Investing guru Rick Rule claims the US ‘counterfeits 100%’ of its money — why gold his tip to avoid going poor

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The U.S. dollar is widely regarded as the world’s primary reserve currency, anchoring global trade and investment. But according to legendary investor Rick Rule — former president and CEO of Sprott U.S. Holdings — the dollar isn’t what it used to be.

In a recent conversation with “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” author Robert Kiyosaki, the two reflected on a telling piece of U.S. monetary history: half dollar coins minted before 1965 were made of 90% silver.

“In ’65, I’m holding up a half dollar with Kennedy on it going, ‘Why is it copper?’” Kiyosaki recalled.

From 1965 to 1970, the U.S. Mint reduced the silver content of Kennedy Half Dollars to 40%. By 1971, the coins contained no silver at all — replaced with a copper-nickel clad composition.

Rule put it bluntly: “Counterfeiting goes back at least as far as denarius. It’s important to recognize that — it’s just that government technology is getting better.” The denarius, the standard Roman coin, is a textbook example of governments debasing money by cutting the silver content.

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“Now they counterfeit 100% of the value of the currency,” Rule continued. “There was a time when they clipped the edges or they changed the alloy, but governments are much more efficient than they used to be. They steal wholesale, as opposed to retail now.”

He added, “If you look at the other promise to pay, which is to say the U.S. dollar, it used to be a package of dreams painted on a piece of paper. Now it’s a package of dreams clicked into existence.”

Today’s U.S. dollar bills have no link to precious metals. And since the U.S. abandoned the gold standard in 1971, Americans can no longer convert dollars into gold.

The effect has been stark: inflation has eroded the dollar’s purchasing power. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis inflation calculator, $100 in 2025 buys what just $12.56 could in 1971.

‘Not getting poor slowly’

For Rule, there’s one antidote to this steady loss of value: gold.

“Gold is about not getting poor slowly,” he said.

Rule has long been an outspoken advocate for the yellow metal. “I maintain liquidity in things like the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar — I save in gold,” he told Kitco earlier this year.

Gold has served as a store of value for thousands of years — and for good reason. Unlike fiat currencies, the precious metal can’t be printed at will by central banks, making it a natural hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.

The market seems to agree: over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 30%.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to help shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

When you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you can receive up to $10,000 in precious metals for free.

Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden

A time-tested income play

Gold isn’t the only asset investors turn to during inflationary times. Real estate has also proven to be a powerful hedge.

When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts for inflation.

Over the past five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has jumped by more than 50%, reflecting strong demand and limited housing supply.

Of course, high home prices can make buying a home more challenging, especially with mortgage rates still elevated. And being a landlord isn’t exactly hands-off work — managing tenants, maintenance and repairs can quickly eat into your time (and returns).

The good news? You don’t need to buy a property outright — or deal with leaky faucets — to invest in real estate today. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

If you’re aiming to build a real estate portfolio — without relying solely on instinct and spare time — a modern, all-in-one wealth management platform like Range can help you take a smarter, more strategic approach.

Designed for high-earning households (typically $300,000+), Range brings together investment management, tax planning, estate planning, retirement guidance and insurance optimization — all in one integrated platform.

Real estate investors will find Range especially useful. Whether you’re acquiring new properties or optimizing existing ones, Range helps you:

• Choose the right structure for each deal (e.g., 1031 exchanges)

• Forecast how property decisions affect cash flow and liquidity

• Plan long-term strategies around lending, refinancing and ownership

• Minimize tax exposure

You’ll also get access to a team of experienced financial planners who understand real estate and can help craft an investment strategy tailored to your goals.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.