Elon Musk warns 'insane' US debt is headed for a ‘day of reckoning.’ How to shockproof your nest egg now

Group 1 - The U.S. federal debt has surpassed $38.5 trillion, raising concerns about the sustainability of government spending and interest payments [2][4] - Elon Musk emphasizes that the only way to address the debt crisis is through advancements in AI and robotics to stimulate economic growth [1][3] - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is projected to add $4.1 trillion to the national debt by fiscal 2034, increasing the deficit by 1.1% of GDP [5][6] Group 2 - Experts, including Ray Dalio, warn of a "debt death spiral" where the government must borrow to pay interest, creating a self-perpetuating cycle [8] - The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis indicates that inflation has significantly eroded the dollar's purchasing power, with $100 in 2025 equating to $12.05 in 1970 [11] - Central banks are acquiring gold as a diversifier, with Dalio suggesting individuals allocate 10% to 15% of their portfolios to gold [13][14] Group 3 - Musk advises individuals to invest in physical assets like homes or stocks of companies with strong products rather than holding cash during high inflation [18][26] - The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index has increased by 47% over the past five years, highlighting real estate as a hedge against inflation [19] - Alternative assets, such as art, are gaining attention for their potential to appreciate over time and provide portfolio diversification [35][36]