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On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss,Consumer spending represents approximately twothirds of US economic output. Therefore, economists track consumer activity and sentiment indicators closely when creating economic forecasts. However,in the fourth quarter the consumer data may be sending mixed signals. What are the various indicators and why do they cause mixed signals? And, The trade war between the US and China has drawn on for six months with little progress toward a resolution. The US placed tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods in June. China responded in-kind by increasing tariffs on US exports, including a broad list of agricultural goods that US farmers ship to China. Both countries have taken action to support their industries that are most negatively impacted by the trade war. What are the two key indicators that can track the trade war? Also,It has been a while since we have written anything about digital currencies. Our last article was on November 22, 2017 in which we argued that Bitcoin is a highly speculative investment and was showing many of the signs of a bubble. At that time a single Bitcoin was selling for $8,234. Following our article the price of Bitcoin continued to rise, but did the bubble burst as was speculated? Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Planned Solutions will soon be sending out our tax engagement letters and organizers in early January. Returning tax preparation clients should have received an e-mail giving the option to receive the tax information in an electronic format. Clients who opt in will need to establish a client portal through Black Diamond if they have not already done so. The portal will allow clients to access their tax documents and share tax information Planned Solutions in a secure way. If you would like to receive your tax information in a digital format but did not receive the opt in e-mail you can e-mail Katie at Katie@PlannedSolutions.com. Returning tax clients who do not opt in for digital delivery should receive their tax packet in the mail by mid-January. If you have any question about the engagement letter or tax organizer, please call or e-mail us. If you did not get a tax packet and would like Planned Solutions to prepare your 2018 income taxes, please let us know and we will get a packet out to you before filing season starts on February 1st.