Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo: Protecting Purchasing Power and Beating Inflation

In this episode of Inflation and Your Money, Lucas and Luna explore why one specific category—used cars—continues to see price increases even as headline inflation moderates. They break down the structural supply constraints in the auto market, the shift in consumer behavior post-pandemic, and why the typical inflation hedges might miss this pocket of persistent price growth. Using May consumer price index data and recent auction trends, they explain how semiconductor shortages and fleet replacement cycles are creating a sticky floor under used car values. If you've been wondering why your trade-in offer keeps climbing despite the Fed's rate pause, this episode has the numbers behind it. #Inflation #UsedCars #CPI #ConsumerPrices #SupplyChain #Semiconductors #Fed #MonetaryPolicy #AutoIndustry #PurchasingPower #PersonalFinance #Investing #Economy #Finance #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #InflationHedge #AssetPricing Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive into how persistent inflation is changing the calculus for homebuyers and homeowners. With CPI at 334.0 and core CPI at 336.1, the Fed holds rates steady while Chairman Warsh signals a less accommodative stance. The hosts break down why adjustable-rate mortgages are making a comeback, how inflation expectations embedded in the ten-year breakeven rate of 2.26 percent affect fixed-rate loans, and why locking in a thirty-year fixed might not be the no-brainer it was two years ago. They also explore the role of inflation-indexed bonds like TIPS in a mortgage-focused portfolio. Tying it all together, the episode offers a concrete framework for deciding between ARM and fixed-rate mortgages based on your personal inflation outlook—not just the current rate environment. No hot takes, just data-driven, actionable advice for protecting your purchasing power. #Inflation #Mortgage #ARM #FixedRate #Fed #CPI #TIPS #BreakevenRate #Warsh #Housing #HomeBuying #InterestRates #Finance #PersonalFinance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PurchasingPower Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna break down why Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities are outperforming other inflation hedges as the Fed holds rates steady and breakeven inflation dips. They analyze how TIPS real yields have turned positive for the first time in years, what that means for bond ladder strategies, and why the five-year TIPS auction saw record demand. With the 10-year breakeven falling to 2.26%, they argue that TIPS are sending a clearer signal about inflation expectations than gold or commodities right now. A practical look at whether TIPS deserve a place in your portfolio given today's yield environment and the Fed's new cautious posture under Chairman Warsh. #TIPS #Inflation #TreasuryInflationProtectedSecurities #RealYields #Fed #Warsh #BondMarket #PortfolioHedging #BreakevenRate #InflationExpectations #TreasuryAuction #FixedIncome #PersonalFinance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationHedge #BondStrategy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down how persistent inflation is quietly reshaping how you should think about your grocery budget. With CPI still elevated at 334 and core inflation sticky, they discuss why traditional couponing and bulk-buying may no longer work. They dive into the concept of dynamic discounting, the rise of private-label brands, and how retailers are using AI to price items in real-time. Plus, they touch on the latest Fed rate pause and what it means for your wallet. If you want practical, data-driven strategies to protect your purchasing power at the store, this episode delivers. #Inflation #GroceryStrategy #PrivateLabel #DynamicPricing #CPI #Fed #FedFundsRate #PurchasingPower #PersonalFinance #Budgeting #Retail #AI #ConsumerBehavior #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #Episode58 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine why wage growth is lagging behind rising prices in 2026. Using the latest CPI data — headline CPI at 334, core CPI at 336 — they show that while inflation has moderated, real wages are still falling. They discuss how the Fed's rate pause at 3.63% is affecting labor markets, and why the gap between price increases and pay raises matters for your personal finances. Plus, they offer actionable tips on negotiating raises and investing in skills that appreciate with inflation. #Inflation #WageGrowth #RealWages #CPI #FedRatePause #PurchasingPower #LaborMarket #SalaryNegotiation #PersonalFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #FinancePodcast #InflationAndYourMoney #CostOfLiving #CoreCPI #EconomicIndicators #JobMarket2026 #PayRaiseTips Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

On June 16, 2026, gold is up over 6% in the last five days, but gold mining stocks have surged 18%. Lucas and Luna dig into why miners are outpacing the metal itself—operating leverage, falling costs, and a potential catch-up trade. They break down the mechanics with GDX and GLD data, and discuss what it means for inflation hedges going forward. If you've been watching gold rally and wondering whether to add miners instead, this episode gives you the framework. #GoldMiners #GDX #GLD #InflationHedge #OperatingLeverage #Gold #MiningStocks #PreciousMetals #Commodities #Finance #Investing #PersonalFinance #Inflation #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #PortfolioStrategy #CatchUpTrade Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 55 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna break down why Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities are surging as CPI stays stubborn. With the 10-year breakeven inflation rate at 2.32% and May CPI rising to 334.0, Lucas explains the mechanics of TIPS and how they outperform conventional bonds when inflation doesn't cool as expected. He walks through a specific example: a $10,000 TIPS purchase from January 2026, showing the inflation-adjusted principal and coupon. Luna questions whether TIPS are still worth it after taxes, and Lucas admits the tax drag is real but argues the inflation guarantee still beats nominal Treasuries for certain portfolios. They also touch on the Fed's rate pause at 3.62% and what it means for real yields. No clickbait, just a clear, practical look at a classic inflation hedge. #TIPS #TreasuryInflationProtectedSecurities #CPI #Inflation #BreakevenInflation #RealYields #FedRatePause #TreasuryBonds #PortfolioHedge #InflationHedge #PersonalFinance #Investing #Bonds #FixedIncome #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 54 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo looks at a surprising winner in this inflation cycle: commodity-linked currencies. Lucas and Luna break down why the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, and Norwegian krone have outperformed traditional hedges like gold and TIPS so far in 2026. They connect the trend to real-world dynamics—soaring copper and energy exports, central bank rate decisions, and the Fed's pause. Specific numbers: the Australian dollar up 8.2% year-to-date against the US dollar, the S&P/ASX 200 commodity index up 14%, and gold up 6.2% over the same period. Along the way, they explain why currency diversification might matter more than another gold ETF for inflation-protected portfolios—and why the Norwegian krone deserves a second look from US investors. Fresh, data-driven, and actionable. #CommodityCurrencies #InflationHedge #AUDUSD #CADUSD #NOKUSD #Gold #Copper #EnergyExports #FedRatePause #PortfolioDiversification #CurrencyRisk #InflationAndYourMoney #Fexingo #Finance #Investing #PersonalFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 53 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna explore how persistent inflation is quietly driving up insurance premiums across auto, home, and health policies. With CPI at 334.0 and core PCE still elevated, insurers are raising rates to cover higher repair costs and medical claims. The hosts break down why your premiums are climbing faster than headline inflation, what the data says about replacement costs, and one practical step you can take before your next renewal. No fluff, one actionable insight. #Inflation #Insurance #Premiums #CPI #PCE #AutoInsurance #HomeInsurance #HealthInsurance #ReplacementCosts #FinancialPlanning #Fexingo #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #PersonalFinance #Money #PurchasingPower #RateHikes Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Gold is down 2.7 percent over the past five days, even as CPI and breakeven inflation tick higher. Meanwhile, silver futures are up over 4 percent in the same period. Lucas and Luna dig into what's driving the divergence — industrial demand from solar and EVs, the gold-silver ratio, and whether silver is a smarter inflation hedge right now. They look at the GDX miners ETF rising 1.7 percent while GLD falls, and ask if the old 'poor man's gold' narrative is due for an update. #Silver #Gold #InflationHedge #GoldSilverRatio #IndustrialMetals #CPI #BreakevenInflation #PreciousMetals #GDX #GLD #SolarDemand #EVMetals #Commodities #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #InflationAndYourMoney #PersonalFinance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 51 dives into the quiet crisis in your emergency fund. With the S&P 500 hitting 7,431 and small caps surging 3.1% in a week, cash yields look tempting at 3.65% from interest on reserve balances. But core CPI at 336.1 means your high-yield savings account is losing ground after taxes. Lucas and Luna break down why 3-6 months of expenses might not be enough anymore, how to size your fund for 2026's sticky inflation, and where to park it without locking up money. Plus, a surprising data point from the Russell 2000 surge that changes the math on opportunity cost. #EmergencyFund #Inflation #PersonalFinance #CashManagement #HighYieldSavings #CPI #CoreCPI #Russell2000 #SmallCaps #FedFundsRate #InterestOnReserves #PurchasingPower #Finance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MoneyTalk #InflationAndYourMoney Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine why traditional bond laddering is losing its inflation protection edge in June 2026. With the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rising to 2.31 percent and the Fed holding rates near 3.63 percent, laddered portfolios of short-term Treasuries are earning negative real returns. The hosts walk through a concrete example: a $50,000 ladder earning 4.2 percent nominal but losing purchasing power at 5.1 percent trailing inflation. They discuss alternatives like TIPS laddering and I-bond rolling strategies, referencing the latest CPI reading of 334.0. A practical guide for income-focused investors trying to beat inflation without reaching for risk. #Inflation #BondLadder #FixedIncome #TIPS #IBonds #Treasuries #RealReturns #PurchasingPower #FederalReserve #CPI #BreakevenInflation #IncomeInvesting #Bonds #PersonalFinance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The Russell 2000 has surged 3.1% in the past week while the S&P 500 barely budged. Lucas and Luna unpack why small-cap stocks are suddenly outperforming their large-cap peers—and what this rotation means for inflation-conscious investors. They examine the Fed's rate pause, the shifting cost-of-capital landscape, and how smaller companies' pricing power is holding up better than expected. Plus: why the 'inflation trade' of 2024–25 has flipped, and what it signals about the broader economy. Tune in for a grounded look at a market shift that could reshape your portfolio. #SmallCaps #Russell2000 #Inflation #FedRatePause #StockMarket #PortfolioRotation #PricingPower #CostOfCapital #MarketTrends #Investing #Finance #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #Podcast #LucasAndLuna #PersonalFinance #WealthManagement #EconomicShift Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 48 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo explores how the SpaceX IPO is reshaping the inflation-hedging landscape. Hosts Lucas and Luna break down why a company tied to launch services and satellite internet is attracting investors who typically buy gold or TIPS. They connect the IPO to the recent divergence between gold prices and mining stocks, the S&P 500's implicit bet on SpaceX, and what this means for everyday portfolios. Plus, they discuss the record-setting $2 trillion market cap expectations and the retail allocation controversy. A focused look at how one mega-IPO can shift the inflation narrative. #SpaceX #IPO #InflationHedge #Gold #GDX #GLD #StockMarket #PortfolioStrategy #ElonMusk #RetailInvestor #Nasdaq #S&P500 #Inflation #Finance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation and Your Money, Lucas and Luna look at a surprising trend in the current market: small-cap stocks are outperforming traditional inflation hedges like gold and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. With the S&P 500 up only 0.1% over the past week but the Russell 2000 jumping 3.1%, they explore why small caps may be a better bet for protecting purchasing power. They discuss how smaller companies can pass on costs more quickly, the role of domestic focus in insulating them from global supply chain issues, and what this means for investors worried about sticky inflation. You'll learn about the Russell 2000's recent performance, the disconnect between gold and inflation expectations, and why your portfolio might benefit from a tilt toward small caps. No fluff, just actionable insight. #SmallCaps #Russell2000 #S&P500 #Gold #Inflation #InflationHedge #PurchasingPower #Investing #PortfolioStrategy #AssetAllocation #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney #LucasAndLuna #MarketTrends #ProtectYourMoney Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 46 of Inflation and Your Money, Lucas and Luna explore how the biggest IPO of 2026 — SpaceX's record-setting $75 billion offering — is changing the way investors think about inflation hedges. With gold sliding to a six-month low even as CPI ticks up, the hosts examine why growth stocks and disruptive IPOs are drawing capital away from traditional safe havens. They break down the mechanics: how a blockbuster IPO sucks liquidity from other assets, why the 10-year breakeven inflation rate has dipped to 2.29%, and what the small-cap Russell 2000's 3.1% weekly gain tells us about where inflation-era money is flowing. Lucas and Luna also share practical takeaways for listeners — including why I-bonds and TIPS still matter despite the IPO frenzy, and how to think about portfolio balance when headline-grabbing offerings tempt everyone to chase returns. No hot takes, just clear analysis. #SpaceXIPO #InflationHedge #GoldSlump #IPO #BondMarket #SmallCaps #Russell2000 #PurchasingPower #I-Bonds #TIPS #10YearBreakeven #GrowthStocks #InvestingStrategy #PortfolioBalance #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Gold has slumped to a six-month low even as inflation remains stubbornly above the Fed's target. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack the paradox: why the traditional inflation hedge is losing its luster. They explore the role of real interest rates, the rising opportunity cost of holding gold, and how the Fed's rate pause is reshaping investor behavior. With the S&P 500 down 1.2% in the past five days and gold shedding 5.4% over the same period, the hosts discuss whether gold's weakness signals a broader shift in market dynamics — or just a temporary correction. Along the way, they connect the dots between Treasury yields, the dollar, and the changing calculus for commodity investors. If you've been wondering why your gold ETF isn't protecting your portfolio the way it used to, this episode offers a clear, numbers-driven explanation. #Gold #Inflation #FederalReserve #RealInterestRates #OpportunityCost #Commodities #PreciousMetals #GLD #GDX #PortfolioHedge #TreasuryYields #USDollar #InvestmentStrategy #InflationHedge #MarketParadox #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 44 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo zeroes in on a growing pain lurking in the data: the gap between what inflation is doing and what the Fed is doing. With CPI still at 334 and the Fed Funds rate stuck at 3.65 percent, Lucas and Luna break down why the central bank's pause is hitting savers and borrowers asymmetrically. They discuss how the interest on reserve balances (IORB) may be distorting the real economy, why gold has dropped 5.5 percent in five days despite sticky inflation, and what the 10-year breakeven inflation rate of 2.34 percent actually signals for your portfolio. Using concrete numbers from June 2026, they explain the mechanics of negative real yields, the silent wealth transfer from cash holders to the banking system, and one practical move listeners can make to protect purchasing power without chasing risk. No fluff, no predictions—just a clear-eyed look at where policy and prices are diverging and what that means for your wallet. #Inflation #FederalReserve #RatePause #PurchasingPower #CPI #RealYields #Gold #BreakevenInflation #Savers #Borrowers #IORB #NegativeRealRates #PortfolioStrategy #TIPS #WealthTransfer #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 43 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna examine how persistent but cooling inflation is reshaping the ETF industry. They discuss the shift from growth to value ETFs, the surge in demand for TIPS and commodity funds, and the recent underperformance of popular fixed-income ETFs. Using current data—S&P 500 down 3.4% in five days, gold decline of 4.3%—they explore why investors are rotating into inflation-focused products. They also touch on how ETF providers are launching new funds tied to real assets and inflation swaps, and what this means for your portfolio. The conversation includes a donation segment supporting ad-free content. #Inflation #ETF #Finance #Investing #TIPS #Commodities #Gold #S&P500 #RealAssets #PortfolioStrategy #ValueInvesting #FixedIncome #PersonalFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationHedge #AssetAllocation #MarketRotation Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 42 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo digs into why rents are climbing at nearly double the rate of headline CPI. Hosts Lucas and Luna examine the April 2026 CPI data—shelter up 5.2% year-over-year while core CPI sits at 3.1%—and explain the structural forces behind the divergence: multifamily construction delays, zoning bottlenecks, and the lag effect in official statistics. They walk through how landlords are using dynamic pricing software similar to airline ticket models, and why renters in Sun Belt markets are getting hit hardest. Lucas offers one concrete strategy for renters facing renewal: leverage comparable data to negotiate, or consider locking in a longer lease in markets where rent growth is slowing. The episode closes with a look at whether the Fed's rate pause is inadvertently keeping rents elevated by discouraging new building. No fluff—just the numbers and what they mean for your monthly payment. #RentInflation #CPI #ShelterCosts #Housing #FedPolicy #InflationAndYourMoney #Fexingo #Finance #PersonalFinance #RentNegotiation #SunBelt #Multifamily #Zoning #DynamicPricing #RealEstate #CostOfLiving #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The stock market is sliding, but dividend stocks are getting hit even harder. The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF is down more than the S&P 500 over the past week, and gold miners are getting absolutely hammered — the GDX ETF dropped 11.5 percent in five days. Lucas and Luna dig into why income-focused stocks are underperforming in this environment. They break down the mechanics: when the 10-year breakeven inflation rate drops to 2.35 percent and rate-cut expectations get pushed out, the appeal of current dividend yields fades. They look at who gets squeezed hardest — utilities, REITs, and telecoms — and contrast them with companies that can actually grow dividends through inflation, like the big banks and energy firms. Plus, they talk about the one signal that matters most for dividend investors right now: the real yield on the 10-year Treasury. If you own dividend stocks and are wondering why they aren't protecting you the way they used to, this episode explains what shifted. #DividendStocks #IncomeInvesting #StockMarket #Inflation #FedRatePause #TreasuryYields #RealYield #Utilities #REITs #GoldMiners #GDX #JPMorgan #PortfolioStrategy #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #PersonalFinance #InvestmentStrategy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation and Your Money, Lucas and Luna dig into a puzzle that's been rattling markets in June 2026: why gold is down nearly 11% in a week even as CPI and PCE show inflation still running above the Fed's target. They look at the real yield story, the carry trade unwind, and what the sell-off says about investor expectations for rate cuts. Lucas brings a specific chart — the correlation between gold and real rates breaking down over the past month — and Luna presses on whether the 'inflation hedge' narrative for gold is actually broken. If you've been holding gold or mining stocks like GDX, you'll want to hear why the old playbook might not apply right now. #Gold #Inflation #RealRates #FederalReserve #GDX #GLD #CPI #PCE #CarryTrade #SafeHaven #PortfolioHedge #Finance #Investing #Macro #June2026 #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

On this episode of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna break down the hidden costs of holding cash in the current rate environment. With the effective Fed funds rate at 3.63 percent but the 10-year breakeven inflation rate at 2.36 percent, the real return on cash is barely positive – and that's before you factor in the taxes you'll owe on interest earnings. The hosts dig into why bank savings accounts still pay well below the Fed funds rate, how the Treasury's I Bond program has become a forgotten inflation fighter, and why even a simple high-yield savings account might not be enough to preserve purchasing power right now. They reference recent CPI data showing prices are still climbing at a stubborn pace, and they walk through a practical example of what $10,000 in a typical savings account looks like after one year of inflation and taxes. For listeners who feel like they're saving diligently but still falling behind, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the math. #Inflation #Savings #PurchasingPower #FedFundsRate #RealReturn #IBonds #HighYieldSavings #CPI #BondMarket #PersonalFinance #InterestRateRisk #WealthPreservation #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #Investment #CashManagement #Macroeconomics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation and Your Money, Lucas and Luna explore how persistent inflation is quietly reshaping portfolio rebalancing strategies. With the S&P 500 at 7,384 and the Nasdaq down 5.1% in the last five days, traditional yearly rebalancing may be leaving investors exposed. The hosts discuss how inflation's uneven impact on sectors—like tech vs. consumer staples—means that rebalancing more frequently, perhaps quarterly, can help lock in gains and manage risk. They reference actual data: the 10-year breakeven inflation rate holding at 2.36%, suggesting the bond market sees inflation as stubborn, not transitory. Lucas explains a simple rule: rebalance when any asset class drifts more than five percentage points from your target allocation. They also touch on the recent hot jobs report that's pushing Fed rate cuts further out, making inflation-adjusted returns even more critical. Practical, data-driven advice for anyone managing their own portfolio in today's market. #Inflation #PortfolioRebalancing #S&P500 #Nasdaq #FederalReserve #RateCuts #AssetAllocation #BondMarket #BreakevenInflation #TechStocks #ConsumerStaples #InvestingStrategy #PersonalFinance #RiskManagement #MarketVolatility #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The May jobs report came in hotter than expected, pushing the Fed further from cutting rates. On this episode of Inflation and Your Money, Lucas and Luna break down what the payrolls number means for your wallet, why the bond market is still pricing in cuts despite the data, and how the one-two punch of strong employment and sticky inflation is reshaping everything from your mortgage rate to your 401(k). They also look at the timing—Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces his first major policy test since taking office, and the market's reaction tells you a lot about what investors really think. If you've been waiting for rate relief before buying a home or refinancing, this episode explains why you might be waiting a while longer. #JobsReport #FedRateCuts #Inflation #KevinWarsh #BondMarket #MortgageRates #PersonalFinance #Investing #InflationAndYourMoney #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #EconomicData #Payrolls #TreasuryYields #RatePause #HousingMarket #StockMarket Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation and Your Money, Lucas and Luna discuss the real cost of holding uninvested cash in a high-inflation environment. With the Fed funds rate at 3.62 percent but CPI still running above 3 percent, many savers are losing purchasing power even in high-yield savings accounts. They examine the gap between nominal returns and real returns, using current data showing a 2.36 percent 10-year breakeven inflation rate. Luna shares a recent survey revealing that 40 percent of Americans keep over $5,000 in checking accounts earning zero interest. Lucas explains how inflation erodes the real value of emergency funds and offers practical strategies like I bonds and short-term TIPS ETFs. They also touch on the recent market sell-off, with the NASDAQ down 5.1 percent over five days, and why cash isn't a safe haven when inflation is high. #CashDrag #InflationTax #RealReturns #SavingsAccount #PurchasingPower #FedFundsRate #CPI #TIPS #IBonds #EmergencyFund #OpportunityCost #PersonalFinance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising effect of the Fed's interest rate pause: even with CPI still elevated at 332.4 and 10-year breakeven inflation at 2.36%, the effective federal funds rate has dipped slightly to 3.63%. That small move is already squeezing savers. The hosts walk through how high-yield savings account rates have started to drift lower, why banks are cutting deposit rates faster than the Fed cuts, and what listeners can do about it. They reference the recent hot jobs report that pushed rate cuts further out, and discuss how the S&P 500's 2.8% weekly drop adds another layer to the calculus. No stock tips—just practical context for anyone wondering why their online savings account yield just dropped again. #FedPause #SavingsRates #Inflation #CPI #PersonalFinance #HighYieldSavings #FedPolicy #DepositRates #MoneyMarket #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #WealthManagement #InterestRates #EconomicData #Banking #PurchasingPower #FinancialLiteracy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a counterintuitive inflation hedge that most people overlook: your own human capital. Drawing on the May 2026 hot jobs report and the Fed's indication that rate cuts remain distant, they argue that the ability to earn, upskill, and renegotiate income is the single most powerful tool against rising prices. Lucas cites data showing that college graduates with in-demand skills have seen wages rise 3.2% year-over-year, outpacing the official inflation rate of 2.8%. Luna pushes back on whether that's true for everyone, leading to a discussion on structural wage disparities and geographic variation. The episode avoids the typical commodities and real estate narratives, instead focusing on practical steps listeners can take to invest in their own earning power through certifications, networking, and side projects. Tune in for a fresh take on beating inflation that doesn't require buying gold or Bitcoin. #Inflation #HumanCapital #WageGrowth #JobsReport #FederalReserve #Upskilling #PersonalFinance #IncomeInvesting #LaborMarket #CareerGrowth #WageNegotiation #SkillsTraining #SideHustle #EarningPower #InflationHedge #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Inflation has been cooling—CPI is at 332.4, core PCE at 129.6—but hospital prices are still climbing at 4% annually. Lucas and Luna examine why medical inflation refuses to follow the broader trend, focusing on the role of private equity roll-ups in hospital systems and the opaque chargemaster pricing that lets hospitals boost charges even when input costs are stable. Using data from the latest CPI report and a recent study on hospital consolidation, they explain how market power, not costs, is driving the wedge. If you're paying higher premiums or bigger copays, this episode shows where that money is actually going. #HospitalInflation #MedicalCosts #PrivateEquity #Chargemaster #CPI #CorePCE #Healthcare #Inflation #PurchasingPower #HospitalPricing #Consolidation #Finance #Business #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #InflationAndYourMoney #LucasAndLuna #HealthEconomics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 32 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna unpack a surprising local inflation driver: premium pay mandates for gig workers and tipped employees. Using Seattle's 2025 gig-worker minimum-wage law and the recent 10-year breakeven inflation rate of 2.36%, they explore how city-level wage rules create small but persistent price bumps in restaurants, delivery apps, and car services. Luna shares data from a new University of Chicago study showing that every 10% increase in premium pay adds 0.3% to local services CPI. Lucas ties it to the Fed's challenge: national inflation looks contained, but these local spikes make rate cuts harder. No alarmism — just a focused look at a quiet but real inflation pocket. #Inflation #PremiumPay #GigEconomy #MinimumWage #Seattle #TippedWorkers #LocalInflation #ServicesCPI #FederalReserve #RateCuts #BreakevenRate #UChicago #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #YourMoney #PurchasingPower Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

As core PCE inflation hovers around 2.6% in mid-2026, companies are using surplus cash differently. Lucas and Luna explore how inflation is driving a quiet shift in dividend policies—away from high-payout, low-growth models and toward reinvestment and special dividends. They examine why Walmart and JPMorgan have boosted dividends while tech giants like Apple and Microsoft lean into buybacks and R&D. With the Fed holding rates at 3.63% and real yields still positive, the hosts discuss whether dividend stocks still serve as an inflation hedge or if the strategy needs rethinking. They also break down the data: S&P 500 dividend growth slowed to 4% year-over-year in Q1 2026, while capital expenditure rose 8%. For investors relying on income, the playbook is shifting—and ignoring that shift may cost you purchasing power. #Dividends #Inflation #CorporateFinance #PassiveIncome #DividendStocks #DividendGrowth #StockBuybacks #CapitalExpenditure #FederalReserve #S&P500 #Walmart #JPMorgan #Apple #Microsoft #PersonalFinance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 30 of Inflation and Your Money digs into how persistent inflation is quietly reshaping the stock market's winners and losers. Lucas and Luna examine why the recent 1.5% drop in the Russell 2000 contrasts with the S&P 500's relative calm, even as gold and silver miners have seen sharp pullbacks. They unpack the 10-year breakeven rate dipping to 2.38% and what that says about where inflation expectations are heading. The conversation centers on a surprising shift: companies with pricing power and low capital intensity are being rewarded, while high-growth, high-debt small caps are getting hammered. Using real data from June 2026, the hosts explain how investors can read the market's inflation signals without getting lost in the noise. Practical takeaways include why the GDX selloff matters beyond mining stocks and how the Russell's weakness might be a leading indicator for the broader economy. #Inflation #StockMarket #Russell2000 #S&P500 #GoldMiners #GDX #PricingPower #SmallCaps #BreakevenInflation #Fed #InterestRates #Investing #PersonalFinance #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast #InflationAndYourMoney Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 29 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo explores 'quality fade' – the hidden way companies cut costs by reducing product quality without lowering prices. Lucas and Luna use concrete examples like thinner trash bags, fewer chips per bag, and cheaper smartphone components to show how inflation masks this practice. They cite recent CPI data (332.4) and the 10-year breakeven inflation rate (2.39%) to frame the trade-off. The episode explains why quality fade is harder to track than shrinkflation, how it erodes real purchasing power, and what consumers can do about it. A natural donation segment near the end ties listener support to keeping the show ad-free. #Inflation #PurchasingPower #QualityFade #ConsumerProtection #Shrinkflation #CPI #BureauOfLaborStatistics #PersonalFinance #HiddenInflation #ProductQuality #ConsumerAwareness #EverydayEconomics #Finance #EconomicTrends #SmartShopping #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 28 of Inflation and Your Money, Lucas and Luna dig into how inflation is quietly taxing cash savings even as the Fed holds interest rates near 3.6 percent. With the S&P 500 at 7,610 and gold pulling back slightly, the hosts explain why a standard savings account yielding 0.5 percent is losing 2.5 percent real purchasing power every year. They walk through the math of a $10,000 emergency fund eroding to roughly $9,000 after two years of 3 percent inflation, and discuss practical alternatives like high-yield savings, Treasury money market funds, and short-duration bond ETFs. The episode features a live check of the current Fed funds rate and CPI data, a candid look at the trade-offs between liquidity and return, and an honest assessment of whether the typical 'just invest it' advice holds up. If you've ever wondered why your savings balance feels fine but your buying power doesn't, this episode connects the dots. #Inflation #Savings #PurchasingPower #EmergencyFund #HighYieldSavings #MoneyMarket #BondETF #FedFundsRate #CPI #RealReturn #Liquidity #PersonalFinance #Investing #FDIC #Treasury #CashManagement #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna break down how inflation is silently eroding the purchasing power of cash sitting in savings accounts, even with interest rates above 3.5 percent. Using the latest CPI data from April 2026 at 332.4, they explain why the real return on savings is still negative for most people. They compare high-yield savings accounts, Treasury bills, and Series I bonds as alternatives, and discuss whether the Fed's current rate of 3.63 percent is enough to protect savers. The episode also covers the psychological trap of nominal gains versus real losses, and why many people are losing ground without realizing it. #Inflation #Savings #PurchasingPower #InterestRates #CPI #FederalReserve #HighYieldSavings #TreasuryBills #IBonds #RealReturn #PersonalFinance #Investing #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Money #WealthProtection #FinancialLiteracy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 26 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna break down how persistent inflation is rewriting the classic rent-versus-buy calculus. With the April CPI hitting 332.4 and core CPI at 335.4, home prices remain stubbornly high even as inflation cools. They examine why the 10-year breakeven inflation rate ticked up to 2.40 percent, what that means for mortgage rates, and how rising property taxes (mentioned in Episode 23) now tip the scales for many renters. Lucas points to the S&P 500 at 7,600 as a sign that stocks are absorbing inflation differently, while the Dow Jones at 51,079 suggests the economy is still strong. But for the average renter, the dream of homeownership may be slipping further away. Luna brings a data point from the National Association of Realtors showing that the median home price has risen 4.7 percent year-over-year despite slowing price increases elsewhere. The episode drills into one specific decision: whether to rent or buy in mid-2026, using real numbers and a case study of a couple in Austin, Texas. No fluff, just useful math. #RentVsBuy #HomePrices #CPI #CoreCPI #BreakevenInflation #MortgageRates #PropertyTax #AustinHousing #InflationAndYourMoney #Fexingo #LucasAndLuna #PersonalFinance #Finance #PurchasingPower #HousingMarket #S&P500 #DowJones #FexingoBusiness Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 25, Lucas and Luna dig into how persistent inflation is quietly rewriting the math behind one of the biggest financial choices most people make: renting versus buying a home. With home prices still rising despite a cooling CPI — the latest reading shows the index at 332.4, up from 330.29 — and the Fed holding rates steady near 3.64%, the old rules of thumb no longer apply. Lucas breaks down a specific case: a renter in a mid-sized city facing a 6% annual rent increase versus a buyer locking in a 7% mortgage. They explore how inflation changes the calculus on maintenance costs, property taxes, and the opportunity cost of a down payment. Luna challenges the conventional wisdom that buying is always a hedge against inflation, pointing out that homeowners aren't immune to rising costs. The episode closes with a practical framework for listeners to run their own numbers. #RentVsBuy #InflationImpact #HousingMarket #Homeownership #MortgageRates #PersonalFinance #CPIIndex #FedPolicy #PurchasingPower #RealEstate #CostOfLiving #PropertyTaxes #MaintenanceCosts #DownPayment #OpportunityCost #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 24, Lucas and Luna explore a puzzle: headline inflation is easing, but home prices and rents keep climbing. They dissect the latest CPI shelter component data, the Fed's 3.64% rate stance, and Berkshire Hathaway's $6.8 billion Taylor Morrison deal as a signal of institutional conviction. The episode explains why shelter inflation is sticky, how the Fed's policy inadvertently props up housing costs, and what it means for renters and buyers in mid-2026. Lucas and Luna also touch on the PCE price index's 130.9 reading and the 10-year breakeven inflation rate at 2.38, tying the macro picture to practical takeaways for protecting purchasing power. #Inflation #Housing #ShelterInflation #FederalReserve #BerkshireHathaway #TaylorMorrison #CPI #PCE #BreakevenInflation #Rent #HomePrices #MonetaryPolicy #Finance #PersonalFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PurchasingPower #RealEstate Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore an underappreciated inflation mechanism: property taxes. As home values rise, local governments reassess, and tax bills climb even if your income doesn't keep pace. Using data from the latest CPI release (332.4) and the Fed's flat 3.64% rate, they break down how this stealth tax affects homeowners and renters alike. Plus, a practical tip: check your assessment and know how to appeal. And why the recent drop in 10-year breakeven inflation to 2.38% might not bring relief soon. #PropertyTax #Inflation #Homeowners #RealEstate #CPI #FedRate #BreakevenInflation #LucasAndLuna #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #PersonalFinance #PurchasingPower #TaxAssessment #Appeal #MillRate #AssessmentRatio #StealthTax Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 22 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo: Lucas and Luna unpack the quiet but corrosive phenomenon of shrinkflation — where package sizes shrink but prices stay the same (or rise). Using real examples from recent grocery store data, they explain how this hidden price increase fools the official CPI, why companies prefer it over raising sticker prices, and what shoppers can do to spot it. Ties in the latest CPI print of 332.4 and discusses how even core inflation readings miss this trick. A practical episode for anyone who's noticed their box of cereal feels lighter but costs more. #Shrinkflation #HiddenInflation #CPI #GroceryPrices #ConsumerPriceIndex #PackagingTricks #InflationAndYourMoney #PurchasingPower #PersonalFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #Inflation #CostOfLiving #GroceryShopping #ConsumerBehavior #CoreCPI #PriceHikes Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 21 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo dives into a surprising inflation hedge hiding in plain sight: the shrinking package. When prices rise quietly through 'shrinkflation' and 'skimpflation,' the official CPI can miss the true cost of living. Lucas and Luna break down how Pringles cans lost 17% of chips since 2021, why a jar of Folgers coffee now holds 11.3 ounces instead of 12, and what these downsized items mean for your purchasing power. Using April 2026 CPI data (332.4) and a 2.39% breakeven rate, they explain why the government's numbers may understate your real expenses by up to 2% per year. They also discuss how hedge funds exploit these gaps in inflation measurement and what you can do to protect your budget. No ads — listener-supported at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. #Shrinkflation #Skimpflation #Inflation #CPI #PurchasingPower #PersonalFinance #ConsumerPrices #Pringles #Folgers #HedgeFunds #BureauOfLaborStatistics #CostOfLiving #GroceryBills #InflationHedge #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Inflation is officially cooling — CPI is up just 2.4% year-over-year — so why does everything still feel expensive? In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into a quiet shift that economists call 'greedflation' — the idea that companies are using inflation as cover to widen margins. They break down new data on how corporate profit margins have expanded while input costs have flattened, using the recent earnings of consumer goods giants like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo as real-world examples. They also connect the dots to today's market: the S&P 500 at 7,580, up 1.4% in the last week, yet consumer sentiment remains sour. Lucas explains why the disconnect matters for your wallet and your portfolio, and Luna pushes back on whether this is truly corporate greed or just good business. If you've been wondering why grocery bills aren't coming down even though inflation headlines look better, this episode gives you the lens to see what's really happening. #CorporateProfits #Greedflation #Inflation #CPI #S&P500 #ConsumerSentiment #ProcterAndGamble #PepsiCo #ProfitMargins #InputCosts #Fed #PurchasingPower #StickyInflation #PersonalFinance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine a curious market divergence: gold bullion is up just 2 percent in the past five days, but gold mining stocks like the GDX ETF have jumped over 5 percent. They dig into why miners are outperforming the metal itself—touching on rising cost pressures, operational leverage, and what the gold-silver ratio says about the current cycle. Along the way, they reference the latest CPI reading of 332.4 and the flat 10-year breakeven inflation rate of 2.39 percent, asking whether miners are pricing in a breakout that bullion hasn't confirmed yet. A focused look at a specific sector signal that listeners can use to think about their own portfolios. #GoldMiners #GDX #GoldBullion #Inflation #CPI #GoldSilverRatio #MiningStocks #OperationalLeverage #PreciousMetals #InvestmentStrategy #MarketDivergence #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #PersonalFinance #PortfolioDiversification #Commodities #FedPolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dive into the growing tension between prediction markets and state tax authorities. With the gaming association reporting that states have lost $1 billion in tax revenue due to unregulated prediction markets, they explore how these platforms operate, why traditional gambling oversight doesn't apply, and what this means for your state's budget and potential future regulation. The hosts also tie in recent CFTC actions against Rhode Island as a real-time example of the regulatory clash. #PredictionMarkets #TaxRevenue #CFTC #RhodeIsland #GamingAssociation #Regulation #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Inflation #StateBudgets #Gambling #Futures #Derivatives #Policy #Economics #MarketStructure #PublicFinance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 17 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo explores a fresh angle: the hidden fiscal impact of prediction markets on state tax revenues. Lucas and Luna break down the gaming association's report that states have lost $1 billion in tax revenue as legal sports betting loses market share to unregulated prediction platforms. They tie this to inflation by showing how states rely on that revenue to fund public services, and how the shortfall could mean higher taxes or reduced services for residents. With the S&P 500 at 7,561 and small caps surging, they discuss why investors are piling into speculative assets like prediction markets, and what that tells us about the inflation psychology still lingering in mid-2026. #PredictionMarkets #TaxRevenue #SportsBetting #StateBudgets #Inflation #FiscalPolicy #Speculation #SmallCaps #S&P500 #PublicServices #GamingAssociation #TaxShortfall #Regulation #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explore a surprising inflation ripple: why the price of used cars is rising again even as new-vehicle inventory recovers. They trace the mechanics — from microchip shortages that began years ago to lease-return dynamics and rental-fleet buying patterns today. Along the way they unpick how CPI measures this category versus what consumers actually experience, and why the gap matters for your next purchase. With new inflation data showing core CPI at 335.4, they ask whether transitory supply shocks are really transitory when they compound across sectors. A grounded look at one category that keeps inflation feeling real long after headline numbers cool. #UsedCars #Inflation #CPI #SupplyChain #AutoIndustry #Microchips #CoreCPI #PurchasingPower #CarBuying #PersonalFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #Economics #ConsumerPrices #LucasAndLuna #Fexingo #MoneyTalks Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna explain how inflation has allowed companies to quietly increase profit margins without triggering consumer backlash. Using recent data on the personal consumption expenditures index and corporate earnings reports from May 2026, they show how consumers are paying more for the same goods while companies enjoy record margins. They discuss why the Federal Reserve's focus on headline inflation might miss this structural shift, and what it means for your purchasing power. Drawing on a new academic paper and comments from Jamie Dimon about JPMorgan's acquisition appetite, the hosts explore how inflation acts as a cover for higher markups. They also share a brief, sincere note on listener support that keeps the show ad-free. #Inflation #CorporateMargins #PurchasingPower #FederalReserve #JamieDimon #JPMorgan #PCE #ConsumerPrices #Markups #ProfitMargins #Finance #PersonalFinance #Business #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #May2026 #PurchasingPowerErosion Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 14 of Inflation and Your Money with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna explore why small-cap stocks are outperforming the S&P 500 so far in late May 2026, with the Russell 2000 up 6.3% in the past five days while the S&P 500 gained 2.3%. They tie this to sticky core CPI at 335.4, the Fed holding rates at 3.65%, and a surprising shift in investor sentiment toward domestic cyclical companies. The hosts discuss how small caps historically lead in late-cycle recoveries, why higher-for-longer rates might actually help smaller firms, and what the Russell 2000's recent surge means for your portfolio's inflation protection. No jargon, just practical insight. #SmallCaps #Russell2000 #Inflation #CoreCPI #FederalReserve #FedFundsRate #StockMarket #PortfolioDiversification #CyclicalStocks #DomesticInvesting #MarketOutperformance #LateCycle #RateHikes #PurchasingPower #PersonalFinance #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine how inflation reshapes the economics of higher education more powerfully than published tuition hikes. With the CPI at 332.4 and core CPI at 335.4 in April 2026, they break down why the real cost of college has grown 22% faster than tuition alone over the past decade. Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the College Board, they explain the hidden inflation in room, board, and fees, and how families can protect purchasing power through 529 plans, prepaid tuition, and scholarship timing. Plus, they connect the small-cap surge in the Russell 2000 to university endowment returns. A practical episode for anyone writing tuition checks or advising students. #CollegeTuition #Inflation #HigherEducation #PersonalFinance #PurchasingPower #529Plan #PrepaidTuition #CPI #CoreCPI #Russell2000 #Endowment #CollegeCosts #FinancialAid #Scholarships #RoomAndBoard #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine a little-discussed inflation asymmetry: wage growth for younger workers has outpaced inflation, while workers over 55 have seen real wages decline. Using April 2026 CPI data showing core inflation at 3.35% year-over-year and Fed funds at 3.64%, they explore why older workers face a 'wage stickiness penalty' — their income is more tied to cost-of-living adjustments that lag, and they are less likely to job-hop for raises. The hosts unpack data from the Atlanta Fed Wage Tracker and a new Harvard study showing that older workers who do switch jobs see wage gains similar to younger peers, but most stay put. They discuss implications for retirement planning: portfolio withdrawal rates may need recalibration when real income is shrinking. The episode closes with a donation appeal tied to the value of informed financial decisions. #Inflation #WageGrowth #OlderWorkers #RetirementPlanning #CPI #FederalReserve #CostOfLiving #JobSwitching #RealWages #AtlantaFed #HarvardStudy #PurchasingPower #PersonalFinance #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #InflationAndYourMoney #Fexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo