The Pete the Planner® Show

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 diffe...

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 i...

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...

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 spot...

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 a...

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 a...

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 unpredict...

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 tryin...

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...

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.

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...

Earnings season is here, and Wall Street is grading corporate America. But what do these earnings tell us about the economy you’re actually living in? In this episode, we break down the big surprises and what they mean for your money. We also unpack the latest trends in wage growth—and how inflation is still playing referee. Finally, Pete shares why “pay yourself first” isn’t just financial advice...

In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we shine a harsh but hilarious light on your financial ethics. Are you as honest with your money as you think you are? Or are you quietly fudging the rules when no one’s looking—except your credit card statement? Pete walks you through a self-evaluation that’s part confessional, part comedy, and fully necessary. From tipping habits to Netflix mooching, we’re...

In today’s CalmCast, we break down the emotional zoo of the stock market—why bulls charge, bears retreat, and what it all means for your money. Then, we take a deeper look at the monthly Jobs Report—beyond the headlines—uncovering what it really tells us about the economy, interest rates, and your paycheck. Finally, we bring it home with a personal finance concept that deserves more airtime: Power...

What if “not needing money” doesn’t mean being rich—but being free? In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, we explore how the concept of not needing money evolves as you age. From the beautiful ignorance of childhood, to the messy middle of adulthood, all the way to the promised land of retirement—we unpack what it really means to live with financial freedom at every stage. You'll hear: Why...

In this episode of CalmCast, we unpack the emotional undercurrent of the economy—consumer confidence. With recent drops in sentiment reflecting rising anxiety over inflation, tariffs, and a potential recession, we explain what these confidence numbers really mean, and why they matter more than you might think. We’ll cover: The latest consumer confidence data—and why it’s signaling trouble How conf...

In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we flip the script on financial frustration. Pete explores why money problems aren’t detours—they’re the whole journey. From busted budgets to surprise bills, he breaks down how embracing financial challenges as problem-solving opportunities can actually build confidence, resilience, and control. It’s a witty, slightly snarky reminder that you're not failing...

Episode 3 – This Economic Shift Could Hit Your Job—and Your Budget Not every part of the economy reacts the same way to a crisis. Some sectors take the brunt of it. Others benefit. And understanding who’s winning and who’s losing can give you a better handle on what’s coming next—for the market and for your own finances. In this episode, we break down: How different sectors are reacting to the cur...

You made the plan. You followed the plan. And then—life happened. This week, Pete dives into the all-too-common reality of financial plans getting sideswiped by market shifts, unexpected expenses, and economic curveballs. From this week’s inflation data to job market jitters, we explore how to stay calm, adapt, and keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan. You’ll learn how to rec...

The stock market has been unpredictable lately—and the same can be said for your grocery bill. In this episode, we explain what’s behind all this volatility and how it’s tied to the real economy and your real life. We focus on two key themes: Market volatility – Why the market reacts so sharply to uncertainty, and what causes these swings in the first place. Supply chain disruptions – How current...

The stock market just face-planted—and while your investments may be taking a nap, your financial habits don’t have to. In this episode of Storytime with Pete, Pete the Planner breaks down what to do right now to reset your spending, stop the bleeding, and build real resilience. We’re not talking theory. We’re talking real-life, practical stuff: – The single subscription to cancel today – A 7-day...

Series Premiere Welcome to the first episode of our new financial series, designed to help you make sense of what's happening in the market, the broader economy, and your personal finances. In this premiere, we tackle one of the most talked-about issues in the headlines right now: tariffs. You’ve likely noticed prices creeping up, but how much of that is due to trade policy? And are there other fo...

The market tanked yesterday. Investors panicked. Tariff talk is back. If you're feeling like now is definitely not the time to start investing, you're not alone. But what if that fear is actually holding you back? In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, we tackle one of the most paralyzing money fears out there: investing. From yesterday’s market meltdown—fueled by President Trump's tariffs—...

Why does negotiation so often feel like you're lying with a handshake? In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dig into the insincerity baked into negotiation—and why it leaves you feeling like you need a shower and a moral realignment. Whether you're haggling over a salary or splitting a dinner bill, negotiation can quietly pit your values against your strategy. Pete unpacks the emotional hang...

In this episode, I step into the role of President—yes, really—to deliver the kind of honest, empathetic, and clear-eyed explanation of tariffs I wish we heard more often. I explore the reasoning behind the Trump administration’s trade strategy, acknowledge the real economic pain many Americans are feeling, and make the case for why short-term sacrifice may be necessary for long-term strength. Thi...