Feeling the pinch at the grocery store and the gas pump? This episode is a jargon-free guide to inflation. We demystify what it is, how it's measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and how it impacts your daily life. We'll explain the difference between "demand-pull" and "cost-push" inflation and provide practical, everyday tips for adjusting your family budget to cope with rising prices, fight back against the rising cost of living, and protect your purchasing power.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Making Sense of your Cents and you’ve found our tips helpful for your financial journey, I want to ask you a quick favor. Please take a moment right now to hit that Subscribe or Follow button on your favorite podcast app. It’s the best way to make sure you never miss an episode, and it helps other people in our community find the show.

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You hear "the Fed raised rates" on the news, but what does that actually mean for your wallet? In this episode, we translate the complex headlines into practical, personal knowledge. We'll explain who the Fed is, what their "dual mandate" means, how their decisions directly affect the APY on your savings account, and why the interest rate on your variable-rate credit card goes up when they tighten policy. This episode connects the big picture to your budget.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Making Sense of your Cents and you’ve found our tips helpful for your financial journey, I want to ask you a quick favor. Please take a moment right now to hit that Subscribe or Follow button on your favorite podcast app. It’s the best way to make sure you never miss an episode, and it helps other people in our community find the show.

Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.

Could you be paying less on your car loan or mortgage? In this episode, we explain the pros and cons of refinancing. It can be a powerful tool to save money, but it's not the right move for everyone. We'll discuss the two main reasons to consider refinancing—an improved credit score or a drop in market rates—and teach you how to calculate your "break-even point" on closing costs to see if it's truly worth it for your financial situation.

If you’ve enjoyed listening to Making Sense of your Cents and you’ve found our tips helpful for your financial journey, I want to ask you a quick favor. Please take a moment right now to hit that Subscribe or Follow button on your favorite podcast app. It’s the best way to make sure you never miss an episode, and it helps other people in our community find the show.

Subscribe today, wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc.) and send your questions to podcast@fcbtn.com.