of the financial and banking sector in it.

He pointed to the measures achieved in 2023 and 2024 by the Central Bank in cooperation with the government, mainly regarding the regulation of foreign trade financing, the electronic platform, and direct work between banks and international correspondent banks

Based on the approved reform and development methodology, official data, and monetary policy indicators for 2024 and the plan for 2025 and 2026, in cooperation with international consulting companies specialized in this field, and compliance with financial globalization and international standards adopted by WTO member states.

Al-Nusairi explained the main points of the banking reform project launched by the Central Bank this month in the presence and participation of the Prime Minister.

He pointed out the customs war launched by the US administration and its effects in the medium and long term on the principles of unifying customs duties. 

Customs duties of the member states of the organization, and what are the means of confrontation that will be adopted by the World Trade Organization and the CAT organization concerned with regulating customs duties at the international level.

The workshop was attended by members of the National Governmental Committee for Joining the Organization, in which Iraq currently holds observer status along with 21 other countries, out of 166 countries with full membership.

Representatives of relevant ministries, the private sector, and unions were also present.  link

************

Tishwash:  Al-Karawi: Failure to send budget tables is a constitutional violation.

Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, MP Mustafa Al-Karawi, confirmed on Friday that the government's delay in sending the budget tables constitutes a clear violation of the provisions of Article (77/Second) of the Budget Law, calling on the House of Representatives to take its role in holding the government accountable for this legal violation.

Al-Karawi told Al-Maalouma, “The government was legally obligated to submit budget schedules before the end of the previous fiscal year, but four months have passed without it complying with this, which constitutes a clear violation of the law and a failure to fulfill its constitutional duties.”

He added, “The delay in the 2024 and 2025 budget schedules is a serious indicator of administrative and oversight shortcomings within the relevant projects government institutions, which negatively impacts and implementation plans.”

Al-Karawi pointed out that “90% of the budget depends on oil revenues, at a time when the global market is experiencing sharp fluctuations, which makes basing a three-year budget on an unstable resource an ill-considered move.”

He pointed out that "the 2024 budget arrived late, was sealed by prior political agreement, and was not subject to a genuine review within Parliament. Despite containing fundamental problems, the results of which have begun to become apparent through the suspension of projects and the delay in referral and implementation."

Al-Karawi stressed that “Parliament is required to exercise its oversight role and hold the government accountable for this negligence, which could cause significant harm to the national economy and development plans.”  link

************

Tishwash:  The most prominent of which are "thorium and uranium"... Iraq: Our natural resources are estimated at (16) trillion dollars.

The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed on Friday that Iraq ranks ninth globally among countries rich in natural resources, while pointing to a move to invest in strategic minerals whose revenues rival those of oil .

According to the official agency, the Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, "Iraq ranks ninth among the world's ten richest countries in terms of natural resources, with its wealth in precious metals, minerals, and other resources estimated at at least $16 trillion, according to preliminary global estimates ."

He pointed out that "Iraq ranks first in the world in terms of the concentration of natural resources per square kilometer of its vast and diverse geography, particularly in the Mesopotamia Basin region, which is rich in underground resources ."

He explained that "investing in strategic minerals such as thorium and uranium could generate returns comparable to those of oil, as thorium is a cleaner and more important alternative for energy generation compared to uranium." He noted that "linking the value of the national currency to investment in these minerals depends on Iraq's ability to enter value-added chains, which contributes to raising the gross domestic product ."

He added that "the discovery of large quantities of thorium and uranium in southern Iraq represents 'strategic news' that will have a significant impact on diversifying the national economy if exploited optimally, especially if linked to the investment policies associated with the Development Road Project ."

Saleh emphasized that "advancing the exploration and manufacturing processes for these two resources will pave the way for the development of non-oil resources, enhancing Iraq's global geo-economic position. Furthermore, this development will chart the outlines of a new industrial map linked to the path of development, establish a sustainable future, attract major global mining companies with advanced technological capabilities, and provide quality job opportunities within the Iraqi market ."

He pointed out that "this boom in mineral investment will have a positive impact on fiscal and monetary policy, by enhancing monetary stability and increasing national income, which will contribute to improving citizens' well-being ."

He continued, "The importance of thorium and uranium minerals in the global energy market, and the presence of major economic partners such as India, China, and the United States, make Iraq a pivotal player in the field of unconventional fuel resources and an influential center in facilitating international security and energy paths  link

Mot:  Where there is a Will - there is a Way!  

Mot: blue ones --- Now Wait a Moment!!! 

MilitiaMan & Crew Iraqi News-Port of Faw Gateway Development-Heart of the Region-$16 Trillion in non oil assets

MilitiaMan & Crew Iraqi News-Port of Faw Gateway Development-Heart of the Region-$16 Trillion in non oil assets

4-19-2025

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcMSccXE3M0

New Gold-Backed Sound Money Plan Revealed | Judy Shelton

Trump vs Powell - New Gold-Backed Sound Money Plan Revealed | Judy Shelton

Soar Financially:  4-18-2025

In this explosive episode of Soar Financially, Dr. Judy Shelton—former economic advisor to President Trump and Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute—joins us to deliver a sharp critique of the Federal Reserve and propose bold reforms that could reshape the global financial system.

We unpack the true role of the Fed, gold-backed bonds, currency manipulation, Bretton Woods 2.0, and how to restore monetary integrity in America. -Why is the Fed too powerful?

Could gold-backed 50-year bonds anchor the dollar?

And is the U.S. actually “cheating” in global markets?

00:00 - The Fed Is Too Powerful

00:43 - Meet Judy Shelton: Credentials & Mission

01:30 - What’s Wrong with the U.S. Economy Today?

 03:20 - Ending Dependence on Government Overspending

 05:00 - Trump’s Agenda: Rebuilding Manufacturing & Fair Trade

07:00 - Currencies vs. Tariffs: What Really Impacts Trade?

 09:30 - Bretton Woods, Gold & Stable Exchange Rates

11:00 - Currency Manipulation = Cheating

13:00 - Can We Create a New Global Monetary System?

15:00 - Free Markets vs. Currency Rigging 17:00 - Friedman, Hayek & Gold: Which Path Forward?

20:00 - Is the U.S. Rigging the Dollar?

21:00 - Gold-Backed Bonds: Mechanics & Meaning

25:00 - The $1 Trillion Windfall from U.S. Gold Reserves

 28:00 - Fixing the Fed’s Role in a Free Market

30:00 - Who Really Benefits from Fed Policy?

32:00 - Rescind Interest on Reserves?

33:30 - Should the U.S. Lead the World With Gold-Backed Bonds?

36:00 - Why Gold Is Surging — And What It Signals

 40:00 - Final Question: What Should We Really Be Asking?

43:00 - Would Judy Become Fed Chair?

 46:00 - Follow Judy Shelton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1By_XSde6Qk

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Friday Afternoon 4-18-25

Iraq Is Ranked Ninth Globally Among Countries Rich In Natural Resources.

Money and Business  Economy News – Baghdad  The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed on Friday that Iraq ranks ninth globally among countries rich in natural resources, while pointing to a move to invest in strategic minerals whose revenues rival those of oil.

The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, said, "Iraq ranks ninth among the world's ten richest countries in terms of natural resources, with its wealth in precious metals, minerals, and other resources estimated at at least $16 trillion, according to preliminary global estimates."

He pointed out that "Iraq ranks first in the world in terms of the concentration of natural resources per square kilometer of its vast and diverse geography, particularly in the Mesopotamia Basin region, which is rich in underground resources."

He explained that "investing in strategic minerals such as thorium and uranium could generate returns comparable to those of oil, as thorium is a cleaner and more important alternative for energy generation compared to uranium.

" He noted that "linking the value of the national currency to investment in these minerals depends on Iraq's ability to enter value-added chains, which contributes to raising the gross domestic product."

He added that "the discovery of large quantities of thorium and uranium in southern Iraq represents 'strategic news' that will have a significant impact on diversifying the national economy if exploited optimally, especially if linked to the investment policies associated with the Development Road Project."

Saleh emphasized that "advancing the exploration and manufacturing processes for these two resources will pave the way for the development of non-oil resources, enhancing Iraq's global geo-economic position.

Furthermore, this development will chart the course for a new industrial map linked to the path of development, lay the foundation for a sustainable future, and attract major global mining companies with advanced technological capabilities, in addition to providing quality job opportunities within the Iraqi market."

He pointed out that "this boom in mineral investment will have a positive impact on fiscal and monetary policy, by enhancing monetary stability and increasing national income, which will contribute to improving citizens' well-being."

He continued, "The importance of thorium and uranium minerals in the global energy market, and the presence of major economic partners such as India, China, and the United States, make Iraq a pivotal player in the field of unconventional fuel resources and an influential center in facilitating international security and energy paths."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=54581

Despite Its Decline, Gold Prices Are Heading Towards Weekly Gains.

Money and Business    Economy News - Follow-up   Gold prices fell on Friday, following a sharp rise in the previous session, as investors booked profits ahead of a long weekend. However, a weaker dollar and escalating trade tensions between the United States and China kept prices above $3,300 per ounce.

Spot gold prices fell 0.5% to $3,326.51 per ounce, after hitting a record high of $3,357.40 earlier in the session. Gold has gained nearly 3% this week, while US gold futures fell 0.5% to settle at $3,328.40.

As for other metals, spot silver prices fell 0.9% to $32.46 per ounce, platinum fell 1% to $957.18, and palladium fell 2.3% to $949.72.    https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=54572

Arab Parliamentary Delegations Arrive In Baghdad To Participate In The Arab Parliament Conference.

Friday, April 18, 2025, 4:57 PM | Politics Number of reads: 103  Baghdad / NINA / Arab delegations representing members of the parliaments of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Palestine, Mauritania and Lebanon arrived in the capital, Baghdad, on Friday, to participate in the Arab Parliament Conference, which will be held in Baghdad from April 19 to 21, 2025.

The House of Representatives will host the meetings of the Arab Parliament and its permanent committees, which will start tomorrow, Saturday, under the patronage of Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, with the attendance of 60 representatives of parliaments of Arab countries.

The Parliament will begin its work with a joint meeting between Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani and Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, marking the start of the Parliament's meetings, followed by a session of the Palestine Committee, then the meetings of the Arab Parliament's permanent committees, which are four committees, will begin, and the activities will conclude with the fourth session of the first session of the fourth legislative term of the Arab Parliament, on Monday, April 21.

The parliament's agenda includes a training workshop for its members on Sunday, April 20, in the Shabibi Hall of the House of Representatives, under the title "Artificial Intelligence Tools in Parliamentary Work."

A meeting of the Arab Parliament's Bureau will be held in the meeting room of the Speaker's Office, attended by the Parliament Speaker, his deputies, and heads of standing committees. The meeting will be held in the meeting room of the Speaker's Office.

The Arab Parliament is the legislative arm of the League of Arab States, established within the framework of the League of Arab States pursuant to a decision by its Council at the summit level on March 23, 2005, in Algiers, as a transitional parliament for a period of five years. Its mandate was extended for an additional two years.

It is also considered a space for practicing the principles of Shura, democracy, freedom, and human rights, a tool for dialogue and decision-making, a popular driving force for the Arab working system, and an effective partner in formulating joint Arab policy.

It also affirms the principle of expanding political participation as a basis for democratic development in Arab countries and strengthening ties between Arab peoples.

The Arab Parliament consists of (88) members, four members for each member state of the League of Arab States, which number (22). The Parliament has four permanent committees, namely: the Foreign, Political and National Security Affairs Committee, the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee, the Legislative, Legal and Human Rights Affairs Committee, and the Social, Educational, Cultural, Women and Youth Affairs Committee. Each committee consists of (22) members.

The legislative term of the Arab Parliament consists of four sessions, where the session begins in October and ends in June of each year. The Arab Parliament holds its general sessions at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo./
https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1198538

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Gold’s “Day” On Its Way

Gold’s “Day” On Its Way

The Final Wake Up Call By Pete B Meyer Friday 4-18-25

No time left

The global monetary manipulators at the Fed, the central banks, the IMF and the World Bank are playing for time. They need time to achieve long-term fiscal reform. They need time to create the global currency SDRs to be accepted by the market.

They also need time to facilitate the purchase of gold. The problem is that there is no time. A run on gold has already begun before everything is in place and everyone has what they need.

The collapse of confidence in the dollar has begun before the SDR is ready to take its place. The insolvency of the Fed and the central banks is just around the corner. The dollar’s momentum is running out and the red light is flashing.

• The potential destabilising factor is that the amount of gold subject to paper contracts is over a thousand times the amount of physical gold backing those contracts.

If large numbers of holders demand physical delivery, the paper market will crash. And as other holders realise that they are running out of physical gold and cannot redeem their contract for bullion, the slide will escalate into an avalanche, a de facto bank run on the gold warehouses that support the exchanges and ETFs.

A similar dynamic began in October 2012, when the spot price of gold peaked at around $1,900/ounce. From there, gold fell to $1,200/ounce over the next six months.

Far from scaring off buyers, the gold crash made gold look cheap to millions of individual buyers around the world. They queued up at the banks, which quickly ran out of supply.

Buyers of standard 400 ounce and 1 kilo bars found there were no sellers; they had to wait almost thirty days for new bars to be produced by the refineries that were working around the clock to keep up with gold demand.

Massive conversions took place in the gold FTFs, not because all investors were bearish on gold, but because some wanted to get billions out of storage before running out of gold.

Backwardation

Gold futures went into backwardation, a highly unusual condition in which gold for spot delivery is more expensive than gold for forward delivery; the reverse is usually true because the forward seller has to pay for storage and insurance. This was another sign of acute physical scarcity and high demand for immediate access to physical gold.

When a gold buying panic breaks out, there is no single gold window to close. Instead, a multitude of contractual clauses, in fine print rarely read by gold buyers, would kick in.

• Gold futures exchanges have the ability to convert contracts to cash settlement only and close physical delivery channels. Bullion banks can also settle gold futures for cash and deny buyers the ability to convert to allocated gold.

As a result of the force majeure clauses in the contracts, to be used by banks that have sold more gold than they have in stock, investors will receive a cash settlement up to the contract termination date, but no more. Investors would get some cash, but no gold bars, and would miss out on the price spike that was sure to follow.

Physical gold was already in short supply and high demand in early 2014, and there was no price spike as a result of the manipulation.

Looming disaster

Central banks were still able to suppress the price of gold. But the alarm has been sounded. The ability of central banks to suppress the price of gold has been challenged, while a new demand for gold from paper buyers has emerged.

The entire international monetary system is stumbling on a rope of physical demand for gold. As the price of gold oscillates between the forces of physical demand and central bank manipulation, another greater catastrophe is looming: the Federal Reserve is on the brink of insolvency, if not already over the brink.

This is the conclusion of expert Fed critic Frederic S. Mishkin, one of the world’s most eminent monetary economists and mentor to Ben Bernanke and other Fed governors and economists.

As such, the central bank will have little choice and will be forced to buy up government debt and monetise it, ultimately leading to a rise in inflation.

Mishkin points to another collapse in the making, separate from debt monetisation and inflation. When the Fed buys longer-term debt with newly printed money, its balance sheet suffers large mark-to-market losses as interest rates rise.

The Fed does not disclose these losses until it actually sells the bonds as part of an exit strategy, although independent analysts can estimate the size of these losses based on publicly available information.

Debt monetisation leaves central bankers with a bad choice.

• If the country slips into deflation, the debt-to-GDP ratio will deteriorate because there is insufficient nominal growth.

• If the country slips into inflation, the debt-to-GDP ratio will deteriorate because of higher interest rates on the country’s debt.

• If the central bank fights inflation by selling assets, it will incur losses on bond sales and its insolvency will be exposed.

This insolvency could undermine confidence and in itself lead to higher interest rates.

The central bank’s losses will also worsen the debt-to-GDP ratio, as the Fed will no longer be able to transfer its profits to the Treasury, increasing the deficit.

There seems to be no way out of this sovereign debt crisis for the US or any other country; all roads are blocked.

The Fed avoided some pain in 2009 with its monetary stimulus and market manipulation, but the real pain was saved for another day.

That day has now arrived.

The proof is in: a monetary system based on credit rather than bullion isn’t as good an idea as it may have looked in the first place.

A credit system cannot last in the modern world because as the volume of credit increases, the creditworthiness of the issuers decreases. The more they borrow, the less able they are to repay.

The price of gold is rising. The only scenario that could stop it rising would be if the world achieved real economic growth and stability.

Which is not on the cards for the foreseeable future!

And with only 1% of people owning any kind of bullion, there will be plenty of customers for gold and silver.

Any major black swan event could cause gold prices to rise much sooner.

• The truth is that another Lehman-type crisis could be just around the corner, while a change of course won’t be in the cards until it’s too late.

In other words, a rally in precious metals could come sooner rather than later.

https://finalwakeupcall.info/en/2025/04/18/golds-day-on-its-way-2/

Economist’s “News and Views” 4-18-2025

Trump’s Plan to Fire Powell & Launch a New Global Economy

Daniela Cambone:  4-18-2025

"The bond market will start to get really, really concerned... credit market just seized up overnight," says Peter Grandich, publisher of PeterGrandich.com.

Ahead of Easter Day, he sits down with Daniela Cambone to unpack growing risks in the financial system—and why even the Fed may be powerless to stop what’s coming.

 Grandich points to a recent moment of overnight panic that shook the bond market and triggered a sudden credit market seizure. "We saw one day the stock market cave, the dollar cave, the bond cave, and gold go up a lot," he says.

Typically, when stocks fall, investors flock to bonds or the U.S. dollar as safe havens. But in this rare and alarming scenario, Grandich explains, everything fell—except for gold, underscoring a deep loss of confidence in the entire financial system.

Watch the full interview to learn why there's no better time than now to invest in gold.

Key Topics:

-Peter Grandich stresses the Fed’s shifting dynamic with Trump.

 -Gold is surging on unprecedented physical demand

. -Markets now move more on algorithms than individual investors.

-Deep U.S. political and social divides are clouding the economic outlook.

-Talk of a global reset grows as nations eye alternatives to the dollar.

 -Equity markets face rising correction risks.

-The Fed’s influence is fading compared to years past.

 -Easter symbolizes renewal and hope.

Chapters:

00:00 Trump against Powell

4:28 BRICS

 5:39 Fed saving the market

8:00 Who will replace Powell?

10:56 Gold price

 14:26 Equity market

 18:40 Financial system reset

20:41 Troublesome time

 23:34 Peter’s message

 27:35 Sense of hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OXpqydylTA

Watch for the Fed to Bail Out the Bond Market Soon

Heresy Financial:  4-18-2025

TIMECODES

 00:00 It’s Not About Stocks Anymore

00:21 Jamie Dimon Warns of a Meltdown

00:45 What “Kerfuffle” Really Means

01:13 Signs of a Coming Liquidity Crisis

 01:59 Treasury Yields Are Spiking Fast

02:15 Repo Market Flashbacks to 2019

 02:55 Hidden Risks Are Building Again

 03:36 Banks Want Rule Changes Now

 04:05 The Fed Might Have to Bail Them Out

 05:07 We’ve Seen This Playbook Before

 05:59 Trump, Powell, and the 10-Year Yield

07:17 Why the Bond Market Matters More

08:00 The Bear Market Clock Is Ticking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QR8HkuRoog

8 Banks Just Leveraged Paper Against 4 Billion Ounces of Silver—It’s A Suicide Pact | Andy Schectman

Two Dollars investing:  4-18-2025

8 Banks Just Leveraged Paper Against 4 Billion Ounces of Silver—It’s A Suicide Pact | Andy Schectman

The silver market is on the edge of catastrophe — and it’s not by accident. Just 8 Western banks have quietly built a paper position shorting over 4 billion ounces of silver — a volume so extreme it equals nearly 4 years of global mine supply.

Andy Schectman exposes how this dangerous leverage is not only unsustainable… it’s a suicide pact waiting to detonate.

Meanwhile, nations like China, Russia, and India are draining physical supply directly from miners — bypassing the manipulated markets entirely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVql4ynfK5I

Coffee with MarkZ and Mr. Cottrell. 04/18/2025

Coffee with MarkZ and Mr. Cottrell. 04/18/2025

Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim

MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

Member: Happy Good Friday and Easter 3 day weekend!!!

Member: Passover blessings to all

Member: Rumor is the RV will start tonight….would be nice if it did.

MZ: Lots of rumors out there it’s about to start or has already started. I can tell you confidently that they are not yet exchanging in Iraq. But they are very hopeful things will kick off shortly. A number of them are hopeful for this weekend. But it hasn’t happened yet.

MZ: Wealth management and redemption center banks were told they were on call this weekend but not scheduled to work.

MZ:  I do not have any updates on CMKX, PP’s or farm claims. There is silence on that front but it could be a good thing. If they told us they were going to do it- it would not be a surprise.  

MZ: “Parliamentary foreign ministry holding the Arab summit in Baghdad holds special importance for Iraq”  We are hearing  from bankers and folks in Iraq that one of the agreements to hold that summit was a revalued currency. This summit is for the entire Arab region and will be held next month in Iraq. Let us hope they keep the promises that they made. They need to get busy in the next few weeks if they are to have a new rate.

MZ: “Under Secretary of state for bilateral relations receives deputy chief of missions of the United States in Baghdad”  They are talking about stability between the US and Iraq.

MZ: “Training course on trade in services concludes in Geneva for WTO acceding governments”  They are telling us Iraq is acceding. They have done everything necessary to do this ….and the Arab summit is coming and this is popping back up into the news….and Monday there were articles calling for the revaluation of the Iraqi dinar.

MZ: Lots of positive things happening.  

MZ: “Libyans grapple with fresh currency devaluation”  They have lost about 30% this year. Years ago Gaddafi was working on a gold backed Libyan dinar. There is now a big movement in the Arab world for all to go to a gold backed dinar or currency for all the countries in the region to have a standard of exchange. . This is historic.

Member: Happy and blessed Easter to all here;

Member: Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend full of fun and family…..God bless

CHARLIE WARD GOLF & CONFERENCE 2025 WITH MARK Z & ZESTER https://rumble.com/v5sx8kq-charlie-ward-golf-and-conference-2025-with-mark-z-and-zester-zerfoss.html

Mr. Cottrell, Mike Church and CBD Guru’s join the stream today. Please listen to the replay for their information and opinions

THE CONTENT IN THIS PODCAST IS FOR GENERAL & EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY&NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL, FINANCIAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSIDER EVERYTHING DISCUSSED IN MARKZ’S OPINION ONLY

https://www.twitch.tv/theoriginalmarkz

https://rumble.com/user/theoriginalmarkz

Kick:  https://kick.com/theoriginalmarkz

FOLLOW MARKZ : TWITTER . https://twitter.com/originalmarkz?s=21. TRUTH SOCIAL . https://truthsocial.com/@theoriginalm...

Mod:  MarkZ "Back To Basics" Pre-Recorded Call" for Newbies 10-19-2022 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37oILmAlptM

MARKZ DAILY LINKS: https://theoriginalmarkz.com/home/

Note from PDK: Please listen to the replay for all the details and entire stream….I do not transcribe political opinions, medical opinions or many guests on this stream……just RV/currency related topics.

THANK YOU, MARK AND COMM FAMILY!! SEE ALL OF YOU AT 9:30 AM EST TOMORROW ???, UNLESS SOMETHING HAPPENS, FOR ANOTHER GREAT PODCAST... CBD GURUS ARE ON FOR THE FIRST ?? MINUTES, THEN THE NEWS!!

FROM NOW ON NO MORE NIGHTLY PODCASTS ON MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS

Youtube:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-A8MOH-gr8

News, Rumors and Opinions Friday 4-18-2025

Gold Telegraph: The Countdown is on

4-17-2025

BREAKING NEWS: EUROPE’S FINANCIAL WATCHDOGS QUESTION US TREASURIES SAFE HAVEN STATUS

You don’t say?

“The striking assessment at a closed-door meeting hints at some of the nervousness about Treasuries…”

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-17/europe-s-financial-watchdogs-question-treasuries-haven-status

India is considering gold and silver imports from the United States to bridge the trade deficit. India has brought HOME 214 tonnes of gold since September 2022, which was stored in other countries. India is bringing its gold home and is now eyeing America’s gold.

Follow the trail.

The United States President has reportedly privately discussed firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for months. The battle rages on.

The countdown is on: Jerome Powell’s next professional pivot is to Wall Street. Ask Richard Clarida, Janet Yellen or Ben Bernanke. Nothing ever changes.

BREAKING NEWS: U.S. BOND GIANT PIMCO WARNS U.S. DOLLAR’S RESERVE CURRENCY STATUS IS NOT GUARANTEED

The world is starting to become awake.

“If global capital flows into U.S. assets dwindle, it could point toward a more multipolar world with a diminished reliance on a singular reserve currency…”

Source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/rates-bonds/pimco-bearish-dollar-treasuries-us-safe-haven-status-wavers-2025-04-17/

Source(s):
https://x.com/GoldTelegraph_/status/1912866684051902531

https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/04/17/gold-telegraph-the-countdown-is-on/

***************

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Frank26   [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]   FIREFLY: Sammy wants to talk to you.  The reason you don't see the budget is the same reason you don't see the back pay paid out or the oil not restarted because it's all related to the budget tables and a rate.  FRANk:  I agree 100%...I agree with you Mr. Sammy because if you sit back and look at the whole picture of the monetary reform there's only one thing missing - a new exchange rate that makes everything work.  That makes everything make sense because nothing is logical at 1310.  

Militia Man  If you guys see the theme of coordination, cooperation, you see mechanisms...transparency...If you follow through that you can see the stepping stones.  If you want to get down to the ocean front and you're up on the cliff you got to go go down all those stepping stones.  To get off that cliff, Iraq has been doing that.  They're down to, I think, the last stepping stone to put their feet in the sand and get a cool swim in the water.  I think it's going to be a big swim. 

Iraq "Breaking News" CBI Three Announcements

Edu Matrix:  4-17-2025

The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) is making bold moves to modernize its financial system! In this video, we break down the latest updates, including the CBI’s successful transition to using international correspondent banks for foreign transfers and adding new currencies like the Jordanian Dinar and Saudi Riyal for trade.

 Iraqi banks can now use the Euro to fund trade with Turkey — a significant shift from previous restrictions. But that’s not all — Iraq has also introduced direct debit card-to-card transfers, with monthly limits up to 2 million dinars.

These changes are designed to boost international trade, strengthen the role of Iraqi banks in global markets, and make digital payments easier and more secure for citizens.

Discover how these developments could impact Iraq’s economy, investment potential, and the future of the Iraqi Dinar (IQD).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWWdOIRDSpk

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Friday Morning 4-18-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

ARIZONA LEADS CRYPTO RESERVE LEGISLATION RACE AS SB 1373 PASSES HOUSE COMMITTEE

▪️The Arizona Strategic Digital Assets Reserve Bill passed the House committee on Thursday.

▪️The bill, which calls for the creation of a strategic reserve, now awaits a final reading and full floor vote before reaching the governor’s desk for approval.

Arizona's Strategic Digital Assets Reserve Bill, or "SB 1373," passed the House committee on Thursday. It now awaits a third reading and a full floor vote before reaching the governor's desk for final approval.

The SB 1373 bill proposes the creation of a digital assets strategic reserve fund, which would consist of funds appropriated by the legislature and crypto assets seized by authorities.

The bill notes that the state treasurer would be allowed to deposit seized crypto into the fund via a qualified custody solution or a state-registered exchange-traded product, and that the treasurer may loan digital assets from the fund for additional returns.

"The state treasurer may not invest more than ten percent of the total amount of monies deposited in the fund in any given fiscal year," the bill says.

According to SB 1373, the term "digital assets" include virtual currency, virtual coin, and cryptocurrencies, which encompass bitcoin, stablecoins, non-fungible tokens, and other blockchain-based assets that carry economic or access rights.

A separate bill — the Arizona Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (SB 1025) — also passed the House on April 1. If enacted, SB 1025 would allow state funds to invest up to 10% in "virtual currency holdings."

However, Arizona's crypto reserve bills may face a significant roadblock in the legislative progress as Governor Katie Hobbs vowed to veto all bills until the legislature passes a disability funding measure.

Several other U.S. states are currently advancing crypto-related legislation. According to data from bitcoin legislation researcher Bitcoin Laws, Arizona has made the furthest progress in passing the digital asset reserve legislation, followed by Texas and New Hampshire.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  The Block

~~~~~~~~~

RUSSIA MULLS LOCAL STABLECOIN ISSUANCE TO CIRCUMVENT SANCTIONS

A Deputy Director at the Russian Finance Ministry, Osman Kabaloev, has floated the idea of Russia launching a stablecoin to help with import and export payments. Over the last three years, Russia has tried numerous routes to circumvent sanctions given its access to Swift for cross border payments is blocked.

A current popular route is the use of stablecoins, and Tether in particular. However, in early March, Tether froze $28.5 million in funds belonging to sanctioned Russian crypto exchange Garantex, causing it to suspend services.

“That blocking that recently happened… makes us think that we need to look at creating internal instruments like USDT, possibly tied to other currencies, like they do in the Emirates – a stablecoin for the dirham – and in many other countries,” Kabaloev said at a conference of the Association of Russian Banks, according to Reuters. He was referring to the recent launch of the AE Coin, a dirham stablecoin authorized by the Central Bank of the UAE. Notably, the dirham is pegged to the dollar.

This isn’t the first report about Russian stablecoins. Last August there were reports of plans to issue a stablecoin in the Chinese yuan as well as a BRICS basket. It’s unclear whether China’s government would support a yuan stablecoin or would prefer the use of its CBDC.

The yuan is relevant because a significant proportion of Russia’s cross border payments have now shifted to the Chinese currency.

Tokenization & crypto for cross border payments

Russia already has two experimental programs that can be used for cross border payments. It has digital financial asset (DFA) issuance, its regulated tokenization regime that was launched before the Ukraine invasion. This supports assets such as tokenized gold or oil, and Iran said it was working with Russia on using tokenized assets for payments.

DFAs were originally intended for domestic investments, but a year ago Russia passed a law allowing DFAs to be used for cross border payments. Around the same time, local ratings agency ACRA highlighted frictions for foreign DFA holders because they’d have to onboard with Russian banks.

Russia’s central bank is not a big fan of cryptocurrencies, and initially resisted their use for cross border payments. However, late last year a new experimental program was launched to support the use of cryptocurrencies for imports and exports.

Mr Kabav also mentioned proposals the Central Bank subloemitted for crypto trading.

On the payments front he said, “Pilot transactions were conducted at the end of December, and now the mechanism is gaining momentum. Therefore, we hope that we will only strengthen and expand this area.”

At the same time Russia is working on a digital ruble central bank digital currency (CBDC), and there’s been much talk of a BRICS Bridge. That’s a planned cross border CBDC payment system for local currency payments amongst the ten BRICS member states.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Ledger Insights

~~~~~~~~~

RUSSIAN SENATOR ANTICIPATES CREATION OF BRICS+, DOZENS OF NATIONS POTENTIALLY INVOLVED

Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev revealed that several countries are set to join the BRICS+ initiative, aiming to include the maximum number of participants. The Russian senator emphasized that this geopolitical group would facilitate direct interaction with dozens of countries outside the bloc.

Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev revealed that several countries are set to join the BRICS+ initiative, aiming to include the maximum number of participants. The Russian senator emphasized that this geopolitical group would facilitate direct interaction with dozens of countries outside the bloc.

Russian Senator Reveals Future Creation of BRICS+ Geopolitical Group

The BRICS alternative bloc, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, is now seeking to expand its reach and influence to other countries through BRICS+.

Konstantin Kosachev, a Russian Senator of the Federation Council, said the bloc will deploy this new initiative to put dozens of allied countries in direct contact with the organization.

Kosachev stated:

This will not be a closed association for BRICS countries and partners, but rather a broader platform aimed at including the maximum number of participants.

The Russian Senator noted that several nations, including China, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Brazil, the current president of BRICS, had expressed their support for the BRICS+ initiative. “Several other countries are still considering their positions, but in this case, as within the entire association, we do not impose our will or attempt to enforce a single discipline,” he clarified.

The idea would be discussed during the next Parliamentary Forum in June, where representatives of the member states and allied nations will be present. “We hope to reach some decisions to formalize this initiative on the platform of the Inter-Parliamentary Union during the autumn assembly,” Kosachev concluded.

The news hints at a new level of cooperation between the BRICS bloc and its allies centered in the BRICS+ initiative, which could be used to coordinate binding economic and governance policies seeking to strengthen the group’s position in the face of the current financial turmoil and market uncertainty.

Per Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statements, these measures could include adopting a common payment system, which will also be available for countries outside the group.

@ Newshounds News™
Source: Bitcoin News

~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Robert Kiyosaki’s Top 4 Tips To Save Retirees From Financial Disaster

Robert Kiyosaki’s Top 4 Tips To Save Retirees From Financial Disaster

Jennifer Taylor  Thu, April 17, 2025   GOBankingRates

We all know that retirement involves a major financial shift in a person’s life. If you’re planning to leave the workforce in the near future, Robert Kiyosaki — founder of the famous “Rich Dad” franchise — has plenty of advice that might differ from the traditional guidance you’ve been given.

Going into retirement fully informed by money experts like him can help you avoid financial disaster. Here are four of Kiyosaki’s top tips to help you enjoy a financially sound retirement.

Don’t Expect Your 401(k) To Last

Generally speaking, if you worked hard to put money aside in your 401(k) throughout your career, you may assume it will last through retirement. However, Kiyosaki is adamant that this isn’t the case.

In a September 2024 post on X, he shared a story about having dinner with a baby boomer friend who said many of his peers are coming out of retirement because inflation has depleted much of their 401(k).

“Printing fake money causes assets such as gold, silver, and Bitcoin to rise in price,” he posted. “Printing fake money also causes food, fuel and fun to go up in price too.”

He said printing money might make the Feds richer, but it causes the poor and middle class to lose money.

“That’s why boomers are coming out of retirement,” he posted. “Their nest is filled with fake assets and fake money.”

Kiyosaki has long been a vocal critic of 401(k) plans.

On his “Rich Dad” website, he has covered the shift from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans, which took place around the 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act. He noted that defined benefit plans provided employees with a set amount of income, but in the post-ERISA shift, the responsibility for retirement income has fallen on employees.

This, he noted, has left people with no financial education in charge of investing their retirement funds. While they can work with a financial planner, he indicated this might not necessarily be in their best interest.

Consider Alternative Investments

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/robert-kiyosaki-top-4-tips-220017518.html