Slate Money

Austan Goolsbee, Chicago Fed President and monetary policy expert, joins the discussion. He shares insights from his first FOMC meeting, detailing the unique deliberation process. Goolsbee explains the shift in the Fed’s communication strategy towards transparency and why it’s crucial for public trust. He also addresses criticisms of the Fed and the dangers of the gold standard. With humor, he likens data analysis styles to 'data dogs' and 'data cats,' emphasizing their different approaches to economic indicators.

Heather Haddon, a restaurant reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the fast food industry's pricing battles, responding to consumer backlash over rising menu costs. She explores how chains like McDonald's navigate franchise negotiations and value expectations. The conversation highlights Chick-fil-A's innovative drive-thru strategies, leveraging analytics to enhance efficiency. Starbucks is also in focus, grappling with declining sales and shifting consumer preferences. Heather shares insights into the broader implications of fast food on America's cultural landscape.

The discussion kicks off with Larry Summers' resignation following scandalous emails with Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about his intellectual legacy. The hosts delve into Meta's recent legal victory, examining the challenges of regulating Big Tech and questioning the effectiveness of current antitrust measures. The conversation shifts to the AI market, exploring whether it’s truly a bubble or a sound investment. They debate corporate debt risks and the impact of AI on the economy, rounding out the chat with cultural tidbits from the art market.

This week, the hosts dive into the idea of 50-year mortgages and the mixed reactions they sparked, especially from conservatives. They explore how these long-term loans could actually inflate housing prices rather than solve the crisis. The conversation transitions to the power dynamics of proxy advisers and asset managers, revealing how billionaires like Musk oppose them for more control. Finally, there's a playful discussion about Robinhood's cash delivery service, weighing its practicality and who would really benefit from it.

Adrianna Adams, a financial advisor from Domain Money, shares her expert insights on balancing personal financial health with caregiving for aging parents. She highlights the importance of prioritizing your own financial foundation to effectively support family. Adrianna also discusses creative strategies to assist parents financially, like home purchases, and the crucial conversations around sharing money values with adult children. Additionally, she covers protective measures against scams and the need for regular updates to legal documents as life circumstances change.

In a compelling discussion, Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, a Harvard PhD student and author of The Double Tax, delves into the economic burdens faced by women of color. She highlights shocking costs associated with childbirth and childcare, revealing the extensive financial strain these issues pose. Anna critiques political rhetoric surrounding reproductive health and discusses the implications of targeting influential figures like Lisa Cook on economic policy. Her proposed solutions, including reparations and pay transparency, offer hope for systemic change.

Jeff Horwitz, a technology reporter at Reuters, shines a light on Meta's troubling ad practices, revealing how the platform profits from the prevalence of fraudulent advertisements. He shares insights from internal documents, highlighting the company’s alarming tolerance for scams and low response to user reports. The discussion also navigates the implications of Trump's tariffs before delving into the epic fail of Saudi Arabia's Neom megacity project, laden with absurdity and environmental concerns. Tune in for a wild ride through tech turmoil and political fiascos!

Adrianna Adams, Head of Financial Planning at Domain Money and a certified financial planner, joins the hosts to explore the emotional complexities of retirement planning. They discuss why personal finance is largely psychological and how empathy is crucial in advising. Adrianna explains balancing short-term liquidity with long-term goals, the traits of financially secure retirees, and the pitfalls of lifestyle creep. They recommend reducing investment monitoring to ease anxiety and even suggest deleting stress-inducing finance apps. The conversation is both insightful and relieving!

The discussion kicks off with OpenAI's shift from non-profit to for-profit, sparking debates about public benefit and oversight. Rising Affordable Care Act premiums are dissected, revealing the harsh realities of escalating health costs. The spotlight also shines on Maurizio Cattelan’s gold toilet, with a second one uncovered and set for auction amid soaring gold prices. From art to healthcare, the hosts weave together a tapestry of cultural commentary and financial insights!

Anna Sale, the empathetic host of Death, Sex & Money, joins Felix Salmon to tackle the decision of whether to have children. They explore the hidden financial burdens of parenting, like childcare and housing, and how these costs affect family planning. Anna shares her emotional reasons for having two kids, while Felix discusses his childless lifestyle. They also examine how parenthood reshapes social dynamics and friendships, and reflect on the long-term benefits that children might bring in terms of support and legacy.