The Pete the Planner® Show

Latest Episodes:

Storytime with Pete: Filtering everyone's money advice May 07, 2025

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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 advice. Spoiler: doing your best is enough—until it isn’t. Then you just do better.

Navigating Now: What you need to know about GDP May 06, 2025

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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 allocation—not stock picking—is the bedrock of a stable portfolio, especially in times like these. Finally, we wrap with a fresh take on your credit score: what really moves it, and how to use it as a tool—not a source of stress.

The $84k Flood That Might Just Change Everything May 02, 2025

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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 wondered whether now is the time to jump into the housing market—or stay on the sidelines—this is the episode for you. Want your financial dilemma on the show? Send it to us at askpete@petetheplanner.com. This episode is sponsored by Indiana529. Terms and conditions apply. Go to MyIndiana529.com to learn more.

Navigating Now: How Not To Cut Your Market Returns In Half May 01, 2025

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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.

Storytime with Pete: The Awkward Truth About Being Born on Third Base Apr 30, 2025

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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 success, luck, and financial growth that just might shift how you see your own journey.

Navigating Now: What You Need To Know About Interest Apr 29, 2025

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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.

The Passive Aggressive Economy Apr 25, 2025

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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 the full-body eye-roll we’re all feeling at checkout. Plus: Kristen’s latest wallet regret, Dame’s subscription shame, and Pete’s escalating feud with digital convenience.

Oh, and yes — we’ve got this week’s Biggest Waste of Money and a round of financial news you actually care about.

Navigating Now: What Earnings Season is Telling Us Apr 24, 2025

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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, economic insight, and personal finance you can actually use.

Storytime with Pete: Are you financially ethical? Apr 23, 2025

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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 go.

Navigating Now: Bear and Bull Markets Explained Apr 22, 2025

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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 volatile times.

Stay calm. Stay curious. And don’t let Wall Street animals scare you out of smart decisions.

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