Congress just dropped the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (yes, that’s really what they’re calling it), and it could reshape everything from your paycheck to your student loans. In this fast-moving episode, Pete, Kristen, and Damian unpack what OBBB actually is—and more importantly, how it affects you. Segment 1 sets the stage: from expiring 2017 tax cuts to new SALT caps, we simplify the headlines and help you emotionally prepare for what’s coming at tax time. Segment 2 dives into the biggest student ...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 6 min
When the market is a rollercoaster and headlines won’t stop screaming, even the savviest investors can start second-guessing everything. In this episode, Pete, Damian, and Kristen unpack what confidence in investing actually means—and how to build it, rebuild it, and protect it when doubt creeps in. Segment 1 kicks off by normalizing the fear that even seasoned investors feel, especially in today’s world of economic whiplash and geopolitical uncertainty. Then in Segment 2, the team breaks down t...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Summer break is here—which means your kids are home, your fridge is empty, and your wallet is… nervous. In this episode, Pete, Kristen, and Dame explore whether the old rules of teaching kids about money still hold up, or if today’s world demands something new. From toddler toy budgets to teen summer job paychecks, we break down how to raise money-smart kids without turning into a lecture machine (or losing your mind). You’ll learn how to: Use summer moments as money teaching tools Talk to kids ...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, we tackle a sneaky problem: confusing financial motion with actual progress. Just because you’re constantly doing money-related tasks—paying bills, checking balances, moving money around—doesn’t mean you’re getting ahead. Pete opens with a gym analogy that hits a little too close to home, then brings in Kristen and Dame to break down why so many people feel stuck despite their efforts. We explore what real progress looks like—both on paper and emotionally. From Power Percentage ...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 8 min
The markets are soaring, the economy is expanding, and everyone's wondering—are we in a bubble? In today’s CalmCast, Pete breaks down the difference between market momentum and market mania, explores what real economic growth looks like, and helps you focus your energy on what matters most: your personal financial vision. Whether you’re tempted to chase hot stocks or just trying to make sense of the noise, this episode will help you zoom out, calm down, and plan forward.
Jun 12, 2025•11 min
Sometimes the markets have confidence, well at least their investors do. And sometimes the market struggles to find conviction. What helps you understand the difference between the two? Volume. In this episode of Navigating Now, Pete helps you understand what you can learn from volume. Additionally, he'll chat through the trade deficit and then touch on net worth as well.
Jun 10, 2025•11 min
Think being smart protects you from financial blunders? Think again. In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, we uncover why even the most intelligent, high-earning individuals routinely make money mistakes. From gym memberships we never use to inflated lifestyles we never questioned, we explore the sneaky psychological traps—like overconfidence, present bias, and lifestyle creep—that derail even the best of us. You’ll learn why financial IQ doesn’t always translate to good behavior, and mo...
Jun 06, 2025•59 min
The markets are nervous, the economy’s acting weird, and housing feels increasingly out of reach. In today’s CalmCast, we walk you through three critical signals: what investor sentiment is telling us (and why it’s not the whole story), what stagflation is and whether we’re in danger of it, and why housing affordability is straining the budgets of millions. We’ll help you make sense of what’s happening—and what you can do to stay grounded, no matter the economic weather. Topics Covered: Market S...
Jun 05, 2025•11 min
We know it’s bad for us—and we still buy it. In today’s Storytime with Pete, we dig into the bizarre economics of spending money on things that actively hurt us: alcohol, junk food, and those late-night dopamine bombs we call “treats.” Why do we do it? Blame your brain chemistry. Pete unpacks the science of dopamine, the illusion of indulgence, and the very real cost of self-sabotage—with just enough sarcasm to keep you from crying into your curly fries. This one’s part money talk, part emotiona...
Jun 04, 2025•5 min
In this episode of CalmCast, we break down one of the most misunderstood stock market tools: the circuit breaker. What triggers it, why it exists, and what it actually means for your investments. Then, we zoom out to explore how a sharp drop in U.S. markets can ripple through the global economy — impacting everything from oil prices to your grocery bill. Finally, we bring it back to you: how to set meaningful financial goals when the world feels financially unstable. Whether you're anxious about...
Jun 03, 2025•10 min
AI isn’t coming for your wallet—it’s already living in it. In this episode, Pete unpacks the surprising ways artificial intelligence is reshaping your financial life, from how your bank detects fraud to how scammers clone your voice. We explore the good (smart budgeting tools), the bad (AI-generated investment scams), and the weird (why your insurance premium changed without a human decision). Whether you’re intrigued or uneasy, one thing’s clear: ignoring AI in finance is no longer an option.
May 30, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In today’s episode, Pete peels back the curtain on three numbers that get tossed around like financial gospel — but may not tell the whole story. We kick off with market cap: what it actually means, how it defines a company’s identity, and why share price alone can be misleading. Then, we dive into the often-misunderstood unemployment rate — a metric that sounds solid on headlines but misses huge swaths of the American workforce. Finally, Pete helps you recalibrate your budget by reexamining the...
May 29, 2025•11 min
In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we tackle the awkward truth about spending money on your health. Sure, it doesn’t come with rewards points or Instagram clout, but ignoring your body’s maintenance needs? That’s a financial strategy with a guaranteed crash. Pete breaks down why co-pays feel like emotional theft, how preventative care is the least sexy but most valuable expense in your budget, and what it really means to invest in your future self—even when it feels like paying for a gym yo...
May 28, 2025•6 min
Reading the Signals: What Charts, Indicators, and Your Wallet Are Telling You In this episode of CalmCast, Pete the Planner breaks down three of the most important tools for staying steady in a shaky economy: Technical Analysis – Why traders are obsessed with charts, and what you can learn from their patterns. Leading Indicators – The economic signals that whisper “recession” before anyone makes it official. Cash Flow – Your personal financial early-warning system—and how to use it to stay in co...
May 27, 2025•11 min
We usually talk about money problems like they’re something to fix. But what if the real breakthrough is getting addicted—in the healthiest way possible—to the right financial habits? This week, Pete breaks down how to rewire your brain to crave progress instead of purchases. From the neuroscience behind smart money decisions to the financial routines that actually stick, we’ll explore how to build a habit loop that pays off (literally). No shame, no spreadsheets—just practical psychology, posit...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Today’s markets aren’t just noisy—they’re downright confusing. In this episode, Pete breaks down three financial forces shaping the current economy: What short selling tells us about investor anxiety Why the yield curve just returned to normal after a historic inversion And how a simple act like rebalancing your portfolio can protect your future If you’ve been wondering whether the calm is real or just the eye of the storm, this episode is for you.
May 22, 2025•11 min
In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we unpack the messy, funny, and sometimes frustrating financial lessons we inherited from our parents. From "Don’t get a credit card" to "Buy a house ASAP," we explore what stuck, what was missing, and how to move forward without passing on the same money blind spots. Whether your parents taught you to budget or just told you to “figure it out,” this one’s for you. It’s time to stop surviving and start building.
May 21, 2025•4 min
In today’s CalmCast, we untangle three big ideas you need to understand right now: why ETFs are outpacing mutual funds, what “core inflation” actually means (and why the Fed cares more about it than you might think), and how distinguishing fixed from variable expenses can give you immediate power over your budget. We’ll explain: The sneaky fees and tax quirks hiding in mutual funds What core inflation says about where the economy’s really headed Why knowing the difference between a grocery bill ...
May 20, 2025•11 min
Why is it so easy to blow $30 on takeout but so hard to cancel that Amazon auto-ship of things you didn’t even know you were buying? In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we unpack the psychology behind our worst financial habits—like dining out, impulse shopping, and spending to soothe our emotions. Pete breaks down the science of habit loops, explains why willpower alone doesn’t cut it, and shares six practical strategies to finally kick those budget-busting behaviors to the curb. Spoiler: d...
May 17, 2025•5 min
Years ago, Pete created the Ideal Household Budget, a simple-yet-spicy allocation model for how Americans should be spending their money. It lit up inboxes and dinner table debates across the country. But today, the gloves are off. Dame and Kristen come ready to challenge the old model—armed with data, real-world messiness, and a whole lot of sass. Will Pete’s golden ratio survive the scrutiny? Or is it time to retire the “Ideal” in favor of the “Real”? Let’s find out.
May 16, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In today’s episode, we explore how the market’s emotional extremes—its 52-week highs and lows—can mess with our perspective if we’re not careful. Then we shift to Main Street with the latest retail sales numbers and what they say about how Americans are really feeling financially. Finally, we bring it home with a simple but powerful financial move: a subscription audit. Because sometimes the difference between financial stress and stability is as small as canceling that streaming service you for...
May 15, 2025•11 min
In today’s CalmCast, we’re following the money — from Wall Street to your driveway. P/E Ratio – Is the stock market overvalued? We unpack what investors are really paying for and whether the math makes sense. Producer Price Index (PPI) – A leading indicator of inflation. If it costs more to make things, guess who eventually pays more? (Hint: It’s you.) Car Affordability – The average car payment is now over $700 a month — and that’s not including insurance, maintenance, and rising loan terms. Fo...
May 13, 2025•11 min
There’s always a reason to wait. Maybe it’s the Fed. Maybe it’s student loan forgiveness. Maybe it’s the housing market finally “cooling off.” But here’s the truth: financial progress doesn’t happen in theory—it happens in action. In this episode, we’re talking about the dangerous game of waiting for someone else to fix your financial life. Whether it’s PSLF hanging in the balance, interest rates hovering, or the SAVE plan in limbo, you still have decisions to make. Good medicine is still good m...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In today’s CalmCast, Pete breaks down three essential tools for staying steady in a shaky economy. First, we look at how diversification can protect your portfolio from market swings — because when one sector zigs, you want another to zag. Then, we wade through the latest economic data and recession chatter to explain what a slowdown really means and how often it actually happens. Finally, we spotlight the unsung hero of financial calm: the sinking fund. It’s not glamorous, but it is how you sur...
May 08, 2025•11 min
You won’t always have perfect data, unanimous advice, or a spreadsheet that answers all your questions—and that’s okay. In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we break down how to take in feedback, sort the good from the garbage, and make smart, confident financial decisions right now, not just “someday when you know more.” Featuring Maya Angelou, a baking metaphor, and a few spicy takes on bad advice. Spoiler: doing your best is enough—until it isn’t. Then you just do better.
May 07, 2025•6 min
The latest GDP numbers are in—and they tell a story of a cooling economy amid policy shifts and global uncertainty. In today’s CalmCast, Pete breaks down what that actually means for your wallet. We’ll look at which parts of the economy are shrinking, what sectors are still showing strength, and how tariffs and interest rates are shaping the growth story. Then we shift gears to explore why asset allocation—not stock picking—is the bedrock of a stable portfolio, especially in times like these. Fi...
May 06, 2025•11 min
When a pipe burst turned their dream townhouse into a soggy mess, this week’s listener found themselves with a surprise $84,000 insurance check and a big decision: buy the forever home now or wait out the madness of the housing market? In this episode, Pete, Dame, and Kristen break down whether selling a damaged home as-is is a smart financial move, what “forever home” really means in an unpredictable economy, and whether renting for a year could be a secret financial power play. If you’ve ever ...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In today’s episode, Pete the Planner breaks down three key money topics that matter more than you think: why time in the market always wins over timing the market, what the Federal Reserve's latest pause means for your wallet, and how your debt-to-income ratio quietly controls your financial stress level. Whether you're investing for the long haul, waiting for mortgage rates to drop, or just trying to breathe easier when the bills come in, this CalmCast is your 10-minute financial reset.
May 01, 2025•11 min
In today's Storytime with Pete, we get honest about something success stories often skip: luck. Pete shares a personal realization about being born on third base — and why acknowledging luck doesn’t diminish hard work, it actually makes success more meaningful. We explore why hearing about privilege feels complicated, how luck factors into building careers and wealth, and how you can put yourself in the path of opportunity without losing your hustle. This is a refreshing, empathetic take on succ...
Apr 30, 2025•4 min
Today on the CalmCast: We're navigating the stormy waters of a market correction, checking the pulse on rising interest rates, and breaking down the difference between using interest to grow your money — and letting it crush you. Stay calm, stay sharp, and stay in control.
Apr 29, 2025•11 min
