The Agenda is full as we head into Data Discovery week – which is when Inflation and Retail show up for confession. But lots of moving pieces to consider ahead of that. Breaking: International Trade  Goods and Services picture was set to drop this morning from Census.  Against a backdrop of the US Oil tanker … Read More

Fed decision  is out – and if you’re a billionaire in the swim with a new IPO, who loves you? The Fed just issued this: Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace. Job gains have slowed this year, and the unemployment rate has edged up through September. More recent … Read More

Getting rich fast?  No one we know.  And things don’t look much easier when the calendar rolls over in 22-days. But getting rich slowly works for us.  And so our first major 2026 planning document lands this morning.  It’s a compilation of life stories, financial basics, and learning to “run the clock” to your advantage … Read More

There is – as usual – much to talk about. But with our “action over loose talk” mindset here, we’re becoming almost ruthless in cutting through “news filler” and “emo-clicks.” Because – in the end – it better be a spend, or it’s out, my friend. Breaking: Numbers Just out: “WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 9, 2025) – … Read More

Just 18 Shopping Days until Christmas,.  Only 7 to Channuka, which is Dec. 14th.  Most important: Only 24-days to load in champagne ahead of New Year’s Eve. Which to us?  Gender-questionable.  (Everyone’s balls drop…) [rimshot] Fact4Actition:  BTR This Week? Fact: Next week delivers a rare triple punch of economic data — U.S. Inflation (CPI), Employment … Read More

This is the time of the year when men tend to hurt themselves.  Lifting more than they should. Later on today, Elaine and I will be moving a new 85″ TV into position.  Sure, we MIGHT have called in (neighbors) to help.  But where is the challenge in that? But it gets me to a … Read More

Guilty as charged! I tend to overthink things especially when new technology is involved.  But it’s a useful frontpiece to our deeper work (investing, running a bulletproof life, etc.) to sit back for a minute and wonder what’s all this “Change” stuff about. It’s especially hard for people who are older – because of something … Read More

Yeah, been up since the wee hours today – with a ton of AI work in the predawn dark. News flows are tepid, markets still nibbling rumors higher, ahead of Fed week. Leaving us a “workable weekend” with necessary deliverables.  While over in our AI lab, a serious scolding and time-out for Grok. But the … Read More

Decoding Thursday JTR= Jobs, Trade, Rumors BTR = Buy The Rumor F4A = Fact for Action Fact For Action Fact: December 3, 2025, ADP reported U.S. private employers cut 32,000 jobs — the third drop in four months — surprising economists expecting gains. So what: A weakening labor market means many households could face tighter … Read More

Our recent two-part “impact” series has uncovered one of the biggest prepping problems in the world — a subject that’s rarely discussed outside niche circles of disaster recovery planners. In fact, up until recently, it was largely ignored in mainstream discussions. Given the volatility of federal budgets lately, I think you can guess how well … Read More

It’s the “day after” Cyber Monday. At least early, the pretense of normal shows up before lunch. Take the meeting.  Could be a short visit.  As we’ll explain. Cynic’s Agenda STMR probably means “short-term manic rally.” Glitter might hint gold is taking a comp time day, but silver fundies rock. BTC has “debrinked itself” but just … Read More

We are braced for Cyber Monday with a cheap 86-inch Q-type TV landing today. Amazon (here) and credit card burns being somewhat synonymous. We are between an inflationary “hard place” and trying our damnedest to “rock on…” Morning Agenda My friend the Economic Fractalist has nailed it – so we’re both running nailing guns around this … Read More

Yeah… I are one.  But I ain’t stupid about it.  Allow me to present an actually useful report.  This is the highly-useful companion to our “The AC7X Ham Radio Tube-type Gear Addict’s Calendar.” Seasonal Tool-Buying Master Guide January – Early March (Top Window #1)Holiday bills and tax prep hit. People unload tools for cash flow. Pawnshops … Read More