The Passive Aggressive Economy

You’re not crazy — your bank account is under attack. This week, Pete, Kristen, and Dame dive into the sneaky financial forces draining your money (and your patience), even as inflation cools on paper. From tipping screens on $4 coffees to subscriptions you forgot existed, it’s not just about how much things cost — it’s how cleverly they get you to pay for them. Pete explores the emotional toll of "death by a thousand charges," Dame unpacks the data behind financial creep, and Kristen delivers the full-body eye-roll we’re all feeling at checkout. Plus: Kristen’s latest wallet regret, Dame’s subscription shame, and Pete’s escalating feud with digital convenience. Oh, and yes — we’ve got this week’s Biggest Waste of Money and a round of financial news you actually care about.