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
This month’s jobs report looks strong on the surface, with 178,000 jobs added and unemployment ticking down—but a closer look tells a more complicated story. When I compare it against other data like job openings and layoffs, it still points to a slower, low-hiring environment, raising the question: is this […]
By Paula Pant
Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2026 with a reality check on where your money stands right now.
The Good News: Gas prices dropped below $3/gallon. Inflation cooled to 2.7%. The Fed cut rates again. GDP grew 4.3% (surprisingly strong). Gold hit $4,500 an ounce. And 19 states raised minimum wages.
The Not-So-Good: Health […]
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 Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates. Inflation data is sending mixed signals. Social Security faces insolvency warnings. And the stock market looks both unstoppable and precarious.
What should investors and everyday savers do in this moment of uncertainty?
In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Rob Berger — former attorney, Forbes […]
By Paula Pant
Nick wants to set up an investment account for his nephew to contribute annually, creating a nest egg for college since the parents are already opening a 529 account. He’s unsure whether a standard brokerage account, IRA or other options work best when you’re not the parent.
Diana asks whether she needs TIPS in her […]
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.
By Paula Pant
Jeremy wants to attend graduate school. Should he take student loans or cash out his investment portfolio?
Andy is wondering if the 4 percent rule stands up to high inflation. (There’s a shockingly simple answer!)
Did Rudolfo discover a hack to supercharge his 401k investing?
Nandini is overwhelmed by her investing choices. What accounts should she use? What funds should she pick?
Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these four questions in today’s episode.
Enjoy!
P.S. Got a question? Leave it here.
By Paula Pant
Nearly every financial news story for the past several months has centered around inflation – but what, exactly, is inflation? What are its causes? What are its effects? How is it measured? What notable inflationary events have unfolded throughout history, and what can we learn from these?
In this episode, we peel back the layers of the onion in order to deepen our understanding of the concept of inflation. We discuss hyperinflation, biflation, stagflation; we discuss the CPI, the PPI, and core inflation. We discuss the demand-pull inflation, cost-push inflation and the wage-price spiral. We resist the temptation to make predictions about the future, choosing instead to focus on refining our understanding of the present.
Enjoy!
By Paula Pant
Jess wants to reach financial independence by the time she’s 50. But she’s worried that she doesn’t have enough money in cash or taxable brokerage accounts to bridge the gap in her first few years of retirement. What moves should she make, if any?
Yisell wants to invest money now. Should she cash out her $70,000 pension in hopes to generate more than the $1,000 per month she’s guaranteed from it?
Abbey is 22 and she would like to go back to graduate school for nurse anesthesia. Should she save up and pay for it in cash, or invest her money and take out federal loans?
Eliana enjoyed our interview with Paul Merriman on the two-fund portfolio. She’s curious about what growth stocks and value stocks are, and how they fit into a passive index fund investing strategy.
Finally, Sneezy wants to know: why aren’t stocks a good hedge against inflation?
My friend and former financial planner, Joe Saul-Sehy, joins me to answer these questions on today’s episode. Enjoy!
