Discussing money can be emotionally charged, but not here on the Pete the Planner® Show where Personal Finance Expert, former comedian, and author Peter Dunn breaks down personal finance with humor, practical advice, and real-life scenarios to help you make smarter money moves. Pete and his co-hosts Kristen and Damian lead a guilt-free discussion of budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and any number of other topics meant to help you thrive in the present and future. Part of the IBJ Me ...
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In the One Day is Today® program from OneAmerica Retirement Services, Peter Dunn a.k.a. Pete the Planner®, brings a friendly, approachable voice not only to retirement preparation, but a wide array of financial wellness topics. Through a series of podcasts, Pete's creative and humorous approach to buying a house, paying off debt and working with a financial professional makes these topics seem less intimidating. The views and opinions expressed in this material are solely those of Pete the P ...
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Are You Actually Making Financial Progress… or Just Busy With Money?
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1:06:42In this episode, we tackle a sneaky problem: confusing financial motion with actual progress. Just because you’re constantly doing money-related tasks—paying bills, checking balances, moving money around—doesn’t mean you’re getting ahead. Pete opens with a gym analogy that hits a little too close to home, then brings in Kristen and Dame to break do…
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The markets are soaring, the economy is expanding, and everyone's wondering—are we in a bubble? In today’s CalmCast, Pete breaks down the difference between market momentum and market mania, explores what real economic growth looks like, and helps you focus your energy on what matters most: your personal financial vision. Whether you’re tempted to …
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Sometimes the markets have confidence, well at least their investors do. And sometimes the market struggles to find conviction. What helps you understand the difference between the two? Volume.In this episode of Navigating Now, Pete helps you understand what you can learn from volume. Additionally, he'll chat through the trade deficit and then touc…
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Think being smart protects you from financial blunders? Think again. In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, we uncover why even the most intelligent, high-earning individuals routinely make money mistakes. From gym memberships we never use to inflated lifestyles we never questioned, we explore the sneaky psychological traps—like overconfiden…
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The markets are nervous, the economy’s acting weird, and housing feels increasingly out of reach. In today’s CalmCast, we walk you through three critical signals: what investor sentiment is telling us (and why it’s not the whole story), what stagflation is and whether we’re in danger of it, and why housing affordability is straining the budgets of …
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We know it’s bad for us—and we still buy it. In today’s Storytime with Pete, we dig into the bizarre economics of spending money on things that actively hurt us: alcohol, junk food, and those late-night dopamine bombs we call “treats.” Why do we do it? Blame your brain chemistry. Pete unpacks the science of dopamine, the illusion of indulgence, and…
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In this episode of CalmCast, we break down one of the most misunderstood stock market tools: the circuit breaker. What triggers it, why it exists, and what it actually means for your investments. Then, we zoom out to explore how a sharp drop in U.S. markets can ripple through the global economy — impacting everything from oil prices to your grocery…
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How AI is changing how we manage money
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1:12:10AI isn’t coming for your wallet—it’s already living in it. In this episode, Pete unpacks the surprising ways artificial intelligence is reshaping your financial life, from how your bank detects fraud to how scammers clone your voice. We explore the good (smart budgeting tools), the bad (AI-generated investment scams), and the weird (why your insura…
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In today’s episode, Pete peels back the curtain on three numbers that get tossed around like financial gospel — but may not tell the whole story.We kick off with market cap: what it actually means, how it defines a company’s identity, and why share price alone can be misleading. Then, we dive into the often-misunderstood unemployment rate — a metri…
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In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we tackle the awkward truth about spending money on your health. Sure, it doesn’t come with rewards points or Instagram clout, but ignoring your body’s maintenance needs? That’s a financial strategy with a guaranteed crash. Pete breaks down why co-pays feel like emotional theft, how preventative care is the l…
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Reading the Signals: What Charts, Indicators, and Your Wallet Are Telling You In this episode of CalmCast, Pete the Planner breaks down three of the most important tools for staying steady in a shaky economy: Technical Analysis – Why traders are obsessed with charts, and what you can learn from their patterns. Leading Indicators – The economic sign…
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How to get addicted to good money habits
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1:11:47We usually talk about money problems like they’re something to fix. But what if the real breakthrough is getting addicted—in the healthiest way possible—to the right financial habits? This week, Pete breaks down how to rewire your brain to crave progress instead of purchases. From the neuroscience behind smart money decisions to the financial routi…
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Today’s markets aren’t just noisy—they’re downright confusing. In this episode, Pete breaks down three financial forces shaping the current economy: What short selling tells us about investor anxiety Why the yield curve just returned to normal after a historic inversion And how a simple act like rebalancing your portfolio can protect your future If…
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In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we unpack the messy, funny, and sometimes frustrating financial lessons we inherited from our parents. From "Don’t get a credit card" to "Buy a house ASAP," we explore what stuck, what was missing, and how to move forward without passing on the same money blind spots. Whether your parents taught you to budget…
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In today’s CalmCast, we untangle three big ideas you need to understand right now: why ETFs are outpacing mutual funds, what “core inflation” actually means (and why the Fed cares more about it than you might think), and how distinguishing fixed from variable expenses can give you immediate power over your budget. We’ll explain: The sneaky fees and…
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Why is it so easy to blow $30 on takeout but so hard to cancel that Amazon auto-ship of things you didn’t even know you were buying? In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we unpack the psychology behind our worst financial habits—like dining out, impulse shopping, and spending to soothe our emotions. Pete breaks down the science of habit loops, e…
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Pete's Ideal Budget Gets Roasted
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1:07:07Years ago, Pete created the Ideal Household Budget, a simple-yet-spicy allocation model for how Americans should be spending their money. It lit up inboxes and dinner table debates across the country. But today, the gloves are off. Dame and Kristen come ready to challenge the old model—armed with data, real-world messiness, and a whole lot of sass.…
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In today’s episode, we explore how the market’s emotional extremes—its 52-week highs and lows—can mess with our perspective if we’re not careful. Then we shift to Main Street with the latest retail sales numbers and what they say about how Americans are really feeling financially. Finally, we bring it home with a simple but powerful financial move:…
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In today’s CalmCast, we’re following the money — from Wall Street to your driveway. P/E Ratio – Is the stock market overvalued? We unpack what investors are really paying for and whether the math makes sense. Producer Price Index (PPI) – A leading indicator of inflation. If it costs more to make things, guess who eventually pays more? (Hint: It’s y…
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Waiting for the world to change will crush you
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1:07:36There’s always a reason to wait. Maybe it’s the Fed. Maybe it’s student loan forgiveness. Maybe it’s the housing market finally “cooling off.” But here’s the truth: financial progress doesn’t happen in theory—it happens in action. In this episode, we’re talking about the dangerous game of waiting for someone else to fix your financial life. Whether…
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In today’s CalmCast, Pete breaks down three essential tools for staying steady in a shaky economy. First, we look at how diversification can protect your portfolio from market swings — because when one sector zigs, you want another to zag. Then, we wade through the latest economic data and recession chatter to explain what a slowdown really means a…
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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,…
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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…
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The $84k Flood That Might Just Change Everything
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1:05:07When 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…
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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,…
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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…
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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.IBJ Media
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The Passive Aggressive Economy
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1:11:03You’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…
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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 wh…
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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 necessa…
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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…
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What Does Not Needing Money Look Like at Different Stages of Your Life?
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1:10:55What 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 …
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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 confi…
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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…
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Episode 3 – This Economic Shift Could Hit Your Job—and Your Budget 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 d…
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What to do if the market just smashed your plans
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1:10:47You 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 d…
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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: Market volatility – Why the market reacts so sharply to uncertainty, and what causes these swings in the fi…
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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: – …
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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 t…
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The Market’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
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1:16:26The 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 ma…
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In this episode, I step into the role of President—yes, really—to deliver the kind of honest, empathetic, and clear-eyed explanation of tariffs I wish we heard more often. I explore the reasoning behind the Trump administration’s trade strategy, acknowledge the real economic pain many Americans are feeling, and make the case for why short-term sacr…
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Why does negotiation so often feel like you're lying with a handshake? In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dig into the insincerity baked into negotiation—and why it leaves you feeling like you need a shower and a moral realignment. Whether you're haggling over a salary or splitting a dinner bill, negotiation can quietly pit your values agai…
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In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dive into the oddly satisfying yet financially devastating loop of wanting money so you can buy things—and then not having money because you bought things. Pete unpacks the emotional gymnastics we perform to justify purchases and why true financial freedom might be found in the power of not clicking “Buy N…
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What Can You Afford on $100k a year? The Honest Breakdown
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1:13:06Is $100,000 a year really enough to live a stable, comfortable life? In this episode, Pete breaks down the harsh reality of six-figure income in 2025 — starting with what you actually take home after taxes, 401(k contributions, and healthcare. Spoiler: it’s not $100K. Then we build a real financial life around what’s left, covering retirement savin…
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In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dive into the tangled web of what it really means to "buy American"—especially in light of President Trump’s March 26 announcement of a 25% tariff on all imported cars and auto parts. It’s a bold move aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing, but it begs the question: what actually counts as American-made anym…
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In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we unpack the financial mirage that is the tax refund. Sure, it feels like free money—but it's really your own cash making a dramatic return after spending a year with the IRS. Pete breaks down why getting a big refund isn’t a win, how it exposes flawed money management, and what you can do to turn that refun…
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Trapped at the Bottom: The Science Behind Staying Broke
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1:07:42Economic mobility—the ability to move up the financial ladder—has long been a hallmark of the American Dream. But recent research suggests that for many, mobility is increasingly out of reach. In this episode, we’ll examine the determinants of economic mobility, explore why some individuals and families stay stagnant, and discuss realistic strategi…
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Are we on the brink of a recession, or is this just another round of economic fear-mongering? In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we break down the recession debate, why everything feels expensive even if the economy is supposedly fine, and whether tariffs could push us over the edge. Plus, practical steps to recession-proof your finances—witho…
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Panic is Expensive -- Calm Down
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1:10:55Market downturns bring out the worst in investors—panic selling, emotional decisions, and a desperate need to ‘do something.’ But that’s exactly when a good financial advisor proves their worth. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what advisors really do during turbulent times. From keeping clients from self-sabotage to executing tactical …
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In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dive into the financial and emotional whirlwind of youth travel sports. What started as something I once mocked has now become my weekend reality—two-star hotels, overpriced tournament fees, and the ever-present pressure to “invest” in my kid’s future. But is it worth it? Can a reasonable person justify th…
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