What do bananas, bond markets, and budget battles have in common? They’re all key players in this week’s rollercoaster ride through the U.S. economy. Join Jake McClure as he flies solo—while Jeff preps for his mountain escape—and unpacks the real forces behind the market’s wild 5% surge.

From a not-so-sweet "pause" on tariffs with China to a banana price spike that says more than the CPI ever could, this episode peels back the economic curtain. Jake breaks down why shelves may go bare, what Moody’s latest downgrade means, and how a seemingly boring tax bill could balloon the deficit by $2.4 trillion. And just when you think it’s all doom and gloom, there's a glimmer of hope in America’s manufacturing revival—powered by CNC plasma machines and old-fashioned grit.

Expect sharp insights, dry humor, and an honest look at the "alphabet soup" of economic indicators, all grounded in Jake’s signature mix of wit and wisdom. Perfect for those who want more than headlines—and don’t mind a little Aesop’s fable along the way.

This episode was recorded on May 16th, 2025.

If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at Jeff@tpwc.com or Jake@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance.

If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com.

** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.

This week on The Personal Wealth Coach, Jake and Jeff unpack a volatile week in the markets, where tariffs took center stage. From surprising new taxes on imports to the ripple effects on corporate earnings, healthcare stocks, and tech suppliers, they explore what’s really behind these sweeping changes—and what it means for your investments.

The episode also tackles the real intent behind tariffs: are they tools for trade balance, revenue replacement, or a blunt-force weapon against fentanyl? You’ll hear how companies like Adafruit are caught off guard, why movie imports are suddenly part of the conversation, and what history teaches us about using trade policy as an economic fix.

With insights on productivity dips, shifting interest rates, and automation in America’s ports, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to make sense of a fast-changing economic landscape.

This episode was recorded on May 9th, 2025.

If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at Jeff@tpwc.com or Jake@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance.

If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com.

** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.

Welcome to The Personal Wealth Coach, where father-son duo Jeff and Jake bring wit, wisdom, and a healthy dose of curiosity to the biggest questions shaping our financial futures—and the world around us.

In this episode, Jeff and Jake unpack the latest economic data with their signature clarity, diving into inflation trends, consumer spending patterns, the role of interest rates, and how markets are reacting. They break down recent shifts in government spending, discuss the Fed's next potential moves, and explain how economic indicators can tell very different stories depending on who's reading them. It’s a thoughtful, often surprising look at where the economy might be headed—and what it means for your wallet.

If you want smart financial talk without the jargon, and insight that makes you think (and sometimes laugh), you’re in the right place.

This episode was recorded on May 2nd, 2025.

If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at Jeff@tpwc.com or Jake@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance.

If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com.

** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.