(The Economic Collapse Blog)—When I was a kid, “Weekend at Bernie’s” was one of my all-time favorite movies. In that film, two guys worked really hard to convince everyone that their boss was still alive so that they wouldn’t get into trouble. I remember laughing throughout that entire movie. Today, the Biden administration is working really hard to convince all of us that the U.S. economy is still alive, and that isn’t funny at all. A horrific cost of living crisis is absolutely crushing millions of U.S. households, large companies are conducting mass layoffs all over the nation, and the real estate industry is in a gigantic mess. But Joe Biden and his minions would have us believe that everything is just fine.
What we are witnessing is so similar to a very shocking incident that recently happened in Brazil.
A very disturbed woman, seeking a loan, actually wheeled a corpse into a local bank…
Now Joe Biden, seeking another term, is wheeling out the corpse of the U.S. economy and pretending that it is still alive.
But no matter how many fake numbers they give us, we all know the truth.
Last week, I came across a very sad post by an elderly man on a popular Internet forum, and it was one of the most heartbreaking things that I have read in a very long time…
For the first time ever, the wife went to the local food bank yesterday. We had dinner last night because she did. My heart is crushed. I have always been able to keep food in our house. We met in 84 , married in 92 and we have had some tough times sure enough. But it’s never been like this. I don’t know how people are making it. Our bills are all paid. So we are indeed fortunate. The past two years has been an ever increasing decline in our ability to make ends meet. The cost of literally everything has taken what we use to put in the bank for road trips to the coast or mountains. Now we can’t afford to even feed ourselves.
How much more are you going to take from us? You democrats have brought us low. Now we can’t even afford to eat. The wife and I are thin anyways. The wife, she weighs maybe 95 pounds. I can not let her go without food. Now I will never retire. I will die with my work boots on.
Am I alone in this? Am I the only one who has lost so much just in the last two years? Are we the only couple going without food? In all my years things have never been this bad.
Are you democrats proud of yourselves? Is this what you wanted? An elderly couple who worked their whole lives Now begging for food?
This elderly man is employed.
But the cost of living crisis has gotten so bad that he and his wife literally cannot afford enough food to eat.
This is our economy now.
And with each passing day, even more American workers are being laid off.
In fact, we just learned that Nike has decided to lay off hundreds of workers at their world headquarters…
US athletic footwear and apparel company Nike announced late in the cash session on Friday that it is undergoing a restructuring effort to trim costs at its World Headquarters (WHQ) located in Beaverton, Oregon.
Michele Adams, VP of People Solutions at Nike, might be the most hated person at the company this afternoon. In a letter to staff, she wrote that “approximately 740 employees at WHQ” will be “permanently” laid off by late June.
No job in the private sector is truly safe at this point.
In recent months, we have seen dozens of large companies in the U.S. conduct mass layoffs.
And a lot more layoffs will be coming in the months ahead.
Meanwhile, the real estate industry continues to tank.
Last month, sales of previously owned homes were down 4.3 percent…
Sales of previously owned homes dropped 4.3% in March compared with February, to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 4.19 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales were 3.7% lower than in March 2023.
High interest rates are killing home sales, and they are absolutely devastating the commercial real estate industry.
But the Federal Reserve is scared to reduce interest rates at this point, because that will just make our cost of living crisis even worse.
They have trapped themselves in a no win situation.
After years of incredibly bad decisions, those that are running our economy are out of good options.
But even though economic conditions are so bad right now, Joe Biden and his minions would like us to believe that everything is just great and that a new golden age of prosperity is right around the corner…
It is mind-blowing that Biden’s campaign ads still claim he helped the ordinary American worker. The economic bad news just keeps coming, as inflation climbs up and up in spite of propaganda to the contrary, real wages drop, and the value of the dollar goes down both at home and abroad. And even while real wages are decreasing, inflation is costing Americans an estimated $1,000 extra every month.
The rich are doing well, but the rest of us are struggling. The wealthiest Americans reportedly increased their fortunes by $195 billion just in Biden’s first 100 days in office back in 2021, and it didn’t stop there. Economist Dave Brat noted on April 10 that the wealth of America’s top 1% hit a record $44 trillion. The top 1% own half of our country’s individually held stocks, while 87% of such stocks and mutual funds belong to the top 10% of Americans.
Biden’s economy helps the uber-rich, but it is absolutely disastrous for ordinary Americans.
If you are ultra-wealthy, you are probably doing extremely well in this economic environment.
But just about everyone else is really struggling.
We really do have a “Weekend at Bernie’s economy”, and the Democrats really do have a “Weekend at Bernie’s candidate”…
That video would be a lot funnier if it wasn’t so true.
By now, most of you realize that this story is not going to end well.
In my latest book entitled “Chaos”, I included a lot of practical tips that will help you get prepared for what is ahead of us.
A major economic meltdown has already begun, but we are still only in the early chapters.
And it has become exceedingly clear that the guys that are currently running the show are definitely not equipped to lead us out of this mess.
Michael’s new book entitled “Chaos” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can check out his new Substack newsletter right here.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.


