Written by Bryan Lutz, Editor at Dollarcollapse.com:
Every Sunday morning I send out three thoughts.
Sometimes these thoughts are on the economy, life, or hard assets.
If they’re helpful or hopeful to you, that’s great… Sometimes it just comes down to reality. That’s what I’m interested in…
So, here we go.
Here are three Sunday morning thoughts for you:
1. September is historically the worst month for stocks and gold. Yet, gold continues to outperform the S&P 500 this year (and, this month).
The S&P 500 continues to slide this month.
There are few reasons:
Concerns over the health of the US economy.
The monthly jobs report showed the labor market added fewer than expected.
And weak manufacturing data…
Sure, the data are there for the economy’s current state, but in the big picture, the data has been there for the almost 100 years.
The S&P 500 performs poorly every September.
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For the most part, gold follows…
But so far, not this month.
Gold continues to go up pushing an over 26% change this year while the SPX is only up 16%.
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This is more good news for gold. (Too add to yesterday’s email.)
2. This statistic about the average American didn’t surprise. I almost passed it by, but it’s worth understanding in the context of a declining civilization.
It’s sad, really.
Almost half, 46% of Americans didn’t read a book in 2023.
And only 26% read 1-5 books.
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It is no wonder the United States, and Western civilization are on the decline…
No one reads!
They cannot be bothered to submit their thoughts to an author for a few moments before bed.
To enter someone else’s world.
To expand their understanding of the world.
But why?
That is the question (maybe one they ask themselves with a well-timed shrug).
When you can purchase a home with fiat money, qualify for a comfortable loan on a car with all the latest gadgets, and consume, consume, consume, who needs to build their own personal value.
Why dig into something that may increase your value in. the world?
There’s no point.
Fiat has rot the foundations of the world.
And the statistics seem to show it.
3. It is always good to support your friends, and local entrepreneurs. You never know where these connections will lead, or what benefit you will receive in the future.
Sometimes we talk about the importance of community connections.
These can be at your local gym, hobby clubs, churches, chamber of commerce, or your children’s schools.
Sure, fundraisers, conferences, and private events are a great place to meet people of privilege, but these seemingly average places of community can provide more than expected.
I am not talking only in the event of a collapse when community and cooperation will be necessary.
We are talking about unexpected journeys.
The privilege of relationships is they can make life surprising, fun, and entertaining even during slightly depressing, anxious times.
Here’s what I mean:
My wife and I have been supporting a local entrepreneur who’s been chugging along for about three years.
She has a Master’s in Organic Chemistry, very smart, but wanted to do something she could take more ownership of.
Now, normally if someone were to say they wanted to ***make jewelry,*** I would be questioning the effectiveness of their venture.
But, I agreed with my wife.
She found her niche…
And how to scale a fashion brand.
In a few weeks, her earrings and other jewelry will be featured on the runways of Paris’ Fashion Week because of a partnership with another fashionista here in Vancouver, Canada.
Good for her.
To see her off, and to continue to support her, we are attending a quiet fashion show with a few dozen other people tonight.
I am not the fashion type. I prefer a plain white v-neck t-shirt most working days. This will require a suit and a white collared, button-down, oxford-cotton. That’s fine…
My point isn’t about fashion though.
My point is you never know where your support will take you, who you will meet, or what unexpected journeys it will take you on.
That is a privilege of life.
