The Pete the Planner® Show

In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dive into the oddly satisfying yet financially devastating loop of wanting money so you can buy things—and then not having money because you bought things. Pete unpacks the emotional gymnastics we perform to justify purchases and why true financial freedom might be found in the power of not clicking “Buy Now.” Come for the irony, stay for the guac metapho...

Is $100,000 a year really enough to live a stable, comfortable life? In this episode, Pete breaks down the harsh reality of six-figure income in 2025 — starting with what you actually take home after taxes, 401(k contributions, and healthcare. Spoiler: it’s not $100K. Then we build a real financial life around what’s left, covering retirement savings, housing, transportation, food, insurance, and...

In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dive into the tangled web of what it really means to "buy American"—especially in light of President Trump’s March 26 announcement of a 25% tariff on all imported cars and auto parts. It’s a bold move aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing, but it begs the question: what actually counts as American-made anymore? Using the 2024 Cars.com American-Made Index a...

In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we unpack the financial mirage that is the tax refund. Sure, it feels like free money—but it's really your own cash making a dramatic return after spending a year with the IRS. Pete breaks down why getting a big refund isn’t a win, how it exposes flawed money management, and what you can do to turn that refund into a financial reset (instead of a regrettable...

Economic mobility—the ability to move up the financial ladder—has long been a hallmark of the American Dream. But recent research suggests that for many, mobility is increasingly out of reach. In this episode, we’ll examine the determinants of economic mobility, explore why some individuals and families stay stagnant, and discuss realistic strategies for improving mobility at both a personal and p...

Are we on the brink of a recession, or is this just another round of economic fear-mongering? In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we break down the recession debate, why everything feels expensive even if the economy is supposedly fine, and whether tariffs could push us over the edge. Plus, practical steps to recession-proof your finances—without panicking and buying gold bars. Tune in, stay i...

Market downturns bring out the worst in investors—panic selling, emotional decisions, and a desperate need to ‘do something.’ But that’s exactly when a good financial advisor proves their worth. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what advisors really do during turbulent times. From keeping clients from self-sabotage to executing tactical strategies like tax-loss harvesting and rebalancin...

In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dive into the financial and emotional whirlwind of youth travel sports. What started as something I once mocked has now become my weekend reality—two-star hotels, overpriced tournament fees, and the ever-present pressure to “invest” in my kid’s future. But is it worth it? Can a reasonable person justify the expense? And what happens to the families who ca...

Your credit report might be controlling more of your life than you think. From loans and insurance rates to job opportunities and even renting an apartment, this silent score holds serious power. But is the system fair, or is it working against you? In this episode, Pete dives into the history, controversies, and hidden pitfalls of credit reports—plus what you can do to take back control. If you’v...

Exploring the good and the bad of tariffs. And yes, there's good.

Today, Pete, Kristen, and Dame take a deep dive into the best and worst economic periods in American history. Was the post-WWII boom really the golden age of prosperity, or is that just nostalgia talking? How does today’s economy stack up against past crises like the Great Depression, stagflation, and the Great Recession? We break down real numbers—GDP growth, wages, home affordability, and even t...

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is officially no more. Is this the long-overdue removal of a bureaucratic overreach, or the beginning of a new era of financial chaos? In today’s episode of Storytime with Pete, we break down what the CFPB’s closure means for banks, businesses, and, most importantly, your wallet. Will fewer regulations lead to more financial freedom, or just more fin...

A new series -- Storytime with Pete. Pete the Planner delivers sharp, insightful, and sometimes provocative takes on the financial world and beyond—all in under five minutes. These short-form episodes are high-energy, opinionated, and straight to the point, blending Pete’s signature wit with hard-hitting truths about money, business, and life. Whether he’s breaking down economic trends, calling ou...

In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, Pete, Kristen, and Dane dive into a mix of financial wisdom, everyday observations, and entertaining tangents. Pete kicks things off by discussing an unexpected fashion moment inspired by a mannequin outfit. From there, the team transitions into personal finance topics, breaking down money management strategies with a relatable and humorous approach. W...

Big Changes for The Pete the Planner Show! Plus, Love and Money We’re kicking things off with a major update—The Pete the Planner Show is now part of the IBJ Media Podcast Network! If you're a longtime listener, welcome back. If you’re new, get ready for a personal finance show that’s anything but ordinary. In this episode, Pete, Kristen Ahlenius, and Damian Dunn talk about the evolution of the sh...

In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, Pete, Dame, and Kristen tackle a listener’s question about using a taxable brokerage account to supplement income before retirement. A high-earning couple with no debt and significant savings wonders if they should ease off their high-paying IT jobs and start tapping their investments. Pete isn’t buying it—he challenges whether they’re taking the easy...

Tax season is upon us, and The Pete the Planner Show is here to guide you through it with The 2025 SpecTAXular! Pete, Dame, and Kristen dive deep into everything you need to know about taxes—what your accountant really wishes you knew, how to avoid common tax season pitfalls, and the ultimate debate: Is it better to owe or get a refund? They also tackle listener questions, bust common tax myths (h...

On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete debate the utility of target date funds. Disagreement abounds.

On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete debate whether or not an emailer should breakup with their advisor. We talk fees, communication, and underperformance.

On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame and Pete pick their stocks for 2025. As always, the stock picks are for entertainment purposes only.

Pete and Kristen wrap the year!

On this week's episode, Dame, Kristen, and Pete discuss terrible housing advice which would leave you stressed, broke, and working forever.

On this week's episode, the crew is joined by crypto enthusiast Doug Collins to talk about Bitcoin cresting $100k/coin

On this week's episode Dame and Pete talk about how easy it is to get behind on home projects.

On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete talk about what you should discuss with your partner before you combine finances.