Imagine stumbling upon a book that hits conventional wisdom like a bolt of lightning. That’s “The Big Print” by Lawrence Lepard. This isn’t just another book on your shelf; it’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re sprinting on a treadmill, working harder but not getting ahead. 

In my opinion “The Big Print” cuts through economic fluff to expose raw truth: understanding money is the key to controlling it. Think of driving a car without a steering wheel; you’re merely a passenger, not the driver. Lepard exposes the truth about unsound money — diluted and manipulated by ceaseless printing and misleading monetary policies that cast shadows over your economic security. 

Unsound money is like a sinking ship. The risks? More than mere statistics — they’re real threats to your living costs, savings, and future stability.  

Lawrence Lepard is a seasoned investment manager with a deep understanding of monetary history and macroeconomic trends. Specializing in precious metals and sound money advocacy, Lepard has built a reputation for his keen insights into the impacts of monetary policy on investments and the broader economy. His professional background includes managing equity funds and providing strategic investment advice, grounded in a philosophy that emphasizes the preservation of wealth through sound financial principles. This expertise positions him as a qualified voice in the debate over sound versus unsound money, making him well-equipped to author a book that delves into the necessity of a stable monetary system for economic stability and growth. 

Most folks across America — and indeed, the globe — sense that despite our dazzling tech advancements, there’s a disturbing twist in the trajectory of our nation and our world. The reasons are many, but Mr. Lepard has zeroed in on a crucial, often-overlooked root problem: The Money Is Broken. He didn’t just ponder this in silence; he wrote a whole book about it. Lepard shares his journey and the history that led us here, breaking down the complexities into something anyone can grasp. He explains what went awry, why it’s a problem, and how we can right the ship. 

Lepard’s tome tackles the burning issues of inflation and the gaping chasm of wealth inequality, asserting that these aren’t woes we must accept as our fate. He issues a rallying cry to all — regardless of age or political stripe. The pillars of sound money and personal liberties once elevated post-WWII America to a revered and dominant global stance. Regrettably, we’ve strayed from these foundational principles that once catapulted us to greatness. 

Moreover, Lepard delves into the current investment landscape, highlighting the dangers lurking for savers and projecting market trajectories for the coming decade. He offers a caution: there will be victors and victims. The seismic shifts in our monetary framework promise massive upheaval, yet there’s a silver lining. Revolutionary tech developments and emerging trends herald a brighter future. Understanding our monetary mechanics is crucial to overcoming today’s global predicaments. Lepard’s message is crystal clear: Fix the money, and you fix the world. 

Picture this: It’s the dead of night at the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department. While the rest of the world sleeps, the guardians of America’s money are wide awake, cranking up the printing presses to a fever pitch that would make Gutenberg himself blush. This isn’t just another night of currency creation; this is the Big Print. The stakes? Nothing less than the economic future of the nation. 

The Fed and Treasury aren’t just dabbling in a bit of monetary expansion; they’re smashing the gas pedal through the floorboards. Imagine the roar of those presses churning out billions, transforming from a mere mechanical hum into the deafening roar of impending economic chaos. 

Each new batch of money dilutes the pot of fiscal stew already simmering on the back burner of the economy. What used to be a carefully balanced recipe for financial stability is now at risk of boiling over. Inflation is an inevitable guest knocking at the door, ready to crash the party. 

The implications? They’re as stark as a shadow on a moonless night. First, there’s the erosion of purchasing power. That dollar in your pocket used to buy a full loaf of bread; now, it’s lucky to snag a measly slice. Savings? Retirement funds? They’re all on a fast track to becoming as relevant as a pager in the smartphone era. 

But the plot thickens. The Big Print isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a thief in the night, stealing the value of every dollar held by hardworking folks. This isn’t a victimless crime. Every man, woman, and child who relies on fixed income, who saves a dollar, or who dreams of a stable financial future is in the crosshairs. 

And let’s not ignore the global ramifications. The world watches, wide-eyed, as the bastion of economic stability turns its currency into confetti. Foreign investors start giving the U.S. market the side-eye, wondering if it’s time to swipe left. The dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency? It’s hanging by a thread, threatened not by enemies abroad, but by policymakers at home. 

This scenario isn’t just an economic downturn waiting to happen; it’s an all-out assault on the trust and confidence that underpin the very essence of money. When that trust evaporates, what’s left? Not much, except the harsh realization that the paper in your wallet is only as valuable as the faith people place in it. 

So, what’s the climax of this thriller? It’s either a wake-up call leading to a drastic course correction or a headlong dive into the abyss of hyperinflation and economic despair. The Big Print could be the final scene in the tragedy of fiscal irresponsibility, or it could be the dramatic pivot point where heroes in government wake up, smell the acrid scent of overheating presses, and pull the plug. 

It’s a classic tale of risk and redemption. The question now is, which path will our protagonists choose? Will they heed the lessons of history, or are they doomed to repeat them? The answer will determine whether this story is a cautionary tale or a manual for economic ruin. 

In The Big Print, Lepard illustrates the money supply as measured by M2 has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 6.8% since Nixon shut the gold window on August 15, 1971.  That is quite a level of new money creation.  What is striking about this figure is that you then can compare it to Gold which has grown at 8.3% compounded over the same time frame, and stocks have grown at a 7.8% rate.   

These numbers expose the problem in a nutshell.  

The M2 money supply — aka the amount of cash floating around in the economy — has been puffing up like a fat cat at a buffet, growing at a steady 6.8% clip. Now, that might sound good, but here’s the kicker: stocks, the high-fliers of the investment world, have only nudged up a bit more at 7.8%. That’s like betting on a racehorse that barely outpaces an old nag. But wait, here’s where it gets spicy: Gold, that shiny relic from the past that everyone loves to mock, has been laughing all the way to the bank with an 8.3% growth rate. 

Yes, you heard that right. Gold — supposedly as outdated as your granddad’s dance moves — has outperformed not just the ballooning money supply but also the glam of the stock market. And if you’ve been hoarding cash under your mattress, hoping it’ll save you, here’s a wake-up call: holding cash over this time has torched more than 87% of your buying power. That’s like holding a basket while it leaks faster than a sieve. 

So, what’s the insight here? Gold, the old school champ of holding value, is still in the ring, punching above its weight, while stocks are just skating by, and cash? Cash is just burning a hole in your pocket. Remember, when the government keeps the printing presses rolling, it’s not just paper they’re printing. They’re eroding the very value of the money you sweat to earn. If your money must sit, perhaps it’s better it sits on a throne of Gold than in the sinking ship of fiat currency. 

Most people are aware that the currency buys less but they cannot explain the mechanism as to “how” this occurs.  They see inflation as something that greedy corporations do to drive prices higher. Instead of diagnosing the problem correctly we must recognize that the source of the problem is the persistent growth of the money supply. 

Across the sweep of history, civilizations rise and fall, with their currencies often at the heart of their stories, frequently crumbling into economic ruins. Why do fiat currencies — the money not backed by a physical commodity — so often fail? It’s a tale as old as money itself, interwoven with human greed and the waxing and waning of governmental restraint. 

Fiat currencies are fundamentally promises made on paper — promises by governments to their people that this paper holds value. But here’s the crucial point: these promises are only as strong as the trust in the government that issues them. When that trust evaporates, so does the value of the currency. Historically, this erosion of trust is triggered by a government’s irresistible temptation to print more money than its country can back up — either to fund burgeoning budgets or to soothe political pressures without causing immediate economic pain. 

The lesson here is as much about human psychology as it is about economic policy. At its core, the failure of fiat currencies teaches us about the peril of short-term solutions to long-term problems. They reveal our all-too-human flaws — procrastination, denial, and wishful thinking. Leaders postpone the pain of fiscal restraint by printing money, hoping to avoid immediate discomfort or political backlash. However, like delaying a visit to the doctor, this only compounds the problem, leading to an even harsher reckoning down the line. 

Moreover, each cycle of fiat failure teaches humanity about the importance of diversification — of investments, of economic strategies, and of not putting all our economic eggs in one basket governed by mutable policy. It underscores the need for checks and balances on the power that any one entity, including governments, has over a nation’s economy. 

Embracing these historical lessons is crucial. By returning to principles over convenience, opting for courage over comfort in economic planning, and remembering that while history may not repeat, it often rhymes, we can craft solutions for today’s economic challenges that do not merely ensure survival but promote thriving economies.  

Inflation in this regard acts as a hidden tax because it silently decreases the value of money, meaning that consumers can buy less with the same amount of money over time. This erosion of purchasing power is akin to a tax because it takes away from individuals’ wealth without direct expenditure. 

Below is a chart Lepard shares when he discusses wealth inequality. This is a chart maintained by the St. Louis Federal Reserve which shows how 1% of the population owns over 34% of all of the assets in terms of their net worth.  The point of this chart is to show the great divide that FIAT manifests. As more fiat is printed, since it is a horrible store of value it moves into financial markets and we see asset inflation. 

The reason inflation is often misunderstood by the masses is due to its indirect nature and the complexity of economic indicators. Many people don’t see the immediate impact of inflation in their daily transactions, which can make it harder to recognize and understand. Additionally, official measures of inflation, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), might not accurately reflect the real increase in living costs experienced by average consumers, further obscuring its effects. This misunderstanding is compounded by economic reports and policies that might downplay the effects of inflation or present it as a necessary aspect of economic growth. 

Firstly, the concept of money printing is entangled in complex economic policies and technical jargon that can be intimidating or uninteresting for the average person. Most individuals are preoccupied with immediate concerns — such as jobs, family, and leisure — and thus, economic policies that don’t visibly affect their daily lives tend to be ignored. In short, if it doesn’t directly impact their wallets or daily routines, it’s often regarded as irrelevant. 

Secondly, the consequences of money printing, such as inflation and currency devaluation, develop slowly over time. This gradual progression makes it difficult for people to connect these economic outcomes directly back to the act of money printing. By the time the effects are felt — such as higher prices or reduced purchasing power — the origins are often obscured or forgotten. 

Moreover, governments and central banks typically describe money printing with more digestible terms like “quantitative easing” or “economic stimulus,” which sound positive or harmless. This repackaging of monetary policy conceals potential downsides, making it seem like a necessary step for economic stability or growth, which can further dull public scrutiny or concern. 

Lastly, there is a prevalent belief among many that the experts — economists, policymakers, financial authorities — know what they are doing and have the public’s best interests at heart. This trust in authority can suppress skepticism and discourage the public from questioning the implications of such policies. 

One of the fundamental issues plaguing fiat currencies is the pervasive distrust in government reporting. This skepticism isn’t unfounded — history is replete with examples of economic indicators being manipulated or selectively reported to paint a rosier picture of the economic landscape than reality warrants. A poignant example of this can be drawn from Biblical teachings, which emphasize the necessity for integrity in offering people weights and measures that are consistent and unalterable. Proverbs 11:1 states, “A false balance is an abomination, but a just weight is his delight.” This principle underscores the importance of fairness and honesty in economic dealings, a standard that seems at odds with the modern practice of monetary management. 

In the context of today’s financial systems, the devaluation of money and the subsequent reporting of these events often border on the absurd. Consider the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure used by governments to gauge inflation. Official reports might claim that inflation hovers around 3%, suggesting a relatively stable economic environment. However, this figure often fails to reflect the real impact of inflation on everyday expenses such as food, insurance, gasoline, and taxes. For many individuals, these costs have risen at a rate that far exceeds the official inflation rate, sometimes feeling more in the realm of 11% or higher. This discrepancy raises significant questions about what the government is measuring and reporting. 

Here is a chart of the Consumer Price Index. At its core this chart is massively deceptive.  Does the chart below look like inflation has been beaten?  The best way to comprehend this deception is to simply think about a person trying to lose weight.  Imagine that the individual put on 20 pounds in the last 6 months.  Now they are on pace to only put on 4 pounds in the coming 3 months.  According to statisticians this is something to celebrate.  But it does not change the fact that the person is still 24 pounds heavier.  While 4 pounds is a lot less than 20 pounds, it is still weight gain.  Likewise, these Consumer Price Index values build on the previous level of inflation, which clearly demonstrates inflation is persistently increasing. 

The issue here is not just about numbers on a page; it’s about the erosion of trust in financial institutions and the systems that govern economic life. When the value of money continuously declines, and the reporting does not accurately reflect these changes, it undermines confidence in the entire financial system. This situation becomes almost comical, as the reports do not capture the significant debasements that have occurred, leaving citizens grappling with rising costs that far outpace the officially reported inflation. This disconnect highlights a critical need for a return to monetary practices that prioritize stability, transparency, and integrity — values that are foundational to building and maintaining trust in any economic system. 

In a world teetering on the brink of financial overhaul, the rallying cry “Fix the Money, Fix the World” echoes through the corridors of the Bitcoin community, representing a profound shift from the traditional chaos of fiat currencies to a more ordered, decentralized financial system. The allure of Bitcoin lies in its fundamental rejection of the centralized control that has long defined our economic landscape. By distributing authority across a vast network, Bitcoin effectively removes the power from central banks and government entities, placing it into the hands of the individual, thereby insulating the currency from the whims of policy and the dangers of inflation. 

Transparency and immutability stand at the forefront of this financial revolution. Each transaction is permanently recorded on the blockchain, visible to anyone within the network, creating an environment where transactions are not only transparent but also resistant to the corruption and manipulation that can plague traditional financial systems. This system isn’t just about maintaining a ledger; it’s about fostering a financial ecosystem that is fundamentally impervious to the backdoor dealings that have undermined trust in financial institutions. 

Furthermore, Bitcoin’s fixed supply is a critical feature, echoing the scarcity principles of precious metals. This inherent limitation combats inflation by design, contrasting sharply with the fiat systems where money printing can lead to value dilution. Here lies Bitcoin’s philosophical cornerstone: it is not merely a currency, but a redefinition of what currency means in an age of digital proliferation. 

Beyond its structural innovations, Bitcoin represents a pivotal advancement in financial inclusion. Access to the traditional banking system is not a prerequisite for participation in the Bitcoin economy; instead, an internet connection suffices, breaking down barriers to entry and allowing a global audience to engage with the economy on an unprecedented scale. This feature democratizes financial power, extending opportunities to those previously marginalized by conventional financial infrastructures. 

Lastly, Bitcoin’s resistance to censorship underscores its role as a tool for economic liberation. Unlike traditional systems, where your assets can be seized or your transactions blocked, Bitcoin ensures that individuals can move their capital freely across borders without interference, supporting a vision of a world where economic agency is unbounded by geographical and political constraints. 

In his insightful examination, Larry Lepard points out that to truly succeed with money, we must grasp not only how it became so dysfunctional but also how to restore its intended function. He suggests that our monetary system is fundamentally broken, a viewpoint that underpins his advocacy for a transition to sound money principles, such as those embodied by Bitcoin. Lepard’s perspective is crucial: understanding the origins of our current financial disarray is the key to navigating toward a system that ensures stability, fairness, and prosperity for future generations. 

In essence, the initiative to “Fix the Money” using Bitcoin is not just a call for financial reform — it is a blueprint for a new economic order that values stability, transparency, and inclusivity. Through its innovative use of blockchain technology, Bitcoin is not just challenging the current paradigms but is setting the stage for a future where financial systems serve the many rather than the few. 

Take a stroll through the annals of any civilization, and you’ll spot a common theme: the future is shackled to the fate of its currency. You see, the drama of fallen empires and golden ages boils down to one thing: purchasing power. 

Consider the plight of desperate monarchs who shaved off bits of precious metals from coins, diluting the silver or gold content to fund their lavish escapades. Sound familiar? Fast forward to today, and it’s the same old song with a high-tech twist. 

First, recognize that you can only save with sound money.  For something to be considered sound money it has to have a history of protecting your purchasing power. 

Gold and silver work, your historical knights in shining armor, standing steadfast as protectors of value. And then, there’s Bitcoin — digital gold with a twist. It’s not just another asset; it’s a revolution. Capped at a mere 21 million coins, Bitcoin is the fortress against the onslaught of currency debasement. 

History offers a rich tapestry woven by the victors, a narrative embroidered with their triumphs and glories. But here’s the juicy part, the secret spice that flavors every major historical event: money. Yes, cash, coin, dough — whatever you want to call it — this is what truly moves the world. Wars, famines, pandemics… you name it, they’re all dancing to the tune of the almighty dollar. 

Take a trip back to Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, in the chilly winds of April 1944. That’s where and when the bigwigs pegged the US dollar to Gold, making Uncle Sam’s currency the king of the hill, the reserve currency to rule them all. This monumental decision was a direct sequel to the financial horror show of the Treaty of Versailles, which practically handcuffed Germany with such hefty war debts that they had to pump their currency into oblivion — setting the stage for World War II. 

Fast forward to 1971, and what have we got? The US dollar cut loose from Gold, floating on nothing but political hot air. And yet, here we are, decades later, with the Treasury and the Fed still playing the same old tune — debase the currency to jazz up the economy. Even the Trump administration was crooning for a weaker dollar and flirting with negative interest rates. Why? To send asset prices soaring. But don’t be fooled. This isn’t about assets becoming more valuable; it’s about the dollar getting the life squeezed out of it while the powers that be just kick the can down the road. 

Wake up and smell the inflation, folks! It’s not just history we’re reading here — it’s a roadmap of repeated mistakes. And if that doesn’t scream for a wakeup call, what does? 

Over the last 52 weeks Gold is up 42% while the S&P 500 is up 15.43%. My experience has always been that when Gold outperforms, markets will be extremely irrational and volatile.  

A great insight for traders and investors is to measure your wealth in terms of Gold, Silver and/or Bitcoin.  Why?  Because these assets have proven that they are stores of value.  Trying to build wealth in a currency that is perpetually being debased is a comical exercise. 

In reading The Big Print I learned that the greatest power in the world is the power to control the money supply for a nation.  This is exactly the type of power that the Federal Reserve has today and why we must be extremely suspicious of the Feds actions when they have proven to be so disastrous for savers in the past.    

In these crazy times, every sharp investor’s top priority should be bulletproofing their portfolio. As we maneuver through the wild swings of today’s financial markets, it’s crucial to have a battle-tested strategy that doesn’t just spot but seizes on the tough trends that thrive, even when the economic outlook seems grim. 

In this financial storm, one truth stands undeniable: while governments continue their reckless money-printing spree, A.I.-powered trading has emerged as the fortress protecting savvy investors. The debt-fueled fantasy peddled by Keynesian economists is endangering your financial future with every passing day. 

The house of cards is trembling. Those who recognize the signals and act now will not only survive but thrive in the coming reset. Gold, Bitcoin, and intelligent trading strategies powered by VantagePoint’s A.I. offer rare safe harbors in these turbulent waters. 

Don’t wait until the collapse is front-page news. The time to secure your financial independence is NOW — before the opportunity vanishes.  

Join our free masterclass and discover how over 47,000 traders are already using these powerful A.I. tools to protect their wealth from the coming storm, and grow their wealth before it’s too late. 

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