Ray,

I don't think I'm a conspiracy believer, and I think that I'm trying to protect against inflation.

I do think that in the financial world, just as in the jungle, or in polite society, a small percentage of people are predators. We learn to recognize their presence and are careful to avoid them.

I don't think losing money in equities or gambling is protection against inflation. I believe that compound interest helps to protect against inflation. Mostly, I believe that spending less than you earn is the best guarantee for financial survival.

Sy