As everyday Americans struggle to afford basic needs, a sobering reality is setting in. The illusion of economic strength is unraveling, and Lynette Zang is sounding the alarm. In this live Q&A, she explains how crumbling consumer sentiment, rising debt, and store closures point to the failure of the fiat monetary system.
This is not an isolated event. This is systemic. And it is accelerating.
The Consumer Cannot Hold Up a Broken System
For decades, economists and policymakers have told us that the American consumer will keep spending. But Lynette reminds us of a truth most are unwilling to face:
"It is the public that's holding this whole Ponzi scheme together."
In a consumer-driven economy, that is a major problem. Roughly two-thirds of U.S. economic activity depends on consumer spending. If consumers falter, the entire system shakes.
Recent reports show that consumer confidence has plummeted to the lowest levels since 2021. Both the Consumer Confidence Index and the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index dropped sharply. These two monthly reports measure optimism about current and future economic conditions. When both trend downward at the same time, it signals growing fear about inflation, job security, and overall stability.
Inflation Is Not Under Control
Despite headlines claiming that inflation is improving, Lynette lays out what is really happening. When officials say inflation is “lower,” they are only saying that prices are rising more slowly than before. That does not mean prices are going down.
"Let’s just call that inflation ‘growth,’ right?"
People are still paying more for groceries, gas, and housing. This leaves less income available for other expenses. The impact of inflation is eroding real disposable income, and the data supports it. As inflation increases, people have fewer dollars left over for clothing, vacations, and big purchases. This is not prosperity. This is loss of purchasing power.
Store Closures Reveal the Bigger Picture
Lynette outlines a wave of store and branch closures scheduled for 2025. The list includes:
- Kohl’s, shutting down 27 stores
- Dollar General, Forever 21, TD Bank, and Domino’s Pizza, closing hundreds of locations
- Major party supply chains, also shutting their doors
This trend brings more than lost retail access. It results in job loss, rising unemployment, and a ripple effect throughout commercial and residential real estate. Mortgage delinquencies are already spiking to levels not seen in years. Lynette recently spoke with mortgage expert Jennifer Zandell, who confirmed that conditions in the housing market are rapidly deteriorating.
Americans Are Financing Fast Food
Perhaps the clearest sign of economic stress is the new DoorDash feature allowing customers to pay for deliveries in four installments.
"If you have to finance your burrito bowl, it doesn’t scream golden age of prosperity."
This is not a joke. Consumers are now financing meals. Large banks like JPMorgan Chase are entering this market because they see how financially stretched people have become. Credit card debt is reaching record highs. The public is desperate for short-term solutions to cover daily costs.
Savings Are Up, But Spending Is Down
Inflation-adjusted spending is slowing. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, continues to climb. Meanwhile, personal disposable income is falling.
People are trying to save more out of fear for the future. But many Americans still do not have $500 set aside for an emergency. The increase in savings is a reflection of fear, not stability. Consumers are preparing for more uncertainty. This decline in confidence feeds back into the system, causing even more contraction in retail, services, and lending.
This Was Always Part of the Plan
Lynette reminds us that the economic system created in 1913 was never built to support the middle class long term. The plan was always to require more work just to maintain the same standard of living. That way, people would be too distracted to question what was happening behind the scenes.
"If you have to work more to maintain your current standard of living, you have less time to pay attention."
This silent theft of wealth through inflation is not an accident. It is the design of the fiat system. The result is today’s economic reality, where even food is now financed in payment plans.
The Answer Is a Sound Money Strategy
Lynette does not offer false hope. She offers a real solution.
That plan begins with tangible assets. Physical gold and silver are used in every sector of the global economy and have served as money for thousands of years. They are not based on confidence or promises. They are based on value.
You do not need to buy large amounts to get started. Any form of gold or silver—coins, bars, even jewelry—has monetary value. Diversification is key. There are different types of gold and silver, and not all are equal in function or utility.
Working with a strategist can help you build a personalized plan. The time to act is now, before the next shock hits the system.
Conclusion: The Cracks Are Widening. Are You Ready?
From plummeting consumer sentiment to rising delinquencies and food financing, the signs of collapse are impossible to ignore. The fiat money system is failing.
You do not have to go down with it.
Contact Zang Enterprises today to create your sound money strategy. Protect your wealth with physical gold and silver and take the first step toward financial freedom.
