In this livestream recorded July 15, 2026, David gives his quarterly check-in on AI, including what it does well, where it still falls short, and what its massive capital spending means for jobs, stocks, and the economy. He then answers listener questions on the dollar, crypto, central bank digital currencies, and managing the model portfolios. Topics covered include: Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us Plus, you can do so by … [Read more...]
533 Plus: Donating Ether Using a Donor-advised Fund, U.S. Dollar Risk Factors, and Bitcoin Covered Call ETFs
In Plus episode 533, David discusses how he donated 40% of his Ethereum to charity. We look at the factors that will determine the long-term strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar. Finally, we analyze two Bitcoin covered call ETFs. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us Plus, you can do so by becoming a Money For the Rest of Us Plus member. Learn More About Membership Options » 533 Plus Show Notes Portfolio Trade: Reduced … [Read more...]
521 Plus: Investing in European Union Bonds, Hedging Currency Risk and a Weakening U.S. Dollar
In Plus episode 521, we explore how investors can invest in AAA rated bond backed by the European Union. We also review how non-U.S. stock currency-hedged ETFs work and whether now is a good time to increase or decrease currency hedging. Finally, we review why Goldman Sachs believes the U.S. dollar could depreciate another 20% to 30% from current levels. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us Plus, you can do so by becoming a Money … [Read more...]
515: Tariffs and the Mar-a-Lago Accord: What Trump Really Wants
How the Trump administration is using tariffs as a negotiating tool to weaken the U.S. dollar and increase the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Topics covered include: Show Notes Stock Market News, March 10, 2025: Nasdaq Falls 4% After Trump Doesn't Rule Out Recession by Caitlin McCabe and Krystal Hur—The Wall Street Journal Trump Says US Economy Faces ‘Transition,’ Avoids Recession Call by María Paula Mijares Torres—Bloomberg Is the U.S. Heading for a … [Read more...]
416 Plus: Updated Expected Return Assumptions, Will the Dollar Stay Strong, and More on Dollar Cost Averaging
In Plus Episode 416, we review the methodology Money For the Rest of Us uses to develop expected returns for different asset classes. We review the latest expected returns and how they differ from six months ago. We discuss dollar cost averaging in the face of a potential recession. Finally, we discuss whether we should consider the current level of the dollar when investing outside of the U.S. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of … [Read more...]
407 Plus: More on Annuities, Real Estate, Yield Curve, Strong Dollar, and Zombie Firms
In Plus Episode 407, we continue our discussion on fixed annuities and fixed index annuities. We discuss real estate crowdfunding platforms, inverted yield curves, Series I savings bonds, and is now a good time to invest outside the U.S. given the strong dollar. Finally, we explore what zombie firms are and whether they could cause a market crash. Become a Member If you would like to listen to this episode of Money For the Rest of Us Plus, you can do so by becoming a Money For the Rest … [Read more...]
404: Why Is the U.S. Dollar So Strong? Will It Continue?
What has caused the U.S. dollar's currency exchange rate to be the strongest in twenty years? How a strong dollar leads to slower global economic growth and falling asset prices. Topics covered include: Show Notes Wall St blames missteps at FedEx as parcel service fails to deliver Steff Chávez and Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson—Financial Times The Global Dollar Cycle by Maurice Obstfeld and Haonan Zhou, BPEA Conference Drafts, September 8–9, 2022—Brookings Papers on Economic … [Read more...]
355: Which Money Is Crazier: The U.S. Dollar or Bitcoin?
We compare the U.S. Dollar with Bitcoin on their key attributes to determine which is better for transactions and preserving wealth, which is most absurd and which has serious flaws. Topics covered include: Show Notes Federal Reserve Statistical Release: H.4.1 Factors Affecting Reserve Balances of Depository Institutions and Condition Statement of Federal Reserve Banks, August 19, 2021 Check Processing—Federal Reserve Bank of New York Gold Reserve Act of 1934—Federal … [Read more...]
338: The National Debt, Inflation, and the U.S. Dollar—What Could Go Wrong?
With a ballooning U.S. federal budget deficit, a growing national debt, and double digit increases in the money supply, is it time to bet against the dollar? Topics covered include: Show Notes Where Did Americans Move in 2020? by Janelle Cammenga—Tax Foundation Velocity of M2 Money Stock (M2V) Chart—Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Federal Surplus or Deficit [-] as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (FYFSGDA188S) Chart—Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis How the CPI … [Read more...]
297: How To Protect Your Savings
How to protect your savings from monetary threats like devaluation. Why high yield savings accounts exist and are they worth it. Topics covered include: Why Lebanon defaulted on its national debt and announced it will devalue its currency by 57%.Why some depositors in Lebanon will probably lose some of their bank savings.What investors can do to protect themselves from currency devaluations.What are stablecoins and why are they useful.Why some online banks pay above-average interest … [Read more...]
