With the recent release of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), there is a great deal of uncertainty about the future of international relations, trade, and the valuation of domestic and foreign goods. The relationship that the United States of America maintains with its foreign partners is tenuous, and the interpretation of the TPP by the US…
How Much More Are You Paying for Groceries Today?
Bob Dylan sure got it right when he sang, “The times they are a-changin.” If you need proof, just take a look at the prices of food and goods at your local grocery store. You can probably recall a time when your grandparents started talking – with a wistful twinkle in their eye, no doubt…
A Brief and Wondrous History of the Gold Standard in America
Mark Twain, one of America’s most-renowned authors once wrote: “No occurrence is sole and solitary, but is merely a repetition of a thing which has happened before, and perhaps often.” In other words: history often repeats itself. While some might find this discouraging news, the upside is that history can also be used as a…
Where Have the Good Jobs Gone?
The United States economy is in its fourth year of recovery after the Great Recession of the late 2000s. While we aren’t out of the woods yet, financial analysts are taking a look at how far we’ve come and what challenges stand in the way of full economic recovery. So how are we doing? According…
Fed Announces Slight Taper Plans
Following its much-anticipated two-day meeting, the Federal Reserve announced today that it will begin a moderate taper of its bond-buying program beginning in January. Rather than a monthly bond purchase of $85 billion, the Fed will now purchase $75 billion in bonds monthly. Further, the Fed announced in a press release it would keep short-term…
Funds for the Whole Family: Getting Kids Involved in Precious Metals Investing
When you’re passionate about investing in precious metals, it’s natural to want to share your enthusiasm with your family. But this investment strategy can be complicated when you want to teach your children–how do you explain backwardation to your 12-year-old? Or explain your interest in survival silver without giving your 5-year-old nightmares? Here are a…
