Professor Carl Van Horn

As America’s unemployment problem only gets worse, researchers are revealing some disturbing responses and habits among those who can’t find work.

Bottom line:  The out-of-work are losing hope.

If you are unemployed, do you see yourself in this week’s interview?

Professor Carl Van Horn, director of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, shares some interesting and disturbing trends among the jobless, based on his study of 1,200 jobless participants.

The new study, Out of Work and Losing Hope: The Misery and Bleak Expectations of American Workers by Dr. Cliff Zukin, Dr. Carl Van Horn, and Charley Stone, was released just last week.

Two-thirds of respondents reported being depressed. More than half said they have borrowed money from friends or relatives. One quarter said they have skipped mortgage or rent payments.

Van Horn is afraid the situation will only get worse in the years ahead.

As Van Horn told CBS News recently, “This is not your ordinary dip in the business cycle.”

More Information

• Read more about the study, Out of Work and Losing Hope: The Misery and Bleak Expectations of American Workers.  Here’s the full report, press release and verbatim comments from survey participants
• CBS News coverage of the study:  Jobless Traumatized by Tough Economy
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Here’s how the Rutgers study was covered on last Friday’s CBS Evening News:

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"Occupy Wall Street" Comes to Austin, Texas

Today, the Occupy Wall Street movement came to my town:  Austin, Texas.

In this special episode of Financial Survival Radio, we hear from a few randomly-selected protesters who explain why they’ve joined OWS and what they expect from the movement.

While today’s demonstration was extensively covered by local TV news in Austin, there is a near-zero chance that they will actually broadcast some of the ideas expressed in these interviews.  Here’s a good example of how incurious local TV types are glossing over the story.

In this show, you’ll hear the protesters in their own words.  What do they really want?  What happens when hundreds of people show up, each with dozens of different agendas?

And more importantly, is this movement in grave danger of being co-opted by the very dark forces the protesters have come to oppose?

While I have had some suspicion and misgivings about OWS, today’s crowd in Austin left me feeling energized and hopeful.  People are indeed starting to wake up.

Update to something I mentioned on the show:  Apparently, I really suck at guessing crowd sizes.  While I had figured a couple of hundred people were present at today’s protest, the local paper says it was more like 1,200.

Photos

Protester and podcaster John Duffy

More Information

• Check out the Occupy Austin website
• Listen to the podcast of one of the protesters we met, John Duffy’s Grow Food, Raise Hell Podcast
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Max Keiser

RT Network and Press TV financial analyst Max Keiser is here to offer a preview of America’s financial future.

Based on events unfolding now, Keiser says the US economy will eventually revolve around prison labor and online gaming.

One of the biggest red flags, he says, is the emergence of online games like Zynga’s FarmVille, where people spend time and money to grow virtual vegetables, as I understand it.

Max also talks about the recent downturn in gold and silver prices.  Is this a case of continued manipulation, or is something else at work here?

Keiser fully supports what he has called a “global insurrection against banker occupation (GIABO),” and talks about the chances of success for the current “Occupy Wall Street” movement in America.

And what, in Max’s opinion, is the biggest sucker’s investment out there in the US today, whether it be an investment of money or of your time and energy?

More Information

• Watch Max’s shows and read his blog at MaxKeiser.com
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I'd better not screw this one up

I have received instructions from my mother-in-law to find her a cash-flowing fourplex, pronto.

She would prefer that I find the property somewhere in her own town of Killeen, Texas, which is home to the Fort Hood Army Base.

We’re trying to find something that cash flows $1,000, which is possible, but also comes with several risks.

Here’s a link to the first property mentioned on the show:  1313 Quail Circle.

And here’s the second fourplex we found at 4305 Abigail.

You’ll hear why we were attracted to both of these listings, and you’ll also hear why we have scratched these two properties off our list.

Our search is just beginning.  We’ll be sure to keep you posted on how it all turns out.

More Information

• Got any advice for us in our search for a 4plex?  Send us an email or call our listener feedback line (see the upper-right column of this page for all the contact info).
• Right after I recorded this podcast, I noticed this AP story:  “In America, it’s starting to feel as if there are two housing markets. One for the rich and one for everyone else.”
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Does this man stand a chance?

As the US presidential campaign begins, we’ve noticed major TV and print media are repeating a huge lie, over and over again.

The lie is this:  That Congressman Ron Paul is not electable.  Or that anyone else, for that matter, is unelectable besides three anointed candidates within the entire Republican party.

Are you buying it?  I’m afraid a lot of people are.

The concerted media effort to marginalize people like Ron Paul really demonstrates the danger of consuming what Catherine Austin Fitts has described here on the show as “tapeworm media.”

We also talk about our strong opinion that now is the time to begin loading up your IRA or 401K with physical gold and silver, if you haven’t already.

You can help get the word out to the people you care about by telling them about our online class, 401K and IRA RESCUE:  How to Safeguard Your Retirement Account from the Coming Economic Emergency.

More Information

• Learn more about Ron Paul’s presidential campaign
• Watch CNN’s Candy Crowley do a mind trick on her viewers
• Download 401K and IRA RESCUE:  How to Safeguard Your Retirement Account from the Coming Economic Emergency
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Pasha Roberts

Pasha Roberts joins us this week to talk about his upcoming film, Silver Circle.

It’s an animated action-adventure movie which will appear soon at film festivals across the country, and then hopefully onto a nationwide theatrical release.   Pasha is the writer, producer and director for the film.

In this interview, Pasha describes the film’s depiction of America in the year 2019, when Federal Reserve troops occupy the streets, and citizens wisely begin rejecting worthless paper money, instead bartering in their own silver currency.

The film also explores a very real possibility – the Fed’s potential takeover and further manipulation of the housing market.

We also talk about the issues involved in getting a film like this produced these days.  What does the future hold for these kinds of films, which further promote precious metals and liberty?

You’ll also hear us both grumble a bit about how poorly the gasping, wheezing, dinosaur media (I’m looking at you, CNN) is treating presidential candidate Ron Paul.

More Information

• Check out the Silver Circle movie website and learn how you can help support the film
• Read the Silver Circle Underground blog
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Kim Kiyosaki

When I first heard this interview with Rich Woman author Kim Kiyosaki on Jerry Robinson‘s Follow the Money Weekly show, I couldn’t wait to share it with my audience.

Kim is the wife of Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Unfair Advantage.

In this discussion, Kim talks about how she got started in her real estate investing career, and how the smartest investors can creatively put deals together.

While Kim tends to focus her message on women investors, her personal investing story is fascinating, educational and totally applicable to both sexes.

For example, in the current economy, many people mistakenly believe they cannot invest in real estate due to a poor credit score or any other factor that causes a conventional lender to say, “no.”  Kim remembers how crappy her own personal finances were back when she got started, but she managed to plow forward anyway using seller-financed transactions as a key investment tool.

She also explains why doing well as an investor may all come down to who you choose to hang around.

Jerry did a fantastic job with this interview, and we thank him for allowing us to replay it here on our show.

More Information

• Check out Kim Kiyosaki’s website, RichWoman.com
• Kim and her husband Robert lead the Rich Dad Company
• Listen to more episodes of Jerry Robinson’s Follow the Money weekly radio show
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Greenspan: "We can always print money."

Stick a fork in it – the US Dollar is a goner.

Within the past couple of weeks, the US Government and Federal Reserve have all but confirmed that the Dollar will be hyperinflated into oblivion.  I draw this conclusion after a series of news events and announcements that were made just recently.

In this episode, we review a recent appearance made by former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan on NBC’s Meet the Press, in which Greenspan stated it was impossible for the US do default on its debt because “we can always print money.”

This blunt statement came just as the Federal Reserve confirmed it will leave interest rates near zero at least through 2013.  This means people who save money are going to be creamed, and debtors and speculators will continue to have the upper hand.

We also listen to a recent TV interview with legendary investor Jim Rogers who does a great job of summing up what’s happening lately, and what it all means to investors.  When asked by the interviewer if the US is about to devolve to the point where life becomes all about “firewood and field plowing,” Rogers said yes.

How do you protect yourself financially from the coming destruction of the dollar?  We explore a few ideas this week.

More Information

• Hear Jim Rogers’ appearance here on Financial Survival Radio last April
• Read Robert Kiyosaki’s analysis of Bank of New York Mellon’s decision to begin charging depositors for holding their money (free subscription required)
• Get a little more truth in your TV news by watching RT – Russia Today
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Is this a hint?

Have you seen the latest cover of Money magazine?  One prominent You-Tuber says it’s loaded with subliminal messages about gold and silver.  Of course, we are on the case.

Plus, precious metals expert and monetary historian Larry LaBorde is back with his analysis of the precious metals market and all the latest news.

Also on the show, one of our listeners, Carlos, calls in to tell us about a risk-free precious metals CD that is available from Everbank.  It’s an interesting idea, but not exactly my cup of tea.

Here’s the YouTube video from SGT on hidden gold and silver clues embedded in Money magazine:

And here’s a follow-up to the above video:

More Information:

• Watch Larry’s presentation on placing physical precious metals inside your IRA or 401K retirement account without any tax penalties:  401K and IRA RESCUE
• Visit Larry LaBorde’s website, www.SilverTrading.net
• Here’s a photo of the two silver coins I recently purchased at a coin shop in Louisiana
• Learn more about the “Timeless Metals MarketSafe CD” that’s being offered by Everbank.  Not for me, but maybe you might like it.
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Catherine remembers how she had to reinvent herself during a professional crisis of her own several years ago, and how job seekers today can learn from it.

Also, what does the future hold for real estate investors in the current politically-managed economy?  Who will win and who will lose?

I also couldn’t resist asking Catherine about those ubiquitous “Silver is going to $500 an ounce!” news articles that never fail to capture my attention.  I very much want it to be true — but are we really going to see $500 silver (heck, even $300 silver) anytime soon? You don’t want to miss hearing Catherine’s answer in this week’s audio podcast.

Catherine also weighs city versus country living in financially turbulent times.

And hear why it’s more important than ever now for investors to embrace volatility.

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Catherine Austin Fitts

Investment advisor Catherine Austin Fitts joins us again for a fascinating 2-part interview.

In this first half of our discussion, Catherine explores whether we are going through an economic collapse – or if, in fact, this economic “breakdown” we’re witnessing is actually a carefully planned re-engineering of the world’s economic system.  Catherine breaks down the meaning of what she calls “a politically-managed economy.”

We also talk about technologies and medical breakthroughs that are being supressed by the global elite.  Knowing what she knows, what would Catherine do to find a cure if she were to ever be diagnosed with cancer?

We also discuss why I am personally avoiding corporate health insurance, and some of the alternatives to it that Catherine is currently exploring.

Next week:  Hear Catherine’s advice about the current job market for both the young and young at heart.  Plus, find out how she personally reinvented herself during her own professional crisis years ago.  Also, what are the chances of seeing $500/oz. silver soon?

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You might say we now have something in common with Mr. and Mrs. Roper from the old Three’s Company sitcom:  We’re now landlords.

A recent Wall Street Journal report says becoming a landlord might be a smart move for retirees.  But we think it’s even smarter to do it in your 30s.

We also explore a disturbing trend this year for summer job-seeking teens:  The old fogeys are absorbing many of the low-wage summer jobs that would otherwise go to teenagers.

During the show, Michele and I look back on our own summer jobs back when we were teens during the late ’80s and early ’90s, back when jobs were much easier to come by.  Michele flipped burgers, and I was an awkward radio DJ.  Ah, the good old days….

We hear a recent CBS News report about a teen who’s trying to find a summer job to help pay for a community college education.

My question:  What’s the freaking point?  Why get a job, to pay for a diploma, that is supposed to help you get another job, when such jobs do not seem to be in abundance these days?  And why go to college if you don’t yet know what you want to do with the degree?  Michele and I both sound off on the issue.

Watch the recent CBS News story here about the dismal summer job market for teens:

• Wall Street Journal article:  Want a Job?  Become a Landlord
• Read Robert Kiyosaki’s take on the above WSJ article
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We’re taking a break from podcasting for the remainder of June in order to focus on an important business project. Until we return with new shows in July, please enjoy one of our favorite “retro” episodes of Financial Survival Radio.

Peak Oil is a topic anyone with financial survival concerns should be aware of. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Kathy McMahon specializes in therapy for people who are specifically concerned about it. An untold number of people around the world are deeply disturbed by what Peak Oil will mean to their lives and the world around them in the near future.

Some sufferers can’t help but focus on the fact that many of the things around them now will eventually disappear as oil supplies dwindle. “For example, we’re seeing a phenomenon called a nostalgia for the present, where they go into a supermarket and look at a display of bananas, and they’ll say to themselves, I remember when bananas used to be really cheap and you could just walk into a store and get as many as you wanted,” said Dr. McMahon.

“Or they’ll walk down a city street, and instead of seeing active businesses and cars in the parking lot, they see boarded-up businesses and burned-out cars…. It’s like they see the ghost of Christmas future in front of them.”

Dr. McMahon, who describes herself as the “Peak Oil Shrink,” started the Peak Oil Blues website and continues to invite people to the site to join the discussion.

From her website: Kathy McMahon, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, practices marital and family therapy, and is also a certified sex therapist and educator. She teaches graduate school, maintains a small clinical and online practice, and supervises doctoral psychology interns in an urban social service agency for the poor. She also raises chickens. Dr. McMahon is active in her local community’s efforts to eradicate hunger and power-down to a low-energy future. Despite being pessimistic about the future of cheap energy she’s very hopeful about the power of small groups of people creating a simpler but more meaningful life together, while simultaneously annoying each other in the process. She has been quoted as saying “If I can’t dance, I don’t want the Armageddon.”

More Information

• Visit Dr. McMahon’s Peak Oil Blues blog
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We’re taking a break from podcasting for the remainder of June in order to focus on an important business project. Until we return with new shows in July, please enjoy one of our favorite “retro” episodes of Financial Survival Radio.

This episode was originally released on December 16, 2010.

Author, precious metals expert and monetary historian Larry LaBorde is back on Financial Survival Radio to talk about all the troubling signals of an impending crash in the stock and bond markets, and why anyone with a 401K or IRA needs to take immediate action before it’s too late.

Larry also discusses his online video seminar, 401K and IRA Rescue: How to Safeguard Your Retirement Account From the Coming Economic Emergency, which is now available to watch instantly.

The 3-part video seminar covers:

• The 2 asset classes brokers and financial planners love to sell you (because it makes them money) and the 5 others they almost never tell you about
• Why the US Dollar is ultimately headed to zero (yes, zero) value
• The little-known method used by the US Government and Federal Reserve to rob your savings account, and how they’ve gotten away with it
• The real reason banks are currency paying less than 1% interest on your savings account
• The 4 biggest future trends that should guide your investment strategies
• What the Chinese are doing right now that American investors should be doing, and why American political leaders won’t say a word about it
• A step-by-step guide to investing in physical gold and silver (not the “paper” investments, but the real stuff) within your IRA or 401K, without any tax penalties
• How do you know when it’s finally time to sell your gold or silver?
• A shocking prediction on the future price of silver versus the price of an average single-family home in America
• The 3 other important things Larry is doing today to prepare for the coming economic emergency

To watch Larry’s video seminar right now, go here: http://financialsurvivalradio.com/goldsilver/

More Information

• Start watching Larry’s presentiation, 401K and IRA RESCUE
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