Billionaire investor Ray Dalio stated a stark reality: gold and non-fiat currencies are increasingly the only true stores of value. Fiat money is losing ground as government debt skyrockets, the dollar weakens, and investor confidence falls.

The U.S. recently crossed $37.5 trillion in national debt. That means every American is on the hook for more than $110,000. With no political appetite to rein in spending, the financial risks for everyday Americans, and their retirement savings, have never been higher.

America’s Fiscal Spiral

The U.S. government is on a dangerous path. The Congressional Budget Office projects $7 trillion in spending for 2025 versus $5 trillion in revenues, a $2 trillion shortfall. By 2035, the gap could reach $2.67 trillion, with spending at $10.7 trillion against $8.03 trillion in revenues.¹

Interest payments on existing debt have already surpassed $1.13 trillion this fiscal year. Without meaningful intervention, deficits and debt will continue to compound at record rates.

Economists warn it’s not just the size of the debt, but the debt-to-GDP ratio that matters. Borrowing faster than economic growth risks undermining confidence in U.S. Treasuries. If investors lose faith, interest rates could spike, or demand for debt could collapse, forcing the U.S. into severe fiscal consequences.

Dollar Under Pressure

The dollar is already weakening. The dollar index has fallen more than 10% this year. Dalio’s advice is clear: when governments refuse to curb deficits, traditional currencies lose appeal. Gold, in contrast, remains a tangible and reliable store of wealth. It is now the second-largest reserve asset held by central banks worldwide.²

And America's credit bill is coming due. Historically low interest rates in the 2010s hid the costs of massive debt expansion. That era is over. Inflation, tighter Federal Reserve policies, and reduced global capital flows have ended ultracheap borrowing. Without action, the U.S. faces rising debt costs, a weaker dollar, and limited options to close budget gaps.

The Risks Are Personal

A weaker demand for Treasuries could force the Federal Reserve to print money to buy them, further devaluing the dollar. The resulting Inflation erodes purchasing power, putting retirees and savers at risk. Even if nominal balances remain the same, the real value of savings can decline.

Higher interest rates, reduced spending, and inflation could push the U.S. toward recession. Businesses may cut jobs, creating a domino effect that depresses the broader economy. For anyone relying on stable income or retirement plans, the stakes are high.

Global Echoes of U.S. Debt Trouble

America is not alone in facing fiscal strain. Britain’s aging population and shrinking workforce have pushed debt to unsustainable levels. France’s debt exceeds 116% of GDP, prompting austerity measures and nationwide protests.

Yet neither country has the scale of debt the U.S. does. Current trends could push deficits to 14% of GDP within three decades and national debt close to 250% of the economy.³

Policy Paralysis

Unlike France and Britain, the U.S. shows little willingness to adjust course. Tax cuts, expanded benefits, and rising entitlement obligations continue unabated. Social Security and Medicare shortfalls are growing, yet political will remains absent. The laws of math and economics, however, are inescapable. Ignoring deficits carries real consequences for households, retirees, and investors alike.

The Case for Gold

Gold has long been a hedge against currency devaluation, inflation, and economic turmoil. As the dollar weakens and debt climbs, gold provides a tangible safeguard. Especially when held in tax-advantaged accounts like a Gold IRA. Central banks, investors, and corporations increasingly turn to gold to protect wealth.

Dalio’s advice resonates for all Americans: diversify portfolios, hold non-fiat assets, and consider allocating around 10% of savings to gold. Blackrock and "Bond King" Jeff Gundlach echo this view. They've recently advised their elite clients to move out of the market and into gold. Gundlach stated that allocating up to 25% of a portfolio to gold is not excessive in the current economic environment. He described it as an “insurance policy” against growing economic risks.^4,5

Conclusion

The U.S. faces an unprecedented debt crisis. Deficits are soaring, the dollar is weakening, and inflation threatens purchasing power. Global pressures, demographic trends, and policy paralysis make the risk real. In this environment, gold stands out as a proven store of wealth, particularly for retirement savings.

For those seeking to protect their financial future, now is the time to consider a Gold IRA. Securing a portion of your savings in tangible, non-fiat assets could mean the difference between financial stability and erosion in the years ahead. Call American Hartford Gold today at 800-462-0071 to learn more.
_______________

Max Baecker is the President of American Hartford Gold (AHG), the nation’s largest retailer of precious metals. He leads American Hartford Gold’s mission to help clients achieve long-term financial security with physical gold and silver.

Under his guidance, American Hartford Gold has delivered billions of dollars’ worth of precious metals to thousands of satisfied clients.

Max's dedication to upholding American Hartford Gold's industry-leading standards is reflected in its accolades. American Hartford Gold has made numerous high-ranking appearances on the prestigious Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. AHG holds an A+ Rating from the BBB and a 5-Star Rating on Trustpilot from thousands of American Hartford Gold reviews. American Hartford Gold is the only precious metals company trusted and recommended by Bill O’Reilly.

AHG offers investment-grade gold and silver coins and bars at competitive prices. Clients also benefit from its buy-back commitment with no back-end fees. To learn more, visit American Hartford Gold.

Notes:

1. https://fortune.com/2025/09/19/ray-dalio-national-debt-demand-supply-imbalance/

2. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/19/ray-dalio-says-gold-non-fiat-currencies-will-be-stronger-stores-of-value-as-us-debt-mounts.html

3. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/09/17/united-states-europe-debt-economy/

4. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/17/doublelines-jeffrey-gundlach-believes-holding-a-2gold-hitting-4000-before-year-end-says-a-25percent-weighting-is-not-excessive.html

5. https://www.blackrock.com/us/financial-professionals/insights/fall-volatilty-favors-gold