A high school senior from Coeur d’Alene, Aniston Ewing, has taken the initiative to educate her peers on financial literacy. During a recent classroom presentation, she shared insights into budgeting, investing, and managing debt. Her motivation stems from a childhood memory of observing her grandfather balancing his budget in a notebook—a practice that sparked her interest in money management. Now planning to dual-major in accounting and finance at Boise State University, Ewing regrets the absence of formal financial education in her school curriculum. She advocates for earlier exposure to essential financial concepts such as taxes, credit cards, and budgeting strategies like the 50-30-20 rule. With Idaho's new legislation mandating financial literacy courses in high schools starting this academic year, Ewing’s efforts align with broader initiatives to empower young people financially.

Aniston Ewing’s journey toward understanding financial responsibility began when she was a child accompanying her grandfather on errands. Watching him meticulously record transactions in a small notebook, she became curious about his methodical approach to managing finances. This hands-on experience introduced her to the concept of budget balancing long before mobile banking made it automatic. As she matured, Ewing recognized the importance of financial literacy not only for her future career aspirations but also for everyday life. At just 18 years old, she is already set to pursue dual majors in accounting and finance, yet she acknowledges gaps in her own educational background. Specifically, she laments the lack of structured financial literacy classes during high school, where students could learn about critical topics like budgeting, taxation, and responsible credit usage.

Ewing’s capstone project focuses on addressing these deficiencies by educating her classmates. Through her presentation, she emphasized practical tools like the 50-30-20 budgeting guideline, which encourages allocating income toward needs, savings, and discretionary spending. According to English teacher Shawnna Fields, who also instructs dual credit courses, Ewing demonstrates both personal commitment and keen awareness of her peers' struggles with financial basics. By highlighting real-world challenges faced by younger generations, including rising levels of credit card debt among Gen Z and Millennials, Ewing underscores the urgency of fostering financial independence early in life.

Idaho’s recent legislative action requiring financial literacy courses in high schools supports Ewing’s advocacy. The implementation follows the passage of House Bill 92, ensuring students receive foundational knowledge in personal finance and money management. Data from sources like Forbes reveal alarming statistics about U.S. credit card debt, reaching $18.04 trillion as of late 2024. Younger demographics, particularly Gen Z, carry significant average debts despite having fewer credit cards compared to older generations. Such figures highlight the necessity of teaching adolescents how to handle finances responsibly before they encounter adult responsibilities.

Aniston Ewing hopes her research and presentation inspire fellow students to embrace financial responsibility confidently. While acknowledging that math and numbers may intimidate some, she believes organizing earnings leads to healthier relationships with money. Ultimately, her goal extends beyond imparting knowledge; she aims to instill greater confidence in her audience as they transition into adulthood. For Ewing, empowering others means equipping them with skills necessary for independent living and lifelong financial competence.

In recent discussions, the ominous "death cross" has been a frequent topic on Wall Street. This term describes a situation where the 50-day moving average falls below the 200-day moving average, signaling potential economic downturns. However, despite this alarming indicator, historical data suggests that returns following such events can be positive. Moreover, the current increase in money supply could positively influence asset prices, though it might also lead to inflationary pressures. Inflation, caused by an influx of money into the system, can significantly affect spending patterns and investment strategies.

Scott Bessent, a prominent figure in fiscal policy, emphasizes the importance of reducing government expenditure and redefining trade practices. His strategies focus on cutting inefficiencies within agencies rather than eliminating services entirely. Additionally, he advocates for fairer international trade systems through targeted tariffs, aiming to rejuvenate American manufacturing. These policies could shift job creation towards the private sector, potentially stabilizing interest rates and promoting home ownership as part of the American Dream. Despite these measures, concerns about austerity's impact on the economy persist, although consumer spending data indicates resilience.

Monetary Dynamics and Market Implications

Despite the perceived negativity surrounding the "death cross," financial experts suggest that the aftermath may not be as dire as anticipated. Data from Bespoke reveals that returns after such occurrences tend to be favorable, particularly for the Dow Transportation Index. Furthermore, the current resurgence in money supply post-2023 decline presents a promising scenario for investors. With M2 approaching all-time highs, asset prices are likely to see upward pressure, benefiting various sectors.

The relationship between money supply growth and economic activity historically shows a positive correlation. For instance, during the early 1980s, significant M2 increases led to robust economic expansion. Although recent growth is less dramatic, it remains encouraging for those seeking to avoid a recession. An enhanced money supply injects liquidity into the financial system, potentially boosting stock prices. Companies, especially smaller ones, may find easier access to capital, leading to higher returns. However, rapid M2 growth can trigger inflation, initially benefiting companies by allowing them to pass costs onto consumers, but eventually affecting broader economic stability. The Federal Reserve's actions, including quantitative tightening and interest rate adjustments, aim to balance these effects, ensuring sustainable economic growth while managing inflation.

Fiscal Strategies and Economic Outlook

Bessent's insights underscore the necessity of addressing government spending and rethinking trade policies. By advocating for efficiency improvements within public agencies, he proposes a pragmatic approach to deficit reduction without compromising essential services. His vision includes recalibrating international trade norms to ensure fairness and sustainability, utilizing tariffs strategically to support domestic manufacturing. This strategy aligns with shifting job creation efforts toward the private sector, fostering an environment conducive to corporate investments and job generation within the United States.

Bessent's consistent messaging regarding fiscal policy provides clarity and predictability, contrasting with previous administrations' fluctuating approaches. Key sectors poised to benefit include domestic manufacturing, logistics, and distribution, driven by tariff implementations aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains. As manufacturing shifts back to the U.S., logistics networks will expand to accommodate increased goods movement, creating additional opportunities. However, implementing austerity measures poses challenges for the economy, increasing recession risks. Yet, consumer spending data, showing a six percent year-to-date increase through mid-March 2025, highlights underlying resilience. This trend, coupled with evolving consumer preferences, suggests a balanced outlook for the economy and stock market, warranting cautious optimism rather than drastic defensive actions in investment portfolios.