Should You Invest in Gold? Navigating the Current Price Surge

Gold bars illustrate the question, "Should you invest in gold?"

What drives gold prices to record-breaking highs in today’s market? Why do financial experts remain cautious about gold as a long-term investment strategy? Should you invest in gold? Gold has captured investors’ attention as prices soar past $2,600 per ounce, driven by global economic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and changing central bank strategies. Yet, despite its recent performance, gold has historically delivered lower returns than stocks and comes with unique investment challenges. Keep reading to learn whether you should invest in this precious metal and how it might fit into your financial strategy.

Eliminating Taxes on Tips: Is It a Viable Plan?

A black jar labeled "TIPS" on the counter in a cafe illustrates eliminating taxes on tips

Why are presidential candidates suddenly interested in making tips tax-free? What potential problems could arise from eliminating taxes on gratuities? Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris proposed eliminating taxes on tips as part of their 2024 campaign platforms. Their proposals aim to increase take-home pay for millions of service industry workers, but economists warn of significant challenges and potential consequences. Keep reading to discover the complex implications of eliminating taxes on tips and how this policy could affect workers, businesses, and the broader economy.

Preparing for the 2025 Job Market—What Skills You’ll Need

A man in a suit looking through binoculars that have "2025" written in the lenses, he is looking toward the 2025 job market

What skills will you need for the 2025 job market? How can job seekers optimize their search process in an AI-driven hiring landscape? The 2025 job market is expected to be an interesting one—some sectors are expected to surge while others will dramatically slow. To prepare for these changes, there are a few things you can do ahead of time. Here’s how to prepare for the evolving job market.

The Power of Billionaires in the US: Their 3 Effects on Society

Elon Musk

How do billionaires affect society? Is it possible to reduce their influence? US billionaires’ wealth has been soaring, and they’re exerting unprecedented influence in politics and government. However, with their expanding wealth and visibility, billionaires are coming under more scrutiny. Below we’ll explore the power of billionaires and their mixed impact on the US economy and society.

What Are the Limitations of the Green Revolution? (False Alarm)

A house with solar panels on the roof illustrates what the limitations of the green revolution are

What are the limitations of the green revolution that’s supposed to save our planet? Can renewable energy sources really replace fossil fuels and solve our climate crisis? In False Alarm, Bjorn Lomborg challenges the optimistic vision of a world powered entirely by renewable energy. He examines real-world examples from both developing and developed nations to reveal the practical constraints of solar, wind, and other green technologies. Keep reading to discover why the transition to renewable energy might be more complicated than you’ve been led to believe.

Howard Marks’s Mastering the Market Cycle: Book Overview

A man reading a book in an office

What’s Howard Marks’s Mastering the Market Cycle about? How unpredictable is the securities market? One of the world’s leading investors, Howard Marks, claims that the securities market is a lot more predictable than people realize. In Mastering the Marketing Cycle, he discusses three cycles that shape the investing landscape and impact the securities market. Read more in our brief overview of Mastering the Marketing Cycle.

What Is the Economic Cycle? Definition and Importance, Explained

A tree with coins, representing what an economic cycle is

What is the economic cycle? What happens during this type of business cycle? According to Howard Marks, the economy experiences cyclical swings as it expands and contracts. These swings lead to long-term economic fluctuations due to shifts in productivity and net hours worked, as well as short-term fluctuations due to changes in spending patterns.  Keep reading to learn more about how the economic cycle works and how it can affect your business.

The 2 Reasons Why the Profit Cycle Undergoes Sharp Swings

A dollar sign inside a circle, representing a profit cycle

What’s the profit cycle? How does a company’s debt affect its true profits? Howard Marks says that the economic cycle is closely related to another foundational cycle: the profit cycle. The profit cycle undergoes sharp swings as profits regularly increase far more than 5% or decrease far more than 2%.  Continue reading to learn why the profit cycle experiences these sharp swings.

What Is the Credit Cycle? The Factors Behind Lending Loans

A person holding a credit card, showing what the credit cycle is

What is the credit cycle? What do lenders look at if you want to extend credit? Much like the profit cycle depends on the economic cycle, the credit cycle is highly contingent on the economy. According to Howard Marks, the credit cycle swings wildly in response to economic changes, causing credit to fluctuate from easily available to heavily restricted.  Discover more about the credit cycle’s patterns.

How to Manage Investors: A Guide to Winning Partnerships

Three smiling professionals sitting at a table with papers on it illustrate how to manage investors

How do successful business owners build lasting relationships with their capital providers? What strategies help maintain those connections while attracting new investors? In his book Raising Private Capital, Matt Faircloth outlines several ways to develop a thriving real estate investment business. His approach, which is transferrable to other types of businesses, combines systematic networking, effective communication, and strategic brand management to create sustainable partnerships with investors. Keep reading to discover how to manage investors while building a successful business.