Credit Downgrade Chaos, Mortgage Madness & a Fijian

12 snips

May 27, 2025

The crew tackles the recent U.S. credit downgrade, revealing how it signals rising debt and chaotic interest rates. With mortgage rates soaring above 7%, they caution listeners about housing affordability, emphasizing that homes are utilities, not investments. Humor blends with hard truths as they discuss why today's market may be the worst for buyers in history. Plus, there's a playful exploration of AI's impact on jobs and a look at how tariffs shape inflation. Their witty banter keeps the financial realities engaging!

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INSIGHT

US Credit Downgrade Impact

Moody's downgraded the US credit rating due to rising national debt and unaddressed fiscal dysfunction.
This signals increased risk and higher interest costs for the government and markets.

ADVICE

Estimating Mortgage Rates

Check the 10-year treasury yield and add 2-3% to estimate mortgage rates accurately.
If your mortgage rate is notably higher, question the broker for potential markup.

ADVICE

Home as Utility, Not Investment

Your home should be viewed as a utility for living, not a pure investment.
Buy when you can afford it comfortably rather than trying to time the market.

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In this high-octane episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied officially welcome Rajeil to the show—and initiate him with a healthy dose of sarcasm and button-pushing. They hop right in to Moody’s U.S. credit downgrade. What does it mean when Uncle Sam takes a hit to his credit score? It’s not just a bad look—it signals rising debt, inflation, and interest payments spiraling out of control. With 30-year mortgage rates back above 7%, the crew dives into why your rate acts more like a moody teenager than a constant, and how the 10-year Treasury is the true puppet master behind housing affordability.

➡️ But wait—there’s more. Chris explains why your home isn’t an investment, it's a utility (no, you can’t charge rent to your shower), and why “marry the house, date the rate” is advice best left in 2019. The guys talk taxes and why today’s housing market may be the most unaffordable in U.S. history—yes, even worse than 2006. Whether you’re scraping by on Top Ramen or flexing your broker’s license, this episode delivers a reality check wrapped in a warm tortilla of wit and wisdom.

💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review?

👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com

🔗 Resources:

Moody's downgraded US credit rating: What does that mean? (Fox Business)

Mortgage rates climb back above 7% after Moody's U.S. debt downgrade (CBS News)

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate today: 7.08% (Lance Lambert via X)

The housing market has never been this unaffordable in U.S. history. (Nick Gerli via X)

Consumer Sentiment Hits Second Lowest Level On Record (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)

U.S. Tariff Revenue Soars To Record High In April (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)

Inflation Was Stubborn Ahead Of Tariffs (Investopedia 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.