You know what they say – the first $100,000 is the hardest, and it feels like scaling Mount Everest in flip-flops. In this episode of *The Higher Standard*, Chris and Saied unpack why breaking that six-figure milestone is such a struggle and how even Charlie Munger (RIP) called it a "b*tch." But once you hit that $100K, things start compounding faster than your excuses for skipping leg day. It’s like flipping a switch to rocket toward $1 million – or so we tell ourselves between sweet cream nitros and existential dread.

➡️ The boys also explore childhood money habits that might be sabotaging your wallet and dive into the *Case Shiller Index* to understand the warning signs of recessionary bubbles. From historical asset crashes to the 2008 housing crisis, they highlight why economic indicators are more than just fancy graphs. Saied’s expressions are priceless – equal parts shock, dread, and "I need a drink." So buckle up, hit play, and see if you’re on a path to wealth or just another bubble waiting to burst. Smash that like button, ring the bell, and remember: the road to wealth is paved with memes, mindset shifts, and maybe a little less avocado toast. 🥑💸

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🔗 Resources:

Robert Shiller and His CAPE Ratio (Gary Stone via X)

Can the S&P 500’s CAPE Ratio Predict a Market Crash? (Charts)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Buckle up, folks—it's a wild week for the economy, and The Higher Standard crew is here to navigate the chaos so you don’t have to. Chris and Saied tackle the avalanche of data from the ISM, JOLTS, and the much - anticipated Jobs Report. (Haroon is still out on paternity leave.) Will these numbers flex harder than a bodybuilder at the beach, or are cracks starting to show? And don’t worry, Fed Chair Powell made sure to sprinkle some cryptic wisdom into the mix, like a monetary-policy Gandalf reminding us that "You shall not politicize!"

➡️ Meanwhile, the housing market predictions for 2025 are wilder than a Florida hurricane forecast. With Sun Belt cities building apartments like they're going out of style, rents are dropping faster than your self-esteem at an open mic night. And the predictions? They range from Apollo's optimistic “We’re all gonna be rich!” +10.8% to Moody’s pessimistic “Yeah, no” at -0.4%. Which regions will boom, and where will your real estate dreams get a reality check? Tune in to get the laughs, the insights, and maybe a crystal ball for 2025!

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🔗 Resources:

Fed Chair Powell Defends Fed Independence (Investopedia)

Rents in Southern and Sun Belt Cities Are Falling (Business Insider)

Realtor.com Predicts Modest Rise in Home Sales and Prices for 2025 (Business Insider)

Housing Price Predictions Across Major Markets (Lance Lambert via X)

Will Home Prices Crash in 2025? (Market Watch)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The American Dream is increasingly being questioned as financial challenges mount for many Americans. With 84% of the population believing it's a bad time to buy a home, the podcast dives into the shocking statistics surrounding homeownership costs, credit card debt, and the soaring rejection rates for loans.

➡️ Hosts Saied and Chris share their candid thoughts on the current economic landscape, including the burdens of rising prices and stagnant wages. As they navigate the complexities of the housing market and consumer debt, they highlight the importance of financial literacy in these turbulent times. Join them for a sexy yet insightful conversation that blends laughter with valuable lessons on navigating today’s economy.

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🔗 Resources:

The U.S. government’s hiring spree: 50,000 workers per month and its implications (Bravos Research via X)

Analyzing inflation and its long-term effects on the economy (Vlad the Inflator via X)

A deep dive into U.S. housing market inventory trends post-pandemic (The Kobeissi Letter via X)

54% of the nation's largest housing markets surpass pre-pandemic inventory levels (Resi Club Analytics via X)

Mortgage purchase applications: A historic downturn across years (Nick Gerli via X)

Buying a home in 2024 cost 42% more than renting one (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)

Auto loan delinquencies hit higher rates than the 2009 peak (Skorus Ark via X)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

🎙️ In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied take listeners on a rollercoaster ride through the land of leadership, stress, and... Whole Foods hot bars? 🍳 Yes, it’s that kind of episode.

Starting with some playful banter about overpriced turmeric shots and parental leave policies (because Haroon is off becoming a “baby-making legend”), the hosts quickly shift gears to tackle the high-stakes world of corporate leadership. Chris gets real about his week of legal battles, emotional highs, and the unrelenting stress of balancing family life, work pressures, and the occasional existential crisis. All while trying to figure out if he’s genetically predisposed to being weak. (Thanks, 23andMe!)

➡️ The duo dives deep into the art of authenticity, unpacking why being your true self at work and on social media is a game-changer in today’s hyperconnected world. From Chris defending the misunderstood GLP-1 weight loss meds to Saied advocating for tough morning workouts that reset your day, the conversation is as educational as it is entertaining.

🔔 P.S. Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to be grateful for the little things—like when your grocery bill doesn’t require a loan.

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🔗 Resources:

What Are GLP-1 Medications? Understanding their use in weight loss and diabetes management (WebMD)

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone. Learn how cortisol impacts stress and overall health (Mayo Clinic)

Authentic Leadership: Exploring its impact on workplace culture and leadership dynamics (Harvard Business Review)

Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: The role of EQ in building resilience and managing stress (Psychology Today)

The Rise of the Slash Career: Balancing multiple career paths in a fast-evolving economy (Harvard Business Review)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode, hosts Chris, Saied, and Haroon tackle the behemoth that is U.S. government spending. With deficits skyrocketing 287% year-over-year and the national debt now exceeding $33 trillion, the hosts break down how this level of fiscal mismanagement impacts everything from mortgage rates to Social Security. They also delve into Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's bold new roles in the Department of Government Efficiency, dissecting what their proposed agency cuts mean for the average American. Spoiler: The Department of Education and IRS might be on the chopping block.

➡️ As always, the conversation is packed with sharp humor and insightful analysis. Whether you're intrigued by the $250 billion deficit balloon in just one month, or curious about how Treasury bond issuance influences your car loan, this episode has you covered. By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of why "balancing the budget" isn't just a catchy slogan—it's a necessity. Plus, a sprinkle of conspiracy theories and Musk's Dogecoin-inspired department name makes this one a must-listen.

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🔗 Resources:

Deficit spending surges to $250 billion in one month (The Kobeissi Letter via X)

What Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy could abolish in the name of government efficiency (Yahoo! Finance)

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy appointed to lead Trump’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (CNN)

Federal deficit reaches alarming new heights (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)

How government spending affects you (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)

Americans fall further behind on debts as household debt reaches all-time high (Yahoo! Finance)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The average age of U.S. homebuyers has soared to 56, proving that owning a home now requires both age and a level of patience previously reserved for waiting in line at the DMV. Saied, Chris, and Haroon hilariously dissect this trend, blaming skyrocketing home prices, nosebleed mortgage rates, and a painfully thin housing inventory for forcing younger buyers to stay on the sidelines—or back in their parents’ basements.

➡️ With a cocktail of sharp humor and real talk, the hosts unpack how these shifts impact everything from family planning to the American Dream itself (spoiler: it’s expensive). They also debate whether "strategic investing" is just code for "hope and prayer" in this market. Tune in as they turn these bleak economic trends into laughs while giving you the lowdown on navigating the financial jungle without losing your sanity—or your sense of humor.

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🔗 Resources:

Job growth slowed sharply last month (Wall Street Journal)

Even Some High-Income Americans Can't Afford New Cars Anymore (Bloomberg)

Homebuyer average age rises to 56 amid rising homeownership costs (CNBC)

Mortgage apps to buy a house are down 45% from pre-pandemic levels (Nick Gerli via X)

Warren Buffett is now building his cash balance at an unprecedented rate (The Kobeissi Letter via X)

28% of shoppers who used credit cards have not paid off the presents they purchased for family and friends last year(CNBC via Instagram)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

As the U.S. approaches Election Day on November 5th, the trio dives deep into the intersection of politics and economics, exploring how election outcomes could impact the market and your wallet. With rising anxiety reflected in the VIX index, your hosts discuss the historical volatility seen during previous elections, particularly in 2008 and 2020, and how this year’s political climate feels different yet uncertain. They dissect the implications of potential policy shifts and the Fed's monetary strategies, all while keeping the conversation light and humorous.

➡️ Anecdotes and witty banter interlace the serious discussions, making complex financial concepts more relatable. Join Saied, Chris, and Haroon as they navigate these critical topics with their signature blend of insight and levity, ensuring you’re informed and entertained as you head to the polls.

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🔗 Resources:

Election 2024: Inflation Outlook (Morgan Stanley)

October 2024 Beige Book Insights (Federal Reserve)

Episode 253 | Markets vs. The Fed: Who’s Right About Inflation 📈 & Employment? 📊 (The Higher Standard via YouTube)

A Look at Historical Market Patterns in Election Years (CME Group)

U.S. economy grew at 2.8% pace last quarter, powered by consumer spending (CBS News)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied take the stage as a dynamic duo, flying solo without their third musketeer, Haroon, who’s off on PTO (probably in a pickleball tournament or hiding from the Fed). With no one to keep them in check, the two dive headfirst into a whirlwind of financial insights, market predictions, and why the MAG 7 tech giants are carrying the S&P 500 on their backs like Atlas — except Tesla, whose latest earnings had investors buzzing despite mixed results. It’s a "two wise men" operation this week, and things get as real as inflation at a gas pump on payday.

➡️ Chris and Saied break down the love-hate relationship between the markets and the Fed — one’s bullish, the other’s just a buzzkill. They riff on whether inflation is here to stay, question if we’re headed for stagflation, and poke fun at economists trying to predict a recession like it’s the weather. Along the way, they tackle rising insurance premiums, paycheck-to-paycheck living, and the surreal cost of burritos ($46 for breakfast?!). With humor, hard-hitting insights, and a few Monopoly references thrown in for good measure, this episode is a wild ride through the tangled mess of today’s economy.

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🔗 Resources:

Financial insecurity and cost of living (Business Insider)

Tweet on inflation and financial markets (Kobeissi Letter via X)

Tweet on housing affordability crisis (Kobeissi Letter via X)

Tweet on MAG 7 stocks and market concentration (Kobeissi Letter via X)

Tesla's Q3 Earnings Report (Yahoo Finance)

Existing Home Sales Fall To 14 Year Low (Yahoo Finance via Instagram)

Here’s when prices might ease, per Fed’s Daly (MarketWatch)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Consumers might have to wait two to three years for their perceptions of inflation to normalize, as highlighted by Fed’s Daly, leaving many still wincing at higher prices. Meanwhile, falling home prices are causing significant distress, particularly in ten states where mortgage balances now exceed property values.

➡️ Episode 252 of The Higher Standard podcast dives into the alarming drop in US mortgage applications, which saw a 17% decrease—the largest since April 2020—along with potential benefits for homeowners in certain cities as interest rates tumble. The discussion also covers the anxiety surrounding credit card debt among Americans and JPMorgan’s new strategy to attract affluent clients with enticing branch experiences. Wrapping up, Chris, Saied and Haroon tackle why so many companies are firing Gen-Z employees, emphasizing a disconnect between workplace expectations and work ethic in today’s job market.

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🔗 Resources:

Here’s when consumers might finally stop wincing at higher prices, according to Fed’s Daly (MarketWatch)

Falling home prices are hitting homeowners in these 10 states the hardest — with up to 10% of mortgage balancesnow topping their property values (Business Insider)

JUST IN: US mortgage applications have dropped by 17.0% over the last week, the most since April 2020 (X / The Kobeissi Letter)

22 cities where homebuyers and owners will benefit most as interest rates tumble (Apple News)

The Most Splendid Housing Bubbles in America: Sept Update: Prices Drop in 26 of 28 Big Metros, even San Diego, Los Angeles (Wolf Street)

Americans are really anxious about their credit card debt (The Street)

'Signature bites' and free umbrellas: Inside JPMorgan’s plan to lure more rich people to its branches (Yahoo Finance)

Why So Many Companies Are Firing Gen-Z Employees (Inc.)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The hosts take a hilarious trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the good old days of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger). They crack up over their embarrassingly bad usernames—ones that should probably never see the light of day again. You know that cringe-worthy online persona you thought was behind you? Turns out, it never really leaves! They dive into how their AIM alter-egos might still be haunting their present-day selves, proving once again that the internet never forgets. It’s a delightful mix of awkward nostalgia and a gentle reminder of how those early days of the internet shaped us all.

➡️ But it’s not all goofy usernames and AIM nostalgia. The conversation gets deeper (but still funny!) when they tackle how social media has made us all professional curators of our own lives. The hosts poke fun at the gap between the online versions of ourselves and the real deal, dropping truth bombs about authenticity and how everyone’s just trying to “fit in” online. And just when you think things couldn’t get more entertaining, they throw in some absurd ideas about modern marketing, suggesting brands take on the wild task of marketing to the homeless. It’s a genius blend of sharp social commentary and laugh-out-loud moments that’ll keep you thinking—and chuckling—long after the episode’s over.

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🔗 Resources:

Rate cuts were supposed to push mortgage rates lower. The opposite has happened. (AOL)

US credit card interest rates hit 23.4% in August, a new record. (The Kobeissi Letter via X)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.