Episodes

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 ...

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.

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...

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 "death by a thousand charges," Dame unpacks the data behind financial creep, and Kristen delivers t...

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—it’s a financial life raft. This 10-minute CalmCast is your antidote to the noise. Market context,...

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 asking the tough questions… so you don’t have to lie to yourself anymore. Grab your ego and let’s g...

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 Percentage—your monthly measure of financial momentum, and a surprisingly calming number in volatil...

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 not needing money as a kid doesn’t count (but it was nice, wasn’t it?) How adulthood tricks you...

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 confidence impacts your spending, borrowing, and saving habits (even if you don’t realize it) A prac...

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—you’re learning to play the game.

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 current wave of tariffs and inflation Why sector rotation—when investors shift money between industr...

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 recalibrate your goals, avoid panic pivots, and build a financial life that bends without breaking. Be...

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 events, including new tariffs and global tensions, are making everyday goods more expensive. We’...

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 no-spend challenge that actually works – Grocery hacks to save $100 this week – Why budgeting i...

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 forces at play? In this episode: We break down how tariffs impact the market and your daily expense...

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—to the emotional rollercoaster that keeps people on the sidelines, we break down why fear is normal… but not a reason to avoid the market entirely. We explore: The most common fears keeping people from investing (and how to overcome them) What President Trump’s tariffs mean for your portfolio How to understand risk without freaking out A dead-simple 15-minute plan to start investing confidently—even if you feel like you missed your chance If you've ever thought, "I'm too scared to invest," this episode is for you.

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. This isn’t about politics—it’s about leadership, communication, and treating people with respect, even ...

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 hangover that follows, and why sometimes, what we call "negotiation" is really just a polite performance...

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 metaphor.

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 everything else life throws at you. If you’ve ever asked, “Why do I still feel broke even though I ...

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 as our roadmap, Pete uncovers some surprising truths—like why Honda might be more American than Chev...

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 shopping spree). It's funny, it's a little uncomfortable, and—most importantly—it'll change how you...

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 policy level.