Fed Up: Why the Fed Funds Rate Controls Everything

A tiny interest rate set by a room full of economists — and suddenly your rent, car loan, and credit card bill all go wild. What gives?

In this episode of Plebonomics, we break down the mysterious Fed Funds Rate and why it holds so much power over the economy — and your personal finances. From inflation and unemployment to mortgage rates and credit cards, this one number drives it all.

💵 How the Fed raises and lowers the rate
🏠 Why borrowing gets more expensive
📉 What it means for inflation, jobs, and even the stock market

No econ degree needed — just a curious mind and maybe a little caffeine. Let’s decode the rate that runs your financial life.

Stocks: Like… Chicken Nuggets?

Hook: Want to build wealth but have no idea what a stock actually is? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Plebonomics, we break down stocks in the simplest way possible — no suits, no jargon, just real talk. You’ll learn what a stock is, why it exists, and how buying just one share makes you a part-owner of a company like Apple, Nike, or Netflix.

🎮 The “cheat code” behind long-term wealth
📈 How stocks make (and sometimes lose) money
🍕 Pizza, sneakers, and stock market analogies that make sense

If you’ve ever felt like investing was only for rich people or math nerds — this episode is for you.

Index Funds: The Lazy Genius Way to Invest

Hook: Want to invest without obsessing over stock charts or Reddit threads? Index funds are your lazy genius move.

In this premiere episode of Plebonomics, we unpack the magic of index funds — the simple, low-cost way to build wealth that even billionaires like Warren Buffett recommend. You’ll learn what they are, how they work, and why they might just be the smartest (and chillest) strategy for everyday investors.

🧠 No stress, no guessing
💸 Set it, forget it, grow it
📊 Real-life examples to help you get started

Investing doesn’t have to be loud or complicated — sometimes boring is brilliant.

Bonds Explained: So You Don’t Fumble the Bag

So you’ve heard of stocks, crypto, and maybe even that guy who won’t stop talking about gold. But bonds? What are they, why do governments and companies love them, and how do they even make you money?

In this episode of Plebonomics, we break down bonds in a way that actually makes sense — no econ degree required. From coupon rates and maturity dates to the difference between junk bonds and the ones your grandma brags about, we’ve got you covered.

💡 Whether you're saving up, stacking cash, or just trying to avoid sounding like an NPC when someone mentions “the bond market,” this episode is your no-BS intro to fixed income.

🔑 TL;DR: Bonds are basically IOUs with benefits. Tune in so you don’t fumble the financial bag.

Two funds enter. One gets your money. We break it down in a no-nonsense showdown.

In this episode of Plebonomics, it’s ETF versus Mutual Fund — a financial face-off for the ages. We break down the key differences, the hidden costs, and the real-life pros and cons of each, all in plain English.

Which one gives you more control? Which one eats your money in fees? And which one makes more sense for the average Pleb just trying to grow their savings?

🥊 Fees vs. flexibility
📈 Performance myths busted
🧠 Real-world scenarios to help you choose

If you’ve ever been confused by what’s what — or just want to know where your money should actually go — this episode is for you.

🎧 Bonus Episode: Inside California’s $321 Billion Budget: What the 2025-26 Plan Means for You

Hook: Fires, federal shifts, and financial strain — California’s facing a massive shortfall. So how did they balance a $321 billion budget?

In this special episode of Plebonomics, we break down the 2025 Budget Act of California — no spreadsheets required. We explain what caused the shortfall, how lawmakers patched the gap, and what it means for everything from schools and healthcare to housing, climate, and public safety.

💰 Where the money’s going — and where it’s not
🏥 Big wins, hard cuts, and rejected proposals
🔥 The economic ripple of the LA fires and rising program costs

Whether you live in California or just want to understand how big-state budgets really work, this episode gives you a clear, Pleb-friendly look into one of the largest public budgets in the world.

Everyone pools their cash, someone manages the decisions. Sound familiar? That’s basically a mutual fund.

In this episode of Plebonomics, we break down mutual funds in the most relatable way possible. What are they? How do they work? And are they still worth your money in a world full of index funds and ETFs?

We’ll talk management styles, hidden fees, and how mutual funds stack up for regular folks trying to grow their wealth — without getting lost in finance-speak.

👥 Team-based investing
💸 Active vs. passive management
🔍 What to watch out for before you buy in

Because investing doesn’t have to be solo — or confusing.

Hate picking stocks? Don’t want to babysit your investments? Meet the ETF — the Exchange-Traded Fund that’s quietly transforming how everyday people grow wealth.

In this episode of Plebonomics, we break down what ETFs are, how they work, and why they’re the go-to tool for lazy, smart investing. From sector funds to total market ETFs, you’ll learn how to build a simple, personalized portfolio without the stress or the jargon.

📈 Simple explanations
💡 Real-world examples
🧠 Tips to start using ETFs today

It’s time to invest like you mean it — without making it your full-time job.