Investing is often described as the process of laying out money now in the expectation of receiving more money in the future. Investment possibilities are both many and varied. There are three major categories 1) currency-based investments, 2) gold bullion and 3) investment in productive assets, and it's important to understand the characteristics of each. [Let me explain the differences and why I choose the latter.] Words: 1780

Warren Buffett is a smart guy and has ascended to near immortal [status] amongst the investment community due to his superior stock picking skills and boundless wealth. [That being said,] listening to his views on portfolio management and diversification could cripple your financial health and may make him one of the most dangerous men in finance. [Let me explain.] Words: 720

Japan will continue its radical quantitative easing but the experiment is getting dangerous. The Bank of Japan is effectively exporting its deflation to its trade competitors and inviting a currency war that could shake the world.

You need to stay in markets despite an impending economic collapse. [Really?! Yes, really.] Normally such an expectation would be addressed by getting out of the way of the oncoming disaster and taking ones chips off the table [but,] in this situation, there is no place to hide. Low-risk assets, like bonds and near-cash, produce little to no return...and the threat of rising interest rates and inflation make them dangerous. Higher risk assets are unavoidable, given current conditions. [Let me explain further.] Words: 830

The most common question I hear is "when". When does the system collapse? When will we experience a re-set? I think this is a very odd question because if you stand back far enough you should be able to see that you are, in actuality, watching it! We are all so close and watching day by day movements, we are missing the big picture. The collapse is happening right before your eyes. "When" is a process and you are watching history!

'Real money' must be a 'store of value, 'precious' or scarce, uniform and be evenly divisible which fiat money is NOT and gold and silver IS.

All investors need to have significant protection from the economic turbulence which is certain to lie ahead of us, through purchasing gold and/or silver bullion. However, do not forget that it is the gold and silver producers which offer the greatest potential in surviving (and hopefully thriving) in these challenging times. Words: 1108

The main reason to buy gold and silver any time is as insurance against extreme negative events. The main reason for buying gold in 2016 remains the risk of an international monetary system collapse. Gold is money in extremis.

According to RBS, the global financial markets are already showing signs of significant stress and the conditions are similar to those of the months before the Lehman crisis in 2008. Their advice is to ‘Sell everything’ and brace for a ‘cataclysmic year’!

The following are my best economic “guesses” for the coming year, based on the statistical and technical data trends, for the market, interest rates, the dollar, employment and the economy.