Inflation Rises Less Than Expected in June, But Tariff Costs are Starting to Creep In

June’s inflation report came in cooler than expected—again—but the details reveal something new: tariffs are starting to bite. In today’s episode, we break down which goods are seeing price hikes, why car prices are masking broader increases, and how this data is influencing the Fed’s next move. Plus, we unpack President Trump’s frontrunner to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair—and what that could mean for interest rates, monetary policy, and real estate investors going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rent payments are slipping again—and landlords are starting to feel it. In this episode, we break down the latest Rental Market Performance Report from RentRedi, revealing how on-time rent collection rates have fallen for the 23rd straight month. We’ll explore which states are leading and lagging, where the Sun Belt stands now, and why Western states like Montana and Utah continue to outperform. Whether you’re a new landlord or a seasoned investor, this is the data you need to watch. Whether you're managing one unit or one hundred, this data can shape your next move. Get the full state-by-state breakdown and see how your market compares: biggerpockets.com/rentredireport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we break down two major reports that show a growing split in the U.S. housing market. On one side, nearly half of all mortgaged homeowners are now equity rich—owing less than half of their home’s value. On the other, affordability has reached its worst level in 14 consecutive quarters, with 99% of counties now less affordable than historical norms. We look at the states leading in equity, the regions where affordability is collapsing, and what this all means for investors, buyers, and renters alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MOAT Method Episode Quicklink Digital marketing provides a powerful way for service-based businesses to acquire quality leads and boost revenue even during challenging times like the COVID pandemic. So, how can ordinary people jump into the digital marketing side hustle successfully? Richie Zarnicki, co-founder of ZM Consultants and expert in driving revenue for service-based businesses, joins us to share his journey and insights. In this show, you’ll learn how Richie (Alongside his partner Nick McKenzie) started a digital marketing agency during the global pandemic and turned it into a success story! Discover how to identify your niche, create effective marketing strategies, and use tools like SEO and Google Ads to amplify your reach. Curious about the integrations of AI in marketing? We explore its potential and strategies for success. Plus, we’re diving into the next frontier: AI chatbots for enhancing client interaction and compliance. Richie offers a sneak peek into how AI is transforming their business approach, turning digital leads into valuable customer engagements. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to amplify your side hustle with digital marketing! Identifying and leveraging niches in digital marketing A practical approach to SEO and Google Ads for service-based businesses The importance of customer behavior tactics in marketing strategy Tools and systems that aid in efficient digital marketing practices Integrating AI for better customer service and compliance The role of personal and business growth in the marketing journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New policies are shaking up both the rental and mortgage landscapes. In today’s episode, we explore how pet-friendly rental listings can help landlords lease units faster and why nearly 60% of renters now have a pet. Then, we break down a major shift in mortgage underwriting: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will now allow lenders to use VantageScore 4.0, a move that could expand homeownership access and lower costs for millions. Whether you’re a landlord, renter, or real estate investor, this episode has the insights you need to stay ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California just made a major move to tackle its housing crisis. In this episode, we break down the state’s sweeping reform of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)—a law long blamed for blocking new housing. We’ll explain what’s changing, how it could unlock development across major metros, and why this could be the beginning of a new era for California real estate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As buyer demand increases, the housing shortage continues to grow. In today's show, Matt explains why America’s housing deficit has now reached nearly 4.7 million homes, what it means for home prices, and which markets are most affected. From shifting affordability to stubborn supply constraints, this episode covers the mixed signals in today’s housing market—and what they mean for investors, buyers, and sellers alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The return-to-office (RTO) mandates have created an unexpected wave of reluctant landlords—homeowners who never planned to rent out their properties but are now forced to due to changing job demands and high interest rates. Selling doesn’t make financial sense, leaving many to navigate the challenges of rental property ownership for the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baby boomers own nearly $19 trillion in U.S. real estate—but as they age, millions of homes will eventually hit the market. In this episode, we explore what the so-called “silver tsunami” really means, why Gen Z may benefit more than millennials, and how investors can prepare for the slow but steady generational shift reshaping the housing market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America’s housing market was built around the idea of family formation: get married, buy a home, raise kids. But what happens when people stop following that script? In this episode, we explore how delayed marriages, lower fertility rates, and changing preferences are reshaping housing demand. With fewer young households forming and more adults staying renters longer, the real estate industry may be facing a demographic slowdown that policy alone can’t fix. Experts warn: the next big housing crisis might not be about affordability—but about birth rates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices