In today's Lifetime Income podcast, we cover a topic that is on the minds of many this time of the year--travel. Whether it's off to see the kids or grandkids or a trip overseas, there are a number of essential steps that you need to take before leaving home. Unfortunately, most don't take these things into consideration and often end up with well-laid travel plans in ruin. Make sure this doesn't happen to you as we explain the basics for "traveling well, safe and healthy." Lastly, to help put these changes into context, we look at the following case study, view the embedded file below or see PDF here.

It's hard to believe the first half of the year is over but, so far, things are looking good: the economy is picking up, unemployment is at record lows, inflation is moderate, and the stock market is still in positive territory. What could possibly go wrong? We look at the leading economic indicators (LEIs) and what they're telling us for the second half of the year. In the second part of today's Big Picture podcast, Jim and John cover the oil markets and why they think oil prices could still be heading higher. What does that mean for the markets and the economy? Tune in and find out!

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After this week's market wrap-up with Ryan Puplava, Gary Dorsch at Global Money Trends discusses the longest bull market in history with a powerful trifecta of shrinking share counts, record buybacks, and massive M&A activity. Next, Financial Sense Newshour speaks with well-known precious metals analyst Dave Morgan, who gives a bearish warning on gold and silver. Tune in to hear what he has to say!

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With the advancement of technology, we are beginning to see more opportunities being created for people to work in the rapidly growing "gig economy." In today's Lifetime Income, we look at the people, jobs, and main reasons the gig economy is growing and how this is a major part of people rethinking their retirement. Lastly, to help put these changes into context, we look at the following case study. See how Stan and Kate Barnett consider residential decisions in "Real Estate in 2018: The Land of Opportunity?" View the embedded file below or see PDF here..

Ryan Puplava, CEO of Financial Sense Wealth Management, discusses what moved the market this week and also provides a technical update on stocks (particularly emerging markets), bonds, commodities, and currencies. Next, Cris Sheridan and Ryan Sweet from Moody's cover the US economy, this week's employment report, how long they think this economic cycle will last, and much more.

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Related links:Ryan Puplava CMT's chart packRyan Sweet's chart pack

For the first half of 2018, emerging markets are down almost 8%. Developed markets ex-US are down 4.5%. Emerging market currencies are also down big this year and bonds haven't fared well either. About the only thing going up, so far, are the FAANG stocks (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google) with the tech sector now comprising over 25% of the S&P 500. Chris Puplava, CIO of Financial Sense Wealth Management, discusses what this means in terms of the "big picture" and your investments.

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FS Insider interviews Senior International Economist for Ned Davis Research, Alejandra Grindal, to look at the impact escalating trade tariffs are having on the global economy, according to their Global Trade Monitor, and what this means for the outlook for the US, global markets, and elsewhere. Ned Davis Research is a global provider of independent investment research solutions to the world's leading financial institutions. You can find out more or sign up for a trial request by going to https://www.ndr.com.

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Related links/interviews:

Alejandra Grindal on Demographic Demise or Opportunity?

Manufacturing Good But Major Capacity Limits Hit

Recession Alert: World Headed for Cyclical Slowdown

Yang: China LEIs Falling "Quite Sharply", Inflation at a Major Turning Point

ITR Economics' Chris Steele on 2019 Industrial Recession

Pettis: China Has Most to Lose in Trade War

Danielle DiMartino Booth: It Won't Take Much More for the Fed to Break the Markets

Financial Sense Newshour's Paul Horn interviews Elizabeth Morgan of Elizabeth Morgan & Associates to discuss the variety of tools available for individuals when it comes to asset protection, tax shelters, and more. Ms. Morgan frequently advises clients on the resolution of international tax and treaty issues in connection with their estate and business planning and serves as outside counsel to several high net worth family offices.

Click here to see our full archive of prior Lifetime Income broadcasts on college planning, taxes, real estate, health, and more.

In our last podcast, we identified three storm fronts that are building in the financial markets. Today, we look at these more in-depth and what investors should be doing to prepare their portfolios, especially if they are near or in retirement. For our case study, see "Beware the Overzealous Advisor" (click here for pdf) or follow along with the slides below.

In this hour-long Big Picture broadcast, Greg Weldon discusses his recent 150-page special report, Shelter from the Storm, looking at the economic and financial storms about to hit US, Canada, Germany and elsewhere. Listen in and hear what Greg has to say. For access to the full report, click here for more information.

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