Sunday March 2nd

Another week, another round of geopolitical drama, financial chaos, and enough scandals to keep conspiracy theorists busy for months. The markets are shaky, tax refunds are shrinking, and apparently, the EU is still mad that Trump won’t play nice. Let’s break it all down.

First up, Trump vs. the European Union. The President took aim at the EU this week, claiming it was basically built to rip off the U.S. Whether you agree or not, one thing is clear: the man does not hold back. In a fiery Oval Office showdown, Trump and JD Vance clashed with Zelensky over Ukraine aid and peace talks, accusing him of being ungrateful and reckless. The argument escalated to the point where Trump abruptly ended the meeting and asked Zelensky to leave, canceling a planned minerals agreement and casting doubt on future U.S. support for Ukraine.

Back home, tax season is serving up some disappointment—the average IRS refund is down by about a third so far this year. So, if you were hoping to splurge on that vacation or pay off some debt, Uncle Sam says, "Not so fast." But hey, in a rare corporate plot twist, BlackRock just informed its employees that DEI is officially a thing of the past. Looks like the finance giant is quietly backing away from the whole diversity mandate era. Who knew that maybe, just maybe, people prefer to be hired for their skills?

In the world of finance, crypto collapsed yet again—marking at least the 53rd major “crash” this year alone. At this point, crypto’s volatility is more predictable than a reality TV reunion special. Meanwhile, the latest Epstein files were released, revealing... well, not much new, except for another round of conveniently redacted names and a murder conspiracy theory that refuses to go away.

And in sad news, Hollywood legend Gene Hackman passed away under some pretty mysterious circumstances. The details are vague, but speculation is running wild—because of course it is. RIP to one of the greats.

Remember when “automation” meant your coffee maker had a timer? Now, AI is writing reports, flipping burgers, and probably drafting laws behind the scenes. Some say this is just the future—others say it’s a fast track to mass layoffs. So, what’s the verdict?

Todays Mood:

The Rundown This Week:

Apple Bets Big on America—About Time!

Looks like Apple finally got the memo: America is where the real innovation happens. The tech giant just dropped a casual $500 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing and AI innovation, proving that maybe—just maybe—China isn’t the future after all. With a new AI server factory near Houston and its Advanced Manufacturing Fund doubling to $10 billion, Apple is putting its money where its iPhones are. Wonder if this has anything to do with Trump’s pro-America policies? (Spoiler: It does.)

Bidenomics Strikes Again: Restaurants Dropping Like Flies

Hope you weren’t too attached to your favorite wings joint, because more restaurant bankruptcies are coming in 2025—and yes, even Hooters is on the chopping block. Thanks to the financial mess left behind by COVID lockdowns (reminder: government overreach at its finest), restaurants are drowning in debt, and the closures are piling up. Experts warn that many chains might not make it five more years. But don’t worry—at least we’ve got Bidenflation to keep those grocery bills nice and high, too!

House GOP to Freeloaders: Time to Clock In

Brace yourself—House Republicans just had the audacity to suggest that able-bodied adults should actually work for their government benefits. The horror! The "America Works Act of 2025" would require childless, able-bodied food stamp recipients (ages 18-65) to work at least 20 hours a week or pursue job training. You know, like functioning adults. Naturally, Democrats are outraged—because nothing terrifies them more than self-sufficiency and fewer people dependent on Uncle Sam.

In Partnership With:

Spoiler Alert: The Rich Keep America Running

Turns out, the people actually making money are the ones keeping the economy alive—who would’ve thought? The top 10% of earners now account for nearly 50% of consumer spending, a record high, according to Moody’s Analytics. Three decades ago, it was just 36%, but thanks to Bidenomics, inflation, and an economy that punishes success, the middle class is getting squeezed out. Of course, the Left still wants to tax the rich into oblivion, because why let the only people keeping the system afloat do their thing?

Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler… and a Whole Lot of Unsold Cars

Turns out, when you price a Jeep Wagoneer at $114K, people don’t exactly sprint to the dealership. Stellantis, the corporate overlord behind Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and Ram, just watched its profits nosedive 70% in 2024 because—shockingly—it takes them hundreds of days to sell a single car. Maybe Americans are tired of overpaying for bloated price tags and useless add-ons? Or maybe it’s just Bidenomics making sure no one can afford a new ride. Either way, good luck moving those lot fossils.

What Else You Might’ve Missed:

The IRS’s Best-Kept Secret (That They Hope You Don’t Find Out About)

Surprise! There’s a tax credit that could save Americans thousands—but, shocker, almost no one knows about it. The Saver’s Credit rewards people for putting money into their 401(k) or IRA, offering up to $1,000 per filer in tax breaks. But here’s the catch: most eligible taxpayers don’t claim it, probably because the IRS isn’t exactly shouting this from the rooftops. Funny how the government is lightning-fast when taking your money but moves at a snail’s pace when it comes to helping you keep it.

Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Visa: Because America Needs Job Creators, Not Freeloaders

Unlike the free-for-all at the southern border, Trump’s $5 million "gold card" visa plan is for vetted, high-value entrepreneurs who actually contribute to America—shocking concept, right? Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reassured everyone that these applicants would bring businesses, jobs, and serious tax dollars to the U.S. Instead of handing out benefits, this plan brings in wealth creators who want to invest in America, not drain it. Naturally, the Left will find a way to hate it—probably because it prioritizes success over dependency.

Gold: The Investment Boomers Were Right About

Turns out, stuffing your money into gold instead of meme stocks would’ve paid off—who knew? If you’d invested $1,000 in gold a decade ago, you’d be sitting on about $2,360 today, thanks to a 136% increase in value. That’s a 13.6% annual return, and unlike your savings account, it actually beats inflation. So while Gen Z is busy gambling on crypto, the old-school investors stacking gold bars in their safes might just get the last laugh.

Gen Z: Betting on Crypto Instead of Retirement

Forget 401(k)s and long-term planning—Gen Z is all in on crypto. A new study found they’re four times more likely to own Bitcoin, Dogecoin, or some other digital gamble than a traditional retirement account. Because who needs boring compound interest when you can YOLO your savings into the latest meme coin? Millennials aren’t far behind, but at least some of them still have a 401(k). Let’s just hope their Web3 fantasy doesn’t end with them working until 90 because they “HODL’d” too long.

Eggflation: Denny’s Slaps a Surcharge on Breakfast

Hope you weren’t planning on a cheap Grand Slam, because Denny’s is now upcharging for eggs—yes, the same eggs that used to be the most basic breakfast staple. Thanks to Bidenflation and an avian flu outbreak, egg prices have skyrocketed, and now even your scrambled side is a luxury item. At this rate, don’t be surprised if restaurants start charging extra for tap water. But hey, at least we’re saving democracy, right?

Events to Watch Next Week: 🗓️

Closing Thoughts:

Retiring Abroad: The American Dream… Somewhere Else?

Let’s be honest—at some point between watching your property taxes skyrocket and seeing your grocery bill resemble a mortgage payment, you’ve probably asked yourself: Would life be better somewhere else?

Retirement abroad isn’t just for Instagram influencers and expats who “found themselves” in Bali. Increasingly, middle-class Americans are considering packing up and living out their golden years in places where the cost of living won’t eat their 401(k) alive. But is leaving the land of the free and the home of the Buffalo Wild Wings truly the answer? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

PROS: MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

✅ Your Money Goes Further

Ever checked out real estate in Mexico, Portugal, or Thailand? For the price of a one-bedroom apartment in New York, you can own an oceanfront villa with a private chef. Some expat-friendly countries have dirt-cheap healthcare, $2 beers, and rent so low it feels like a typo.

✅ Lower Taxes (and Fewer Surprise Fees)

The IRS takes a nice cut of your hard-earned money, and state governments make sure to get their slice, too. In countries like Panama and Costa Rica, expats enjoy tax-friendly policies—meaning Uncle Sam doesn’t automatically get first dibs on your Social Security check.

✅ Universal Healthcare Without the Bureaucratic Circus

If you’ve ever received a $1,500 bill for an X-ray with insurance, you might be shocked to learn that many countries offer affordable, high-quality healthcare at a fraction of U.S. prices. Places like Spain and Thailand have world-class hospitals that won’t charge you the GDP of a small nation just to check your blood pressure.

✅ Better Quality of Life (and Fewer Karens)

Imagine waking up to fresh Mediterranean air, sipping coffee on your balcony in Portugal, and not worrying about rush-hour traffic, overpriced gas, or that HOA fine because your trash can was two inches out of place. Sounds nice, right?

CONS: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

❌ You’re Not in America Anymore

Sure, the beaches are great, but what happens when you actually need something? In some countries, customer service operates on mañana time (which means “maybe tomorrow... maybe next week”). Need a package delivered? Hope you enjoy bureaucratic scavenger hunts just to find your mail.

❌ You Can Run, But the IRS Will Still Find You

Think you can dodge U.S. taxes just because you moved? Not so fast. The U.S. is one of the few countries that taxes worldwide income, meaning even if you retire in a beach hut in Belize, Uncle Sam still wants his cut. Unless you renounce citizenship (which costs thousands), the taxman will always know your address.

❌ Political & Economic Stability (or Lack Thereof)

Living abroad can feel like paradise—until suddenly, a new government takes power and changes all the rules. Property rights? Could be at risk. Tax breaks for expats? Might disappear overnight. And don’t forget currency fluctuations—your Social Security check might buy you steak one month and ramen the next.

❌ Missing American Convenience

Sure, the U.S. has its flaws, but where else can you get a Big Mac at 2 AM, next-day Amazon Prime delivery, and Costco-sized everything? Moving abroad means learning to live without the American addiction to instant gratification. Also, good luck finding decent bacon outside the U.S.—seriously, it’s a problem.

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE GREAT ESCAPE OR A BIG MISTAKE? 

Retiring outside America can be a financial game-changer—but it’s not for everyone. If you value lower costs, good weather, and a slower pace of life, it could be a dream come true. But if you love American efficiency, first-world conveniences, and not needing a visa to buy property, maybe staying put isn’t so bad after all.

At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice—just don’t forget to factor in healthcare, taxes, and whether you’re actually OK with trading football Sundays for cricket matches.

So what do you think? Would you ever consider retiring abroad? Or is America still the best bet for your golden years?