| In the push to transition away from fossil fuels, many states have implemented renewable portfolio standards that require utilities to get a certain percentage of their energy from wind or solar. These mandates often come without the necessary investment in storage or transmission infrastructure. That leads to unstable grids and expensive electricity imports when renewables fall short. Take California. The state aggressively shut down nuclear and natural gas plants while ramping up solar and wind. But during periods of peak demand - like summer heatwaves - the state still relies heavily on electricity imports and even faces rolling blackouts. The net effect? Higher bills for consumers and less reliability. On the federal level, the hilariously misnamed Inflation Reduction Act poured hundreds of billions into green energy subsidies. But it didn't address permitting reform for transmission lines or grid upgrades - both essential for making renewable energy truly affordable and scalable. Let's talk groceries… Tariffs - especially those targeting key agricultural imports - have played a quiet but significant role in pushing grocery prices higher for American families. When the U.S. imposes tariffs on foreign goods, other countries often retaliate by taxing American exports. This tit-for-tat dynamic has hit American farmers particularly hard, reducing demand for their products overseas and forcing them to rely more heavily on the domestic market. At the same time, tariffs on imported fertilizers, farm equipment, and animal feed raise the cost of producing food here at home. The end result? Higher costs at every step of the supply chain - from the field to the checkout line. In short, government policies - however well-intentioned - have made housing, transportation, groceries and electricity more expensive by distorting supply and demand, adding layers of regulation, and pushing ahead on reforms before infrastructure is in place. Rather than empowering market forces to increase supply and reduce costs, lawmakers often intervene in ways that limit choice, add complexity, and raise prices. The solution is smarter government policies - ones that clears obstacles to innovation and competition, rather than creating them. Until that happens, Americans will continue paying more for the basics of modern life. What can we do in the meantime? That's exactly what I explain in my new book: The American Dream: Why It's Still Alive... and How to Achieve It. As individuals, we have no control over zoning laws, regulations, taxes, or tariffs. But we have plenty of control over how we work, save, and invest. Increasing your income and net worth - not voting for candidates who promise "free stuff" - is how adults deal with the affordability issue. Fortunately, there is good news on this front, as I describe in my new book - and as I'll explain in my next column. Good investing, Alex P.S. To learn more about The American Dream and how to achieve it, click here. | 
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