Safety First: Earthquake Preparedness Essentials
Ken Kaplan kicked off the discussion by reminding viewers of the importance of being prepared for seismic events, especially in a state like California. Assembling an earthquake kit doesn’t take much effort but can offer tremendous peace of mind. He recommended keeping a “go kit” in an accessible place with essentials like bottled water, batteries, a wind-up charger, energy bars, a flashlight, first aid supplies, a radio, and tools like a gas shut-off wrench. These items can easily be stored in a bucket or duffel bag. He also urged homeowners to secure items inside their homes pointing to examples from a recent Little Italy quake where unsecured cabinets fell and created hazards. Preventing these types of injuries by anchoring furniture and securing wall-mounted items is a simple but effective measure in earthquake-prone areas.

What You Need to Know About Earthquake Insurance
Kaplan clarified that standard homeowner insurance policies in California do not cover earthquakes. For protection, homeowners need to purchase a separate policy through the California Earthquake Authority. He emphasized the importance of reading policy details carefully, as earthquake insurance often has coverage limits for structures, contents, and additional living expenses. He also encouraged homeowners to inspect their property for cracks, separations, or paint gaps after any tremor, and to have any suspicious damage evaluated by a professional. These steps can make a significant difference in recovery if an event does occur.

Rate Watch: Interest Rate Trends and Strategic Timing
Interest rates ticked up slightly in the past two weeks, by about an eighth to a quarter of a percentage point, according to Kaplan. These small changes can impact affordability for buyers using fixed-rate mortgage products. He discussed 15-year fixed, 30-year FHA, and 30-year VA loans, and recommended that buyers keep an eye on macroeconomic indicators like stock market volatility and consumer confidence, as these can influence rate trends. Strategic timing could save buyers thousands over the life of a loan, making rate monitoring an essential part of the buying process.

The Deal: A San Carlos Two-Bedroom with Incredible Value

Square Feet: 1,048
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 2 Bed / 2 Bath
Year Built: 1971 (remodeled)
HOA: $600/month

This top-floor end unit in San Carlos represents one of the most attractive deals to hit the market in recent years. Though the building dates to 1971, the unit has been tastefully remodeled and features a brand-new air conditioning system. Amenities include one dedicated parking space, access to a pool and jacuzzi, and a well-maintained common area. With similar one-bedroom units in the complex priced at the same level, this spacious two-bedroom delivers excellent value for buyers looking for entry into a desirable neighborhood.

List Price: $439,000

The Dream: A Renovated Four-Bedroom Oasis with Designer Touches

Square Feet: 2,200
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 4 Bed / 2 Bath
Year Built: 1980 (fully renovated)

Set on a quiet San Carlos street, this fully renovated home offers over 2,200 square feet of refined living. Every inch has been upgraded from the framing in, making it functionally new construction. The layout is drenched in natural light with cantina doors that open to a low-maintenance yard lined with fruit trees. The centerpiece is a resort-style pool with a waterfall edge, framed by ample patio space for entertaining. Inside, the primary suite features custom closets and a spa-like bathroom. With top-rated schools nearby and high-end finishes throughout, this property offers turn-key living in a centrally located neighborhood. Kaplan noted that offers had already started coming in, and it’s likely to sell near or at asking price.

List Price: $1,600,000

Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Look at Life in San Carlos
This week’s spotlight showcased more than just homes it provided a roadmap for smart homeownership in a region where lifestyle and safety intersect. With earthquake risks, interest rate fluctuations, and a wide spectrum of home prices, buyers in San Carlos have plenty to consider. Whether you’re shopping for your first condo or your forever home, it’s clear the San Diego market continues to offer both deals and dreams.

The post San Carlos Spotlight: Earthquake Readiness and Real Estate from Smart Buys to Renovated Dreams appeared first on ROI TV.

Let’s break down the economic trends and the smart strategies that can help you build wealth through the noise.

1. The Tentative Trade Deal with China: Hope with a Side of Uncertainty

Wall Street may be breathing easier after a preliminary trade agreement with China, but don’t break out the champagne just yet. While it reduces the likelihood of a 2025 recession, much remains unclear especially with the current tariff pause set to end after July 8th.

Tariffs could still return in full force. If they do, businesses will either absorb the rising costs (squeezing their margins) or pass them on to consumers triggering inflation.

Bottom line: This deal is good news, but we’re not out of the woods.

2. Recession Risks: History Offers Perspective

Yes, the U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter of 2025. But don’t panic. Recession technically requires two back-to-back quarters of decline, and unemployment remains low.

Since 1925, America has weathered 16 recessions more than one per decade. Each time, long-term investors came out stronger. If you’re playing the long game, history suggests staying the course through downturns is often the best move.

3. Tariffs and Inflation: A Dangerous Duo

Tariffs aren’t just a geopolitical bargaining chip they’re a direct contributor to inflation. Walmart recently confirmed it will raise prices due to import costs, and other retailers are likely to follow.

Although official reports claim inflation is “under control,” many fear that tariffs could reignite the fire, making everything from groceries to electronics more expensive.

If tariffs do push inflation higher, the Federal Reserve may hold off on rate cuts, even if the economy cools.

4. Interest Rates: Tug-of-War at the Fed

President Trump is pushing for interest rate cuts to spur the economy, but the Federal Reserve is cautious. Inflation concerns and the Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA1 are reasons for pause.

Higher debt means more interest payments and investors now see U.S. debt as riskier. This could drive interest rates even higher, impacting everything from mortgage costs to business lending.

5. Investor Sentiment: More Powerful Than Policy

Here’s the wild card: emotion.

Investor sentiment has become a critical driver of market dynamics. Moody’s downgrade and uncertainty around tariffs have shaken confidence, but sentiment can shift quickly. A positive tariff resolution or rate cut could turn fear into FOMO (fear of missing out).

Smart investors stay grounded, not reactive.

6. The Debt Picture and Political Maneuvering

Consumer debt is ballooning. Americans are relying on credit to maintain lifestyles, while businesses wait for clarity before making major investments.

President Trump has floated major tax cuts and incentives for foreign investment, hoping to stimulate growth. But whether these policies materialize and whether they’re effective is still unknown.

For now, the best move is caution and strategy.

7. Long-Term Investment Strategies: ABB (Always Be Buying)

During uncertain times, the smartest strategy is often the simplest: Always Be Buying.

Whether you’re passive or active, here’s what works:

• Passive investors: Keep dollar-cost averaging into diversified funds like the S&P 500. Markets dip, you buy more shares. It’s that simple.
• Active investors: Look for businesses poised to benefit from tariff changes (e.g., domestic manufacturers), but know this carries more risk and requires research.

Remember: recessions create opportunities. Staying financially educated and invested during downturns often leads to long-term wealth.

Jaspreet Singh is not a licensed financial advisor. He is a licensed attorney, but he is not providing you with legal advice in this article. This article, the topics discussed, and ideas presented are Jaspreet’s opinions and presented for entertainment purposes only. The information presented should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Always do your own due diligence.

The post Wall Street Says the 2025 Recession is Cancelled appeared first on ROI TV.