In Fiscal Year 2024, the U.S. government spent more on interest payments than on national defense. Let that sink in. The Math isn’t adding up.

According to data from the Congressional Budget Office, interest payments on the national debt totaled approximately $950 billion, while military spending came in at $826 billion. That’s a first in American history—and it’s a flashing red light on the dashboard of our economy.

The Past is consuming the future

This isn’t just a budgeting concern—it’s a structural issue. Interest is the cost of past spending. And when interest payments surpass defense spending, it tells us that the past is consuming the future. It’s a sign that the government is increasingly borrowing not to build, but simply to survive.

Zoom out, and the picture gets even more concerning. Global debt now stands at over $307 trillion, according to the Institute of International Finance. That’s not a typo. It’s the result of decades of credit expansion, monetary easing, and fiscal promises with no real plan to repay them.

And yet—amid all this—the conventional advice to investors still points toward stocks, bonds, or cash equivalents. But what happens when bonds no longer offset risk, when cash steadily erodes in value, and when debt is no longer a tool, but a trap?

Gold is different

This is where physical gold enters the conversation.

Unlike paper assets, gold is no one’s liability. It doesn’t depend on a promise to pay. It doesn’t require a bailout. It doesn’t default.

Gold simply is.

When debt burdens rise and the system’s foundation begins to crack, gold’s role becomes clear—not as a speculation, but as an anchor. It holds its value because it isn’t tethered to anyone else’s balance sheet. And in an environment where the math no longer adds up, holding something with intrinsic, enduring value is not just smart, it’s essential.

What do you own?

So, if you’re watching the numbers and wondering what still makes sense, ask yourself:

What do you own that isn’t someone else’s debt?

Because in a world of overpromises and under deliveries, gold still adds up.

Take the Next Step in Securing Your Wealth If you’re interested in how to hold physical gold securely—and why storage outside the banking system might matter more than ever—feel free to reach out. There are smarter ways to own gold, and I’d be glad to point you in the right direction.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. The views expressed are those of the author and do not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.