By Paula Pant
The US economy showed surprisingly robust job growth in May, adding 172,000 new jobs and signaling a broadening recovery that extends far beyond essential services.
But underneath the strong labor market, headlines are flashing mixed signals: treasury yields are climbing on inflation worries, real estate markets are seeing regional corrections, and consumer sentiment is beginning […]
By Paula Pant
The U.S. economy added 115,000 new jobs in April, far exceeding general expectations.
But beneath that headline number lies a tale of two economies.
While sectors like healthcare, transportation, and retail are surging, the information technology sector is experiencing what can only be described as a “bloodbath.”
In this special bonus episode, we’re […]
By Paula Pant
The jobs report that dropped today sent shockwaves through the markets, the US lost 92,000 jobs in February, completely defying expectations of a 60,000 job gain. How do we make sense of data that seems to contradict itself?
In this First Friday episode, I break down the confusing signals coming from different employment reports (BLS […]
By Paula Pant
In this First Friday episode, we take a comprehensive look at the economic and market developments from January 2026. From market volatility and a surprising new Fed chair nominee to a groundbreaking “baby bonds” program and major housing policy changes, there’s a lot to unpack.
I start […]
By Paula Pant
In this Q&A episode, Joe and I tackle three listener questions that touch on concentration risk, major retirement decisions, and entrepreneurship. We start with a new investor wondering whether the AI-dominated stock market requires rethinking traditional index fund strategies, or if diversification is already built in.
From there, we explore a complex 65-year-old’s situation involving […]
Written By Paula Pant
Let’s take a look at some stats from the holiday weekend.
How much are people spending?
What does this tell us about the economy?
How confident do households feel about their income and budgets?
Let’s look at the numbers and see what stories they’re telling us.
U.S. shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion online on […]
Written By Paula Pant
Hey everyone. Sooo … the Fed cut interest rates on Sept. 17.
You’re probably thinking:
“Wow, Paula. That news is three weeks old. You’re finally writing about it now?”
Yep. Yep.
“What are you going to tell us next? Hey everyone — We landed on the moon! Pearl Harbor attacked! Dewey defeats Truman!”
Fair point.
[…]
By Paula Pant
The U.S. government is shutting down. Bitcoin just hit a record high. Inflation whispers are back. And Wall Street is buzzing with speculation. What does this all mean for your money, your portfolio, and your long-term financial freedom?
On this First Friday episode, we unpack the economic headlines you can’t ignore — and help […]
By Paula Pant
The August jobs report shocked economists: just 22,000 jobs were added, pushing unemployment to 4.3%. Investors rushed into bonds, Treasury yields dropped to three-year lows, and whispers of falling mortgage rates grew louder.
In this First Friday economic update, Paula Pant breaks down: Why the August jobs report rattled markets. How lower Treasury […]
By Paula Pant
Arielle’s head is spinning from the seemingly contradictory advice she hears about the best investments to hedge against inflation and a possible recession. What’s she missing?
Dave is curious about private investments after listening to a recent First Friday episode. What are they, and should he consider them for his portfolio?
Abbey is stoked about the raise she negotiated for her first job out of school. But she’s worried about liability risk related to her new position. How does she protect herself?
Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these three questions in today’s episode.
