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  1. Hello Catherine, If the internet goes down, is there a way to use the Gold and Silver calculator? Is it possible to download it to be able to use it? Thank you, Lisa

  2. Hello, would it be possible to list the website of the basket weaver from Rwanda that was mentioned in this Ask Catherine & Team episode?

  3. On the topic of “apps”.

    If you must use software from a multi-billion dollar company with a business model based on surveillance capitalism, then the sandboxed Safari browser on Apple devices offers many protections, mainly because trillion-dollar Apple is actively competing against some of those companies.

    Brave on iOS is even better, because it can enable/disable Javascript, while being based on Safari instead of Chromium. If using only Safari, then ensure you have an ad-blocker extension like “Wipr”. There’s also a good extension called “Stop The Madness”.

    So yes, a browser is better for interacting with a hostile vendor, than an app for interactive with a hostile vendor.

    But even better is to stop interacting with hostile vendors. If you have a non-hostile vendor, then a well-designed app can offer many advantages, e.g. offline data not synchronized to the cloud, no telemetry going over the network, no visibility to telcos when you are working with the vendor’s software. The best iOS apps (e.g. 2Do, DevonThink, GoodReader, LireApp) can use open protocols for synchronization to a server you control, e.g. in your home or business, not the cloud. GoodReader has in-app encryption that stops Apple from indexing your files.

    The best of all is to learn enough about coding to make your own app. It may take decades, but like the printing press and financial literacy, that is the only path to computational sovereignty. A good starting point on iOS is the “Shortcuts” app for automation.

    As a story about what is possible, here is an app that replaces a defunct “social network”. Written by a developer for his family. Designed for them and used only by them.

    https://www.robinsloan.com/notes/home-cooked-app/

    People don’t only learn to cook so they can become chefs. Some do! But many more people learn to cook so they can eat better, or more affordably. Because they want to carry on a tradition. Sometimes they learn because they’re bored! Or even because they enjoy spending time with the person who’s teaching them.

    The list of reasons to “learn to cook” overflows, and only a handful have anything to do with the marketplace. Cooking reaches beyond buying and selling to touch nearly all of human experience. It connects to domesticity and curiosity; to history and culture; to care and love.

    Well, it’s the 21st century now, and I suspect that many of the people you love are waiting inside the pocket computer you are never long without, so I will gently suggest that perhaps coding might connect the same way.

    When you liberate programming from the requirement to be professional and scalable, it becomes a different activity altogether, just as cooking at home is really nothing like cooking in a commercial kitchen.

  4. Greetings Catherine,

    I have a long standing checking account with USAA. I know they are among the top 30 banks, but have never heard you make a comment about them in terms of BIS, financial stability, etc.

    I have called them and been transferred up to 6 times in one call to try and get information, but I have not been successful. Consequently, I have reduced my banking activity with them down to minimal levels (still open, and minimally active), and have explained to them that the more computerized they have become, the worse their customer service is. As with other computerized services, the consumer is at a great disadvantage in terms of constantly changing (upgraded?) terms of service and access options.. Of course, they have been eager to invest my money, give me retirement advice, etc. What happened to making a deal and being able to rely on it?

    In any event can you comment about USAA’s reliability, stability, etc, as I need to move some money and the choice is between them and small bank that is, in my opinion, not well informed about the changes going on in the financial world…I have already maxed out the best credit union option in my area in terms of insured deposits.

    Many thanks for all that you do in all aspects of living an inspired and informed life. I believe you, among other very courageous Americans, are changing the public narrative. Only good can come from this.

  6. Hello Catherine. I am a new subscriber to Solari although have been following you for years. Shame on me!

    I have a question. I have an opportunity to pay off my mortgage in full. My mortgage is at 2.75% and I’m currently earning 4.5% ish on my money market at Fidelity.

    What route to choose?

    Thanks for everything. You and your company are making a tangible impact on us all.

    1. Would need to know more to make an intelligent recommendation about your situation. Likely, if I were in your situation, I would pay it off. I paid mine off last year. Best to own and control home base given the potential for games going on in the financial system outside our control. Want to make sure you leave yourself with liquid reserves.

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