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.

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:

If you've ever fantasized about not worrying about money, this episode is your reality check (and maybe your roadmap).

Thoughtful. Honest. And just a little snarky.

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 practical, personal finance action you can take this week to stabilize your own financial mindset—no matter what the headlines say

Markets are reacting. People are pulling back. But you don’t have to panic—you just need a plan.

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.

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:

Then we bring it home:

The economy is changing. The market is adapting. And your personal finances can too—with a little strategy and a little calm.

Watch new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 PM ET on YouTube or LinkedIn. You can also subscribe to The Pete the Planner Podcast wherever you listen.

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. Because being flexible isn’t failure—it’s survival.

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:

We’ll also cover:

Volatility isn’t just a market issue—it’s a life issue. We’ll help you connect the dots and stay focused when it feels like everything is shifting.

New episodes air every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 PM ET. Watch on YouTube or LinkedIn, or listen on The Pete the Planner Podcast feed.

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 isn’t punishment—it’s protection

If you’re feeling anxious about the market, your money, or just life in general—this is your reset button.

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:

This series airs live every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 PM ET. Watch on YouTube or LinkedIn, or listen wherever you get your podcasts via The Pete the Planner Podcast feed.

This isn’t just news. It’s news you can use.

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.