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Notes from Rana - Tariffs

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Let's understand these tariffs

DESCRIPTIVE - obvious stuff, what has happened, just requesting the news

Trump’s new tariffs are the first move in a full-spectrum reset.

$9.2T in debt matures in 2025. Inflation is stubborn.

Start with the debt: $9.2T must be refinanced in 2025. That's massive, and it's all because of the debt taken 5 years ago today - COVID!!

Governments need to raise capital quickly, as people state home, they need to provide income to this sitting at home, so they buried massively, and sold 5 year Bond

The day has come to pay for those bonds,

But, because of Biden and Period raising rates in 2022, it hurt the homeowner and consumers

They are now rolling 5 year Bond to 10 year Bond coming due in 2035

If rolled into 10-yr bonds, every 1 basis point drop in rates saves approx $1B/year; so a 0.5% drop would save $500B over a decade.

Lower yields free up fiscal room—without them, core spending gets crowded out.

How to push yields down with sticky inflation and cautious Fed?

Manufacture uncertainty.
Sweep in with tariffs, spook the markets, trigger risk-off.
Money exits stocks, floods into long-term Treasuries.

A deliberate “detox” to cool the economy and cut refinancing costs.

-PREDICTIVE - what will happen and why with reason, show your work,

But cheap refinancing isn’t enough on its own. Even at lower rates, the debt remains enormous.

That’s where the next lever comes in: cutting the deficit.

DOGE is showing cutting $4B per day. At that pace, they’d shave off $1 trillion by end of Sep 25 (if not May).

With these savings, the big economic pillar to successfully deliver on Scott Bessent's 3-3-3 plan is to get growth UP.

Tariffs come in as a trigger for domestic industrial revival. The thinking is: by making imports expensive, you create room for U.S. producers to step in

But here’s the problem: American factories can’t scale up overnight.

So in the short term, consumers will face higher prices.
The administration knows this. They also know consumers are smart, they can choose to change their spending

That’s why they’re front-loading the pain now, betting that by 2026, the benefits will be visible.

In the meantime, they’re offering some near-term relief.

Tax cuts have already been floated to help offset the cost burden on households.

And while risky, currency devaluation may follow later to make imports cheaper without lifting tariffs.

Don’t forget: tariffs also bring in revenue.

Estimates suggest they could raise over $700 million within the first year.

That’s not a game-changer on its own, but it gives the Treasury a bit more room to maneuver—especially if paired with deficit cuts.

Still, this approach isn’t without risks.

If domestic supply chains can’t catch up, or if global retaliation kicks in, inflation could rise again.

And if that happens, the Fed may be forced to raise rates—which would blow a hole in the low-yield plan. That’s the tightrope.

But, the Trump team has asked OPEC to lose oil prices, which has happened

A common critique is: why impose tariffs before building out the capacity to replace imports?

But that assumes tariffs are the end goal. They’re not.

They’re the starting gun—a way to force movement both inside the U.S. and around the world.

Which brings us to geopolitics.

Before tariffs, Trump’s team signaled a global order reset: pulling back from NATO, cooling EU ties, and opening diplomatic space with Russia, Saudi Arabia, etc. This is also about saving money

Tariffs now serve as leverage to renegotiate terms based on America-First policy.

Expect a lot of bilateral deals in the coming months.

Tariffs will be lowered for countries that offer strategic concessions—on trade, security, or industrial policy.

Those that resist? They'll pay higher costs until they decide to come to the table.

China is the focal point.

Observers have long argued: China isn’t a poor country.
It’s a wealthy, high-capacity state that floods markets with exports its currency artificially low.

Tariffs could be used to force big moves like currency appreciation by China.

Lines will be redrawn with other allies too.

Europe may be pushed to cut exposure to China or negotiate on Ukraine.
India may be forced to cut tarriffs and move closer to U.S. alignment.
Mexico and Canada could face demands to crack down on fentanyl trafficking routes.

So here’s the big picture:

→ Lower yields ease the debt wall
→ Spending cuts restore fiscal discipline
→ Tariffs jumpstart domestic growth
→ And geopolitics gets rewritten in America’s favor

It’s disruption by design—with enormous stakes.

If it works, it’s a defining success:
→ Debt under control
→ Manufacturing reborn
→ Global leverage restored
→ Trumpism vindicated in 2026

If it fails:
→ Inflation
→ Retaliation
→ Lost midterms
→ Strategic drift

-PRESCRIPTIVE - which is what to do

In the US economy there will be clear winners and losers.

Steel, autos, and textiles are likely to benefit—industries that form Trump’s political base. UAW now loves Trump

But retail, and construction—sectors more reliant on imports—could take a hit, especially in swing states.

Tech (especially Software, streaming and Search) is not in involved in tariffs, you still need cloud, data Centres, you still need AI, you need them more now.

That’s the political gamble.

If jobs return fast enough in key states, and inflation remains under control, the tariffs may look like a bold but effective move.

But if prices spike and job creation lags, the strategy could backfire by November 2026.

The Wisconsin seat loss was a warning

Less than 18 months to show results for midterms.
Voters don’t respond to strategies—they respond to prices, jobs and narratives.

FDR had fireside chats, Reagan had Morning in America
Trump needs a similar consistent messaging to Americans

18 months to find out if the gamble pays off.

These are buy points, these events do end, but they'll text you. Just focus on your business

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I am humbled to share this post. Dave Peer a local business owner and fellow accountant serving his clients out of Prescott recently passed suddenly from a massive heart attack. This is a great loss to his family, friends, clients and the community that I know he loved. We have been blessed to be able to take on the responsibility of serving his client base going forward as of yesterday. My team and I look forward to taking care of Dave Peer's clients and we welcome Susan his long term assistant into our Family Office at Brock Shores Financial . It is my prayer that we do so well and honour his legacy and earn the trust and respect that he had amongst so many. There will be a celebration of life for Dave in early June. I will have more details to share later. In the meantime thank you for being in my life in what ever capacity that may be that connects you and me here, it is appreciated. Have a wonderful blessed weekend, and please do me a little favour, tell those closest to you that you love them. Thank you TLR

"Good day everyone, I would like to make a small announcement!

We are now under new ownership; I would like to introduce Tim Ross from Brock Shores Financial and his team have stepped in to take care of Daves clients.

Business is as usual please feel free to contact us Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm @ 613-925-4000

Since 2005
Grenville Accounting Services

Thank You

Susan S

Front Office Manager 

 

In Memory of David Kevin Peer , Rest In Peace

June 16,1962 to February 6, 2025 

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Views from a Hill

Individuals with positive mental attitudes are never found in a rut.
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Individuals with a positive attitude are those who somehow always manage to find something new and interesting even in the most mundane tasks. They don’t allow themselves to be bored, because they are always seeking ways to do things faster, better, and more efficiently. If you make it a practice to find better ways to do the same old things, you will soon be marked for advancement. You will be supervising others who are performing your old job because you’ve proven that you are a person who can be counted on to take the initiative and do what needs to be done without being told. ~ Napoleon Hill

 

Hill  ×  Attitude × Positive × Advancement × Thinking X

 

A cheery title to some great viewpoints, advice from Napoleon Hills writings and emails sent to me, to remind me of some very important life matters. Great reminders, we need to hear, read about this on a regular basis.  If you find yourself here and you want to get your own reminders, I encourage you to click on the link here and sign up for yor own daily inspieration. As always check out the comment section for additional info, that is were I save most matters as I do a lotof that on the fly and it is teh easiest way to save. 

 

https://mailchi.mp/naphill.org/tftd-02-28-25?e=687c10efc5

Thought for the Day list at www.naphill.org

“All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination…. Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and wealth.” NH

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gifts

Wages or a Gift



“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

This wonderful verse has been used by the Holy Spirit countless times to bring a person to the point of salvation, and rightly so. Seldom did the author of Scripture pack so much into so few words, and seldom is the gospel of salvation more clearly and succinctly presented.

Perhaps the key to this verse and its teaching is the little word but, for marvelous contrasts hinge on it. In fact, pointing out the parallel but contrasting statements has proven to be an effective witnessing tool. Let us consider these individual contrasts.

First, wages versus gift: Wages are something that must be earned, while a gift cannot be earned; it is free. The wages of employment follow directly from having done the work, just as the wages of sin follow directly from having done the sin. Similarly, the gift of God follows directly from God’s own character. He is a loving, gracious God who freely showers His gifts on those who will accept them.

Second, sin versus God, or sin versus the sinless one: We might even define sin as the opposite of godliness. Sin is the deed that merits the wages, while God is the being who gives the gift. Sin is a wrong action, attitude, or thought, while God is a person, active and loving. Sin takes; God gives.

Third, death eternal versus life eternal: This is conscious existence in separation from God versus conscious existence in communion with God. Sin brings death, surely and permanently; God gives eternal life.

This gift of eternal life is not given capriciously, however; it is based on the work of Jesus Christ, the one who Himself collected the wages of our sin. The sinner who accepts God’s gift, through Jesus Christ, can hardly fail to recognize Him as Lord. JDM
 
 
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Success

What a loaded word. There is many measures.

I was listening to some shorts this morning on YouTube. Here is one that is a good place to start this posting.

https://youtube.com/shorts/EAgTJ1LFkLI?si=nylKO46skdIdN3O6

 

 Mercy is profiled at the start of this posting, he comes to the office with me in the early mornings and relaxes in our chairs and has little naps. I think having your dog hang out with you at the office, truck ride, etc is one of those signs of success. In another example, yesterday I got to meet Frankie , our investment firms VP of Operations dog, Frankie went to work on Saturday as well, our dogs are pretty special to us all and are wonderful indicators of a successful life. 

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For You All

 
DOP_Logo.jpg
You All
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California Open Letter Jan 2025

Received this letter from Pastor Shane Idlemanthis on from California, he raises a number of issues that seem reasonable to me. Thought I would save it here so it doesn't get lost and so we can reflect on it later. 

An Open Letter to California’s Current & Future Governor

With President Trump recently surveying the damage in the Palisades and Pasadena, Californians will elect their next governor in 2026, and the stakes have never been higher. The need to address critical issues confronting this great state is urgent. Being born and raised here, and now serving as a pastor in northern Los Angeles county, I have witnessed the slow deterioration up close. But there is hope…

The Foundation Must be Reinforced

Many do not know that the California Constitution Preamble states: “We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure and perpetuate its blessings, do establish this Constitution.”

From the early days of the Spanish Missions to the Billy Graham Crusades in Los Angeles in the 1950s to the Calvary Chapel movement, God’s hand has clearly been on California. Unsurprisingly, it has the fifth-largest economy in the world and has worldwide influence. God has truly perpetuated California's blessings.

But over the decades, under the banner of “progressivism,” we have strayed away from our foundation noted in the preamble — reliance on God. Ronald Reagan said: “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” This applies to California as well. Once a place of hope, California is now the place where dreams die.

Exiting California

Although many issues play a role in a person’s decision to leave, such as the approach to the pandemic lockdowns, a loss of freedom, an increase in the cost of living, and increasing regulations on corporations and business owners, the focus of this article is on one of the biggest concerns — illegal immigration.

California is a state of thankful immigrants. Most came here to better themselves and to contribute to society. But now things have shifted BIG time.

Everything Can’t Be a Priority

To properly handle immigration, it must be a legal process. Second, we must prioritize citizens and citizenship — if everything is a priority, then nothing is. When an airplane loses cabin pressure, parents put on their oxygen masks first so they can then assist their child. This isn’t selfishness; it’s wisdom. In the same way, the governor is to put the safety of his people first. We are about to pay a heavy cost given the fact many convicted murderers are here illegally and that Gavin Newsom and California Democrats recently reached a $50M deal to Trump-proof the state. Yes, you read that correctly. Confused? So am I.

It Makes No Sense

I have a hard time understanding how many are silent on this issue unless it’s to attract more voters to California. Just recently, California would not allow voting locations to require IDs to vote. Please tell me how this makes sense.

Do we want power and control so much that we will literally sacrifice the lives and security of our citizens for it? God help us!

I’m not naïve; I know that all ideas have flaws, but we need to begin the conversation and get the ball rolling. Our motto must be: Compassion meets Concern. We must show compassion, but also fervently guard our citizens — which is actually the role of government.

•Secure the border and severely curtail crossings while increasing security.

•Use a lie detector or other technology to gauge intent and motives of those without any convictions. I know that this isn’t bulletproof, but it adds another layer of accountability.

•Determine if it is a family who truly needs assistance or if it is a person who might pose a security threat.

•Develop programs to help them learn English within two years.

•There must be a plan in place for employment, not free handouts.

•Streamline the process of becoming a citizen, such as issuing a temporary “pass” while the details are looked into.

Adding measures such as these would show compassion and also ease the fear of deportation. However, it is nearly impossible to vet most of those who cross our borders illegally.

Again, this invasion will not stop until we remove the incentives to come here, such as government handouts of free money, food, and medical care. We need a defensible border and courts that actually enforce the laws. Again, I’m well aware of the challenges, but we’ll miss 100% of the shots we don’t take.

The Greatest Threat

Although securing our borders and communities is essential, it pales in comparison to securing our relationship with God. We walked away from our preamble, mocked God’s Word, and scoffed at His principles — now, we are reaping the whirlwind. We must return to Him: “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Mal. 3:7).

Like America’s Founders in their time of crisis, it’s time to call for a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance. At this stage in the game, this is the best way to divert disaster.

There still is Hope-4-California.
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Hay Milk Enshrined

Interesting read about farming in Austria, using a loose hay system, certified hay milk production, Enshrined in EU law as a recognized type of milk. Standards have been developed, many historical. 

The "drying box " also caught my attention. 10 hectares a day, saving 25% of the energy loss that normal drying results in, let alone the impact that wet weather would have on forage quality. Hay vs Silage gets a 25 cent per litre CDN premium for organic hay milk in the EU . 

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#Seabuckthorn

#seabuckthorn

"Sea buckthorn is a hardy shrub known for its bright orange berries, which are packed with nutrients and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The berries are rich in vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids, making them a popular ingredient in health supplements and skincare products. The plant is also valued for its ability to grow in poor soil conditions and its role in preventing soil erosion.

Have you ever tried sea buckthorn berries or products made from them? They have a unique, tangy flavor that some people really enjoy!"

https://www.bigskyseabuckthorn.com/history

 

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Broken Health Care Referral System

Hard to belive that even this is broken, it impacts people. Here is a recent example of a local mom that has been affected. This came to my attention this morning from our friend A.J. Benoit's post. This is not the first that I am aware of, last one was for a simple medical device, a helmet to help in the heling after surgery, 5000 plus requirement to move forward. The community rose to the challenge. Hopefully this request does as well.    

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18NcMyEk5Q/?mibextid=wwXIfr

CALLING ON ALL FORMER EMPLOYEES OF PROCTER & GAMBLE! IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM A.J. PLEASE READ!.........
Dear former colleagues of P&G,
There is a daughter from a P&G employee that really needs your help!!! My name is A.J. Benoit who worked for P&G for 17 years. 10 Years at the Brockville plant and 5 in P&G Sales. During my 17 years with the company, I had to pleasure to work with Pat Bowen who initially worked in Brockville in the synthetic making department. After working there for about 10 years, Pat, like myself transferred into the P&G Sales organization. Sadly a few years back Pat passed away far too soon in life. She was a lot of fun to work with.
P&G and its employees have ALWAYS stepped up to the plate with their generosity! I can speak from my own experience in Brockville that P&G was the major employer for over 40 years and was the most wonderful corporate citizens a community could ever ask for as were its employees!
BUT… the story gets even sadder! Pats, daughter Sadie VanRavenhorst, who lives in Brockville has taken critically ill! Below is her story.
After years of painful and worsening symptoms, and numerous invasive medical procedures and injections, Sadie, a beloved mother, wife, friend and member of the Brockville community, has finally received the diagnosis that could change her life - a rare degenerative neurological disorder called Tarlov Cyst Disease (TCD).
But, living in a province (and country) where TCD is barely understood, and certainly not treated appropriately, Sadie and her family are faced with a difficult decision: wait years for the possibility of specialized care here at home in Ontario, and risk permanent nerve damage that could make it impossible to stand, sit, and work, or, pay out-of-pocket for immediate surgery abroad, and have a chance at a pain-free future where she can still walk and play with her children.
To tackle this disease before the damage worsens and becomes a life sentence, Sadie needs this surgery now. While good health is priceless, the cost of this surgery to treat the cysts on her spine is a staggering $85,000 CAD, plus travel.
Early in the New Year, she will have the opportunity to travel to Cyprus, where world renowned U.S. neurosurgeon Dr. Frank Feigenbaum practices as part of an international surgical group for those suffering from this disease. Let’s help send Sadie to Cyprus and get her back the life she deserves.
The hurdles to getting help at home are insurmountable.
Unfortunately, there is no one in Ontario who can perform the surgery Sadie needs. Despite her ongoing requests for a referral to an Ontario neurosurgeon, she has either been referred elsewhere or denied. This disease is rare and not well understood. Even with the appropriate referral, it could take months, if not years, before an available appointment.
Yet, the process to even apply for the funds for out of province surgery requires the endorsement of a neurosurgeon who would apply to OHIP on Sadie’s behalf. After years of waiting, these requests typically get denied. The longer Sadie waits, the more likely her nerve damage is to become permanent. Sadie and her family can’t wait any longer.
Sadie is the proud mother of two young sons – aged 8 and 5. She has been a volunteer coach with the Brockville Minor Hockey Association and enjoyed playing competitive hockey herself, until the indescribable pain associated with TCD made that impossible. She is active in her home community of Brockville and has volunteered assisting victims of crime in accessing resources and supporting women leaving abusive relationships with her advocacy work.
Sadie isn’t just a supportive friend, colleague and community member, she is also a fun-loving and hilariously witty woman who is beloved by all who know her. She deserves a better quality of life – where she can go to work and play with her kids again, pain-free. She deserves a future where she can still walk when her children graduate and have families of their own.
Even a small donation can make a world of difference for Sadie and her family. Chip in and help Sadie get the life-changing spinal surgery she needs! If anyone would like to donate to Sadie’s cause please see the link below.
Thank you all so very kindly and I wish you all the best in this New Year!


LINK TO SADIE’S GO FUND ME PAGE:


https://www.gofundme.com/.../support-lifechanging-spinal...


P.S. Sadie is also one of my son's best friends!

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Broken Health Care System

This is a problem that seems to be increasing. Being at the "Emergency Department" a number of times over the holidays ths Christmas with my wife and baby boy, we had some upfront seats. I wrote a nice little reflection on fb this morning , I shared it and it disapeared after doing so. I wish I had saved a copy not thinking it would be disapear, so lesson learned, post on your own system first, then you can share. 

Key take away, we need a "I Need Help Department" that in between Emergency and I can see my Dr next week.

Maybe the comments I made will reapear once approved by fb police, it wasn't that bad, however I did invoke the name of #47 and very fine people, so who knows. 

In the meantime, I will glean some items on this topic.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/opinion/the-grim-reality-of-canadas-buckling-health-care-system-5779951

Key Words

Health Care

Emergency

Doctor

Nurse

Hospital

Sick

Solutions

Problems

 

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