Federal revenues have hit a record $5.11 trillion—up 5% year over year—reflecting strong economic fundamentals like full employment and robust growth. Yet, this positive momentum is overshadowed by a more troubling trend: federal outlays have risen over 7%, pushing the deficit

The U.S. faces nearly $37 trillion in national debt, with annual deficits adding trillions more and major obligations like Social Security and Medicare still largely unfunded. While the path forward is unclear, what is certain is that resolving this will involve real economic

Roth conversions are often praised as a smart tax strategy—but are you seeing the full picture? This article explores the lesser-known tax traps that can turn a well-intentioned move into a costly mistake. From Medicare premiums to capital gains and tax credits, the ripple

So for all the absurd claims that the U.S. bond market was in disarray, and that foreign investors were running for the hills as panic over Treasuries took over global financial markets, the total net reduction of foreign ownership of U.S. Treasuries in April was … wait for it

The greatest risk to markets right now isn’t Iran vs. Israel—it’s valuation. With forward earnings priced at 23x, the real focus should be on what investors are paying for future growth. For dividend growth investors, the plan remains steady—focused on quality, reasonable

As we hit the halfway mark of 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on your financial progress. This mid-year check-in offers seven practical questions to help you assess everything from cash reserves and retirement contributions to charitable giving and investment

From a record-fast market recovery to pivotal policy shifts and evolving Fed expectations, the first half of 2025 has been anything but dull. This week’s Dividend Cafe Monday dives into the latest on the “Big, Beautiful Bill” in Washington, surprising housing data, and what the

David Bahnsen explores the elusive nature of financial bubbles in this week’s Dividend Cafe. While Alan Greenspan once claimed bubbles can’t be identified until they burst, Bahnsen challenges that idea—comparing it to Justice Potter Stewart’s famous “I know it when I see it”

Markets dipped, tariffs were threatened (again), and a major tax bill was signed—but what really moved the needle? Let's break down the latest in trade policy, economic data, and investor sentiment, and see what really matters, and what’s just noise. bahnsen.co/44O1PYq

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" may have passed, but not without criticism. In today's Dividend Cafe, David Bahnsen shares why he believes the bill falls short—not for what it includes, but for what it avoids: real solutions to the national debt. bahnsen.co/3GuRYO3

Are your investment expectations reasonable—or emotionally driven? This week’s Thoughts on Money dives into the importance of purpose-driven planning, the risks of misplaced expectations, and why valuation still matters. With insights on market history and behavioral finance,

Ten companies in the S&P 500 (2% of the companies) are now a record high 40% of the S&P 500’s market cap. The delta between the weighting of these companies in the index and the earnings they represent is staggering. bahnsen.co/44RsWRr

David Bahnsen reflects on the 25-year-old cautionary tale from the AOL-Time Warner merger, to emphasize that value creation doesn’t come from bold headlines or flashy synergy promises. It comes from disciplined execution and fundamental business strength. In a world of market

Not all expenses are created equal. This week’s Thoughts On Money explores why small costs often get too much attention, while big-ticket and recurring expenses quietly shape your financial future. With practical tips and relatable stories, it’s a must-read for anyone looking

The issue of what President Trump's plans are for Jerome Powell and who might replace him (whether when his term ends in May 2026 or sooner) is becoming one of the biggest issues in markets. Kevin Warsh seemed to be auditioning for the role on CNBC last week, while current Fed

The conversation around tariffs, manufacturing, and labor is often filled with strong opinions, but it's a topic that deserves good faith debate. While some see protective tariffs as a way to revitalize American manufacturing, others caution against the unintended consequences.

bahnsen.co/40zarzU Today’s guest author, Matt Gregory, TBG Director of Financial Planning, has put together an informative and entertaining recap of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Off we go!

Markets are steady, volatility is low, and trade deals are making headlines. This week’s Monday Dividend Cafe covers everything from the EU tariff agreement and Fed expectations to housing trends and energy sector momentum. bahnsen.co/44PM3MQ

Risk isn’t just about numbers—it’s about behavior. This week’s Thoughts On Money reframes how investors should think about volatility, decision-making, and portfolio design. If you’ve ever felt uneasy during market swings, this is a must-read. Let's explore a more human

From a bombshell jobs report to rising odds of Fed rate cuts, today's Monday Dividend Cafe covers the fast-moving developments shaping markets and policy. bahnsen.co/40Q9Yta