Having dinner last night, my father-in-law Dick Young asked, “Survival Guy, what’s investing mistake #1?” “I don’t know yet,” I said. “Let me tell you about living off your portfolio. It’s hard,” he said. “I’ve been writing about this my entire adult life. I didn’t expect how tough it would be to generate income. It’s expensive staying at Le Bristol, so you better figure out a way to make it work. I’m just getting comfortable. How’s your dinner?” … Part of my inspiration for this series came from reading past issues of Richard C. Young’s Intelligence Report. Each issue was packed … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2023
Mr. Protect and Preserve: For Where We’re Going
In my conversations with you, we go through the lay of the land—where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. Two out of three are facts—history. But that last one, where we’re going, isn’t. Hey, Your Survival Guy will take two out of three any day. I know what it felt like on the front lines, working through the past, talking about the present, and planning for the future. As one of you commented yesterday, you’re “Mr. Protect and Preserve,” a badge I wear proudly. Action Line: Don’t let short-term thinking get in the way of your long-term plans. No one knows how you deal with … [Read more...]
Real Incomes Fall Again Under Biden
Americans' inflation-adjusted incomes have fallen again thanks to Bidenomics. The NY Post's Jack Morphet and Shannon Thaler report: You aren’t just imagining it: Your paycheck didn’t go as far last year as it did the year before — or the year before that. Inflation surges outpaced the average pay raises of US workers in 2022 — the third consecutive year under President Joe Biden in which Americans have seen their standard of living take a tumble, according to fresh data from the US Census Bureau. Inflation-adjusted median household income fell to $74,580 in 2022 — a 2.3% decline from … [Read more...]
“Jesse’s Going Crazy, Just Running Along the Edges”
Just thinking about our dog Louis, who turned twelve in July, brings a flood of memories. Like when our kids came home that day, dropping their backpacks on the floor like they summited Everest, as a puppy came sliding and tumbling around the corner into them for the first time. Or, when Louis brings Your Survival Guy dead animals, rolls around in “something,” or won’t come in when I know he hears me, and I’m ready for bed. Or grabs dinner—not his—from the counter. Then there’s the times we’re all together on long walks in New Hampshire. But let’s not forget the dog fights at … [Read more...]
Saudi Oil Supply Cuts Pushing Up Prices at the Pump
Voluntary crude oil production cuts by Saudi Arabia are crimping supply in the market, and pushing up prices. Yusuf Khan reports in The Wall Street Journal: Saudi Arabia’s decision to extend cuts to its crude-oil output until the end of the year is likely to lead to a significant supply shortfall for the rest of the year, keeping prices higher at the pump, according to the International Energy Agency. In its monthly report, the IEA said cuts from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a cartel of oil-producing nations where Saudi Arabia is the largest producer and de facto … [Read more...]
Hurricane Lee Spaghetti Models and Your Lazy Cash
Watching the spaghetti models for Hurricane Lee makes me wonder if I pulled my boat out too early. Because it looks that way this morning. But here's the deal: if an errant strand ventures off into my particular harbor, I don't want to be part of the problem. That's why trying to reason with hurricane season can be so tough. Which brings me to your lazy cash sitting on the dock, wondering what to do. It's time to put that cash to work, especially if it's sitting in your bank account and you don't need it for living expenses. Why not consider taking it out and putting it in my favored … [Read more...]
Inflation Is Spreading Poverty in Turkey
Over the last two years, Americans have experienced inflation greater than any they've faced in some time, but it's been nothing compared to what the citizens of Turkey have faced. Inflation in Turkey exceeded 85% in October. The inflation forcing Turkey's people into poverty. Stefanie Glinski reports for Foreign Policy's DISPATCH: ISTANBUL—On a wide staircase across the street from a popular bar in Turkey’s biggest city, crowds of people sit in the sunset, enjoying cheap drinks and snacks they brought from home. They used to go to the bar, and they’d still like to. They just can’t afford … [Read more...]
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
Your Survival Guy feels life is pretty good, especially after reading The Wager by David Grann. Just thinking about life back in the mid-1700s makes me appreciate the simple creature comforts of today. Being shipwrecked is no one’s idea of fun. And that’s a story that Grann tells with such detail you wonder if he was there and, for that matter, what’s his trick for surviving all these years? From the back cover: On January 28, 1742, a ramshackle vessel of patched-together wood and cloth washed up on the coast of Brazil. Inside were thirty emaciated men, barely alive, and they had an … [Read more...]
RAGE Gauge September: “We’re Moving On,” They Say
Your Survival Guy’s September RAGE Gauge is in, and it’s not pretty. What did you expect me to say? The reality is what it is. It’s the world we’re living in right now. Americans are feeling unsure about the direction of the country. The presidential debate did provide a bit of optimism, but not much. Because the feeling on the ground—on Main Street, USA—is one of concern about whether this will be a battle between Biden and Trump. There’s downright fear about what this will look like. The dividend yield on the Dow Jones Industrial Average is hardly encouraging, like an anchor dragging … [Read more...]
CAT 5: Prepare for Hurricane Lee
Hurricane Lee has strengthened to a Category 5 storm and is barreling through the Atlantic on course to hit America's East Coast. Right behind Lee is Tropical Storm Margot, which is also expected to reach hurricane levels. First Coast News reports: It's very active across the Atlantic basin, but thankfully there are no local threats in Jacksonville within the next week. Remember to stay updated this time of year as the historical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is approaching. Tropical Depression 13 has formed in the Atlantic, and it is forecast to become a major hurricane by … [Read more...]