Also on the Big Picture: On The Record with Jim Puplava and John Loeffler. In this segment Jim gives his reasoning why gold prices can head higher without a crisis situation, or economic Armageddon. Jim sees many fundamental economic factors that could push gold and commodities higher, without the need for an end of the world scenario. The next topic is On The Record, as Jim is interviewed by John on a wide range of topics, including his macro views, investment topics and the content of the program. Jim also answers more of your Q-Calls in this segment of the program.

Special Guest: Ben Kwon, Corporate Tax Specialist, On Structuring a Business. This week Jim and Cathlyn discuss Doomsday portfolios, mostly cash and gold, and suggest that investors look at potential outcomes and consider diversifying their assets. They discuss historical disasters and note what worked best, and also look at what would likely happen in a dollar crash. Jim and Cathlyn discuss a more balanced approach, one that would still offer protection, but also participate in market advances. In the next section of the program, Jim speaks with Ben Kwon, an expert on how to structure a business. This is great information for those considering starting a small business and wondering if they should incorporate, and if so, what form it should take.

Also, Ryan Puplava with the Market Wrap-Up, Erik Townsend on Commodities and Rob Bernard on Fixed Income. This week Erik Townsend sits in for Jim and welcomes technician Tracy Knudsen CMT, Senior Vice President & Senior Analyst at Lowry Research Corporation. Tracy notes that despite some short-term risks to the market, she has a strongly bullish long-term outlook for the stock market. In addition, John Loeffler discusses the this weeks market with Ryan Puplava, commodities with Erik Townsend, and fixed income with Rob Bernard.

Also on the Big Picture: Triple Top or New Secular Bull Market? and Still Waiting For Armageddon? In this weeks edition of the Big Picture, Erik Townsend and Ryan Puplava sit in for Jim and discuss three different topics. The first, The Significance of Cyprus- US Dollar on the cusp of a surprise? deals with the events in Cyprus in the context of helping to stregthen the US dollar. Combining this banking fiasco with central banking printing around the globe, the US dollar looks primed to stregthen, which most do not expect. They discuss the implications for stocks, gold and commodities if this were to happen. In the next Big Picture topic, Triple Top or New Secular Bull Market?, Erik and Ryan discuss the issue, and make distinctions between economic recovery and stock market strength. In the last topic, Still Waiting for Armageddon? Erik and Ryan look at those still waiting for a disaster in their bunker, and stress that no matter when, or if, the calamity arrives, investors need to have a financial plan in place and not be paralyzed by fear. They also discuss the possibility that there could be a bond market melt-down, but that stocks might benefit.

Special Guest: Dr. Judith Fradkin on Type 2 Diabetes- Risk and Prevention. In this weeks edition, Jim and Cathlyn discuss the important but difficult topic of preparing and protecting a spouse if you were to die first. They discuss the importance of consolidating estate and financial documents, reviewing financial plans, looking at the possibility of using a corporate trustee. They also discuss the emotional aspect that is a critical component of the preparation process. Also on the program, Dr. Judith Fradkin of the National Institute of Health speaks with Jim on Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Fradkin discusses the risk factors, and also prevention measures to help avoid the disease.

Also, Ryan Puplava with the Market Wrap-up, Erik Townsend on Commodities, and Rob Bernard on Fixed Income. Jim welcomes back noted technician Charles Nenner this week. Charles sees a new stock market high into late April or early May. He also sees the economy picking up until the end of the year, but risk is also rising as well. Charles sees late April as a high risk period for the markets in terms of a correction. He is also very bearish on bond funds, and urges investors to get out of them as soon as possible. Charles is also out of gold in the short term, as he sees a rally in the US dollar ahead. Also in this segment, Ryan Puplava wraps up this week in the markets, Erik Townsend covers commodities, and Rob Bernard has the Fixed Income Report.

Good inflation vs. Bad Inflation. In this weeks first Big Picture topic, Jim discusses the implications from the book Dying of Money: Lessons of the Great German and American Inflations by Gens O. Parsson. Jim looks at the lessons from prior inflationary episodes in Germany and America, and sees similarities to today, only now its on a global basis. Jim also answers your Q-Calls in this segment.

Also, Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham- That Was Then, This Is Now Jim discusses two more Big Picture topics in this segment. In the first, The Confidence Game, Jim looks at the way central banks manage economies and control expectations of inflation. The next topic, Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham- That was then, this is now, refers to Benjamin Grahams famous book Security Analysis written in 1934 with David Dodd. Graham talks about building a margin of safety when buying stocks. Jim looks at the similarities and differences from the 1930s to the realities of today, and sees that a big cushion of safety is still very important.

Special Guest: David Saen on Medicare Fraud and how to protect yourself against it

Also, Ryan Puplava with the Market Wrap-up, Erik Townsend on Commodities, and Rob Bernard on Fixed Income. Jim welcomes back technician Alan Newman, editor of Stock Market Crosscurrents. Alan notes that margin debt is at the third highest level in history and QE is the only thing holding markets together. He also believes that Quantitative Easing (money printing by the Fed) makes capital allocation more difficult. Alan sees the Fed foolishly building yet another bubble that can only end in tears. Also in this segment, Ryan Puplava wraps up this week in the markets, Erik Townsend discusses commodities, and Rob Bernard has the Fixed Income Report.

Also on the Big Picture: Lessons From The Master- Warren Buffett. In the first Big Picture topic this week, Jim looks at those Left Behind in cash since the credit crisis of 2008. Jim notes that those who have remained in cash since 2008 have lost 25% of their purchasing power. In the second topic, Lessons From the Master Jim goes over the key points of Warren Buffetts annual letter to shareholders, and notes that all investors would benefit from reading it.

Also, What if They Held a Bull Market and Nobody Came? Summary: In this segment, Jims first topic is Are we in a Recession? Jim discusses a recent ECRI report that says yes, but Jim and The PFS Group say no, at least not yet. Jim notes that 60% of the leading economic indicators are still positive. Jims next topic is What if they held a Bull Market and nobody came? Jim notes that this past week set a record for the lowest participation rate from individual investors. Jim looks at valuations and notes that the P/E ratios on stocks have come down substantially since 2000, although many blue chip stocks have not moved substantially in price. Jim also answers your Q-Calls in this segment.

Government Water Subsidies Distort Supply and Demand Issues

Case Study: Tim and Rebecca Hansen Tax and Investment Strategies

Also, Ryan Puplava with the Market Wrap-up, Erik Townsend on Commodities, and Rob Bernard on Fixed Income. Jim welcomes technician Richard Dickson, Chief Market Analyst at Lowry Research. Richard sees a correction in the near-term, but believes that there will be a big upward move beyond the correction. He advises using the correction to add to positions. He also discusses the huge risks ahead for bond fund investors. In addition, Ryan Puplava has the Wrap-up in the markets this week, Erik Townsend covers commodities, and Rob Bernard has the Fixed Income Report.

Also on the Big Picture: The LEIs and I. In the first Big Picture topic this week, End of Days- Crisis by Management Jim looks at the current dysfunctional government in Washington, and wonders how long this can continue. In the next topic, The LEIs and I, Jim looks at what the leading economic indicators are telling us in the first quarter of the year. There are pockets of strength, but mostly a mixed picture at this point.

John interviews Jim on a variety of current topics. In this months edition of On The Record, John Loeffler interviews Jim on a number of topics, including Jims outlook on the market, the current drivers of the market, inflation, Fed policy, gold, and the importance of not following the crowd. Jim also discusses the impact of The Lifetime Income Series, and why it is important to people in retirement or planning for retirement. Jim also answers your Q-Calls in this segment.

Special Guest: Joel Mee on the Logistics of 401-K Plans. In this weeks edition of The Lifetime Income Series, Jim and Cathlyn discuss employer-sponsored retirement plans. They look at tax efficiency, investment efficiency and the benefits of automatic brainless is painless contributions. They also discuss investments available in a 401-K plan. Jims special guest is Joel Mee, Director of Retirement Plan Sales Operations at The Standard. Joel looks at the logistics involved in 401-K plans.

Also, Ryan Puplava with the Market Wrap-up, Erik Townsend on Commodities, and Rob Bernard on Fixed Income. Jim welcomes back renowned technician Ralph Acampora this week. Ralph is optimistic weve begun a long-term secular bull market in stocks, but expects a 5-10% correction in the short-term. He sees the correction as another good buying opportunity. Ralph also sees the sequestration debate in Washington as the next potential crisis, and the next buying opportunity. He sees the bond market as a balloon in search of a pin. Jim and Ralph also pay tribute to the passing of Marty Zwieg. Also in this segment, Ryan Puplava wraps up this week in the markets, Erik Townsend discusses commodities, and Rob Bernard has the Fixed Income Report.

The Debate Over Sequestration In Washington DC: More Kabuki Theatre. In this weeks first Big Picture topic, Jim looks at the current Kabuki Theatre debate playing out in Washington DC over threats of sequestration and the resultant dire consequences for the nation. Jim sees this event as just more political posturing, which somehow always upsets the markets in the very short term. He sees any potential crisis as a potential buying opportunity if the markets take a tumble.

Also, The Gold Market: The Difference Between Gold Bullion and Paper Gold In this segment, Jim looks at two more Big Picture topics. In the first, Limits to Growth and the New Normal Jim discusses the Petro-Business Cycle, and how we are seeing anemic economic growth, little response to QE, and the future limitations to growth based on the price of energy. In the next topic, Jim discusses the key differences between holding paper gold versus holding physical bullion. Jim also answers your Q-Calls in this segment of the program.

Special Guest: Reza Jahangiri, Senior Publisher at The Reverse Review

Last two ran 15-20 years

Also on the Big Picture, Inflection Points and Game-Changing Events In this weeks Big Picture, Jim looks at how the world seems to be currently divided into black or white groups, either Gloom & Doom or Happy Days Are Here Again. Jim argues that most of the time in recent history the reality is neither black nor white, but instead various shades of grey. In his next topic, Inflection Points and Game-Changing Events Jim discusses both the cash and gold sectors, and how they are both reaching what he calls puke points. With cash in particular, Jim believes that larger amounts of cash are going to begin rotating into stocks this year. Jim will also answer your Q-Calls in this segment of the program.

Also, Ryan Puplava with the Market Wrap-Up, Erik Townsend on Commodities, and Rob Bernard on Fixed Income

Special Guest: Dr. Gary Small on the Prevention of Alzheimers and DementiaThis week on The Lifetime Income Series, Jim looks at the issue of Incapacity, and discusses ways to financially prepare for it and protect yourself against it. Jims special guest is Dr. Gary Small, Director of the UCLA Longevity Center, who discusses prevention of Alzheimers and Dementia. The good news from Dr. Small is that lifestyle makes up 75% of prevention, and he offers specific lifestyle recommendations.

Also, Ryan Puplava with the Market Wrap-Up, Erik Townsend on Commodities, and Rob Bernard with the Fixed Income Report. Jim welcomes back noted technician Bert Dohmen, editor of the Wellington Letter. Bert sees the Central Banks as firmly in control, and advises using any corrections as buying opportunities. Bert also believes that investors should own stocks over bonds, and that stocks will benefit from the new inflationary environment. Also, Ryan Puplava has this weeks Market Wrap-Up, Erik Townsend looks at commodities, and Rob Bernard discusses the fixed income markets.

Bond Vigilantes and Bond Market Volatility. In the first topic of this weeks Big Picture, Jim looks at The Great Rotation; how money is moving out of cash, and eventually out of bonds and into stocks. Jim discusses the bond vigilantes as well as the volatility of the bond market and assesses the potential for a crash versus a gradual rotation. Jim also answers some of your Q-Calls in this segment.

Also, Harnessing the Eighth Wonder of the World: The Power of Compounding in Your Investment Portfolio. In this segment, Jim looks at two more Big Picture topics. In the first, Jim takes an in-depth look at the impact of a dollar devaluation, and looks at some of the consequences, intended and otherwise. Jims next topic is Harnessing the eighth wonder of the world: the power of compounding in your investment portfolio. This refers to a famous quote from Albert Einstein: Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it ... he who doesn't ... pays it. Jim also answers more of your Q-Calls in this segment.

Special Guest- Jeff Isaac: The Lawyer In Blue Jeans. This week on the Lifetime Income Series, Jim and Cathlyn Harris discuss the many reasons why setting up a trust is a critical element in estate planning, and offer a number of scenarios of what could go wrong in the absense of a trust. Jim also welcomes attorney Jeff Isaac, an expert on estate planning and trusts. Jeff is a well-known radio personality in Southern California, and is known on the radio as The Lawyer in Blue Jeans.