I'm a panican

Good morning, Smart Movers. Another crazy, chaotic and unstable week here in America. Between the trade wars, a helicopter crash, market uncertainty and the FED hinting more quantitative easing, we are still finding some good news and opportunity for smart movers.

For me all roads lead back to Tennessee, 1 of the 5 freedom states for Smart Movers. The reason I love TN so much is the speed at which you can begin to see your personal wealth rise. With no income tax and a much lower cost of living, you get a real chance to create a life of freedom and peace. (Plus, the food isn’t too shabby)

Before we get into this week’s report, I’d like to share something with you. A little business update and what you are going to soon receive just for being a part of this fantastic freedom seeking club.

We are building a proprietary Freedom Index Application that can be used to evaluate, analyze and compare state data quickly and efficiently across all 50 states (most likely will be adding the U.S Virgin Islands too). Overtime, I’ll keep you updated on the progress and even open it up to a few of our club members to test the product. Now on to our report for this week.

Real Estate: To buy a home in this climate is pure madness 😂

Let’s kill the dream real quick. Buying a house right now — for most people — is a fast track to stress, not stability.

As of Q1 2025, 97% of U.S. counties have homes that are less affordable than their historical norms. Let that sit with you. That means nearly everywhere in this country, the average person is getting priced out, not brought in. The American Dream is under foreclosure.

Sure, we saw a 2.1% year-over-year increase in national home prices (Feb 2024–Feb 2025), but don’t be fooled — 42 housing markets are already seeing price declines. This is the crack in the armor. The housing market is splintering, not soaring.

Then let’s talk about mortgage rates. We’re still floating around 6.6% on a 30-year — and that’s if you’ve got good credit. Stack that with rising tariffs on critical materials like lumber and steel, and guess what? Builders are passing those costs onto the buyer. Translation? You’re paying more for a house that costs more to build and may not even be worth more tomorrow.

Renting right now isn’t throwing money away. Renting right now is strategic positioning. Renting is staying liquid while others get locked in. Renting gives you freedom — to move, to think, to wait.

If you buy a home just to say you “own” something, you might end up owned by it — owned by the mortgage, the repairs, the declining neighborhood, or the sinking value.

We’re not against homeownership — we’re against bad timing.

So don’t let shame or peer pressure push you into the lion’s den.

Sometimes the smartest move is to stay on the sidelines and stack your war chest — because when this market corrects? The Smart Movers are going to feast.

Rent Isn’t Cheap, But It’s Still the Smarter Play

Right now, the national median rent is sitting at $1,384 — a tiny 0.6% bump from last month, but still -0.4% lower than a year ago. Translation? Renters have been catching a breather lately. But that window is starting to close.

Washington, DC rents are clocking in at $2,302/month — a full 46% higher than the national average. That’s not a typo. That’s your rent plus someone else’s.

And don’t think these numbers are staying flat. Industry pros are already forecasting that rents will climb again this year and 2026. Why? Because the oversupply of new apartments that kept prices soft is drying up. Once that’s absorbed, it’s back to landlords holding all the cards.

So here’s the play: Lock in a solid rental now while prices are still relatively tame. Secure a location that fits your goals — whether that’s low taxes, walkability, job access, or school zones — and use that breathing room to save, invest, and get your financial house in order.

Owning might feel good emotionally. Renting right now just makes more sense mathematically.

This isn’t about “forever.” It’s about getting strategic today so you can dominate tomorrow.

Money & Markets: Dips, rips and now I’m a panican

The stock market’s bouncing like a rubber ball — up big this week after a brutal stretch. The S&P 500 jumped 5.7%, Nasdaq ripped 7.3%, and the Dow climbed 5%. Why? A temporary pause on Trump’s new tariffs. But don’t get comfortable. We’re still negative on the year, and the threat of inflation and recession hasn’t gone anywhere.

Meanwhile, precious metals are doing what they do best in times like this — quietly proving why we trust them. Gold hit its highest opening price in history at $3,194. Silver? $32 and climbing. When the system gets shaky, smart money doesn't panic — it pivots.

So here’s our play:

✔️ Keep stacking metals.
✔️ Hold tight to high-quality, long-term assets — real estate, smart businesses, and stocks with real fundamentals.
✔️ And always aim to keep more of what you make in the states that give you the freedom and cushion to grow.

We're not chasing fast flips — we’re building future-proof wealth.

Legislation: Taxes and Policy changes

🔻 Maryland: Squeezing for Revenue

To plug a $3.3B budget hole, Maryland's coming for high earners, tech companies, and capital gains. New taxes are hitting cannabis, sports betting, and IT services. It’s getting expensive fast — Smart Movers, tread carefully. Unfortunately for me this is home for the time being …but, good news is fast approaching for me on my road back to Tennessee.

🔻 Florida: Big Talk on Sales Tax

A push to cut the state sales tax from 6% to 5.25% is on the table. But DeSantis isn’t sold — he wants property tax relief instead. Either way, the state is still friendly for folks trying to stretch their money.

🟢 Idaho: Freedom Play

Idaho just passed over $400M in tax cuts. That includes lower personal + corporate income taxes, no more capital gains tax on gold, and a grocery tax credit boost. They’re walking the talk.

🟡 Georgia: Childcare Help, but Gridlock Elsewhere

New tax credits for childcare expenses are in, but bills tied to elections and DEI programs hit a wall. Good state for families, but policy friction is real.

🔴 New York: Gridlocked + Grasping

The $252B budget is stuck in limbo. Hochul isn’t budging, and lawmakers are punting. Translation? Expect uncertainty, higher costs, and policy battles if you’re living or investing here.

🟡 Hawaii: Middle Class Wins

They’re widening income tax brackets and doubling the standard deduction for single filers. A small step toward affordability in a high-cost paradise.

🔴 California: More Local Sales Taxes

Some towns (like Sebastopol) saw their local sales tax jump starting April 1. The trend is creeping — pay attention to zip codes, not just the state.

Stories and Opinions: What people are saying about where they are staying

Job Market

It is what it says it is. We revert back to logic and reason. There’s no more quick actions The U.S. job market in early 2025 is experiencing a period of moderation following the rapid growth of the previous two years. In January, employers added 143,000 jobs, slightly below expectations, with significant gains in healthcare (44,000 jobs), retail (34,000), and government sectors (32,000). However, industries such as mining saw job losses, and manufacturing showed no net gains, reflecting the impact of high interest rates and economic uncertainty. ​(SHRM)

The unemployment rate dipped to 4.0%, near historic lows, while the labor force participation rate increased to 62.6%. Despite these positive indicators, the job market is showing signs of cooling. Job openings, hiring, and quitting rates have all declined, and economists predict that monthly job growth will slow to around 50,000 by the end of the year. (​SHRM)

Emerging trends indicate a shift in the labor market landscape. Technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and automation, are reshaping job roles and skill requirements. Industries such as clean energy, cybersecurity, and data analytics are expected to drive job growth. However, sectors like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture may face challenges due to new tariff policies and supply chain disruptions. ​(MarketWatch)

Income mobility remains a concern, with disparities persisting across different demographic groups. Recent data indicates that Black non-Hispanic men experienced slower income growth between 2005 and 2019 compared to their White and Asian counterparts, even when starting from similar income levels. This highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving equitable economic advancement. (​Census.gov)

Overall, while the job market continues to add positions, the pace is slowing, and the landscape is evolving. Workers and employers alike must adapt to these changes, focusing on reskilling and strategic planning to navigate the shifting economic environment.

War Chest: Preparedness pt.2

Let’s talk about preparedness — not paranoia, but practical defense against economic fragility.

We are in an era of delayed consequences. The inflation you feel today started three years ago. The layoffs and business failures of tomorrow? Seeds were planted last year. If you’re paying attention, you already know the economy is not collapsing — it’s shifting. Quietly. Strategically. And the winners will be the ones who prepared before it was obvious.

🔒 Protect Your Buying Power The dollar is losing weight. Slowly, but surely. We’re not fans of market gambling here — we’re Smart Movers. Which means we care more about preservation than short-term gains.

The stock market right now is like one big ass slot machine which you’ve been feeding for years, sitting in front of and pressing buttons. You’ve sat there and smoked your cigarettes, ordered drinks —hit the ATM, asked someone to watch your seat while you went to use the rest room and then you finally say you know what? F.. this. You leave, an old lady comes walking by, you see her through the corner of your eyes. You know she is doomed because you yourself got massacred from that machine. You slowly walk away only to hear the bells and whistle ring off. She put $20.00 in the machine, and won the jackpot. You’re mad as a bitch. Why? Because your unlucky? Because God hates you? Nope because gambling is random and anything can happen at any given point. Don’t speculate only to get upset and punch a wall. Get predictable.

Here’s what we’re stacking:

• Precious metals like silver and gold — they’re not just shiny. They’re insurance.

• Cash reserves in a local credit union or regional bank. Keep it liquid. No, not in all-time highs ETFs.

• Barter-ready goods: tools, backup generators, water filtration, security equipment. You’re not crazy — you’re just early.

🏘️ Resilient Assets This isn’t the time for overpriced fixer-uppers in big cities or hype-flipped Airbnbs. This is the time for:

• Land with use, not just aesthetics (well water, septic, grow potential).

• Multi-use property — can it be rented, farmed, stored in, or lived in?

• Affordable housing only in tax-friendlier, freedom-forward states. Buy where people are going, not where they're fleeing.

🧠 Skill Over Speculation If you lost access to the internet for 2 weeks, could you still earn? Could you fix something? Trade something? Grow something?

We’re pushing:

• Basic DIY, repair, and off-grid skills

• Digital side hustles that can survive disruption

• Community-building — your network is your net worth in a crisis

🎯 Your Mission This Month Pick one preparedness category:

1. Finance (Set up a hard asset strategy)

2. Land/Housing (Scout alternative living options)

3. Skills (Learn one new income or survival skill)

4. Local Network (Join or start a trusted group)

Then act. No one’s coming to save you. But you? You can save yourself — and probably 3 others around you.

Never panican,

Stacy
Strizzy Report & The Comfort Killers

P.S. Do me a favor and share this email out to someone you know needs it. I need your help so I can continue my life’s work.. to help as many as I can.

Don’t forget, I wrote a book and would love your support. It’s called The Comfort Killers: Your Journey to Success and it’s available right now.

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Also have no fear, I’ll be dropping opportunities when I see them.