EBITDA Explained, Inflation Persists & Hawk Tuah

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied take the stage as a dynamic duo, flying solo without their third musketeer, Haroon, who’s off on PTO (probably in a pickleball tournament or hiding from the Fed). With no one to keep them in check, the two dive headfirst into a whirlwind of financial insights, market predictions, and why the MAG 7 tech giants are carrying the S&P 500 on their backs like Atlas — except Tesla, whose latest earnings had investors buzzing despite mixed results. It’s a "two wise men" operation this week, and things get as real as inflation at a gas pump on payday. ➡️ Chris and Saied break down the love-hate relationship between the markets and the Fed — one’s bullish, the other’s just a buzzkill. They riff on whether inflation is here to stay, question if we’re headed for stagflation, and poke fun at economists trying to predict a recession like it’s the weather. Along the way, they tackle rising insurance premiums, paycheck-to-paycheck living, and the surreal cost of burritos ($46 for breakfast?!). With humor, hard-hitting insights, and a few Monopoly references thrown in for good measure, this episode is a wild ride through the tangled mess of today’s economy.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)🔗 Resources:Financial insecurity and cost of living (Business Insider)Tweet on inflation and financial markets (Kobeissi Letter via X)Tweet on housing affordability crisis (Kobeissi Letter via X)Tweet on MAG 7 stocks and market concentration (Kobeissi Letter via X)Tesla's Q3 Earnings Report (Yahoo Finance)Existing Home Sales Fall To 14 Year Low (Yahoo Finance via Instagram)Here’s when prices might ease, per Fed’s Daly (MarketWatch)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are

Consumers might have to wait two to three years for their perceptions of inflation to normalize, as highlighted by Fed’s Daly, leaving many still wincing at higher prices. Meanwhile, falling home prices are causing significant distress, particularly in ten states where mortgage balances now exceed property values. ➡️ Episode 252 of The Higher Standard podcast dives into the alarming drop in US mortgage applications, which saw a 17% decrease—the largest since April 2020—along with potential benefits for homeowners in certain cities as interest rates tumble. The discussion also covers the anxiety surrounding credit card debt among Americans and JPMorgan’s new strategy to attract affluent clients with enticing branch experiences. Wrapping up, Chris, Saied and Haroon tackle why so many companies are firing Gen-Z employees, emphasizing a disconnect between workplace expectations and work ethic in today’s job market. 💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)🔗 Resources:Here’s&nbsp;when&nbsp;consumers&nbsp;might&nbsp;finally&nbsp;stop&nbsp;wincing&nbsp;at&nbsp;higher&nbsp;prices, according&nbsp;to&nbsp;Fed’s&nbsp;Daly&nbsp;(MarketWatch)Falling&nbsp;home&nbsp;prices&nbsp;are&nbsp;hitting&nbsp;homeowners&nbsp;in&nbsp;these&nbsp;10 states&nbsp;the&nbsp;hardest&nbsp;— with&nbsp;up&nbsp;to&nbsp;10% of&nbsp;mortgage&nbsp;balancesnow&nbsp;topping&nbsp;their&nbsp;property&nbsp;values&nbsp;(Business Insider)JUST&nbsp;IN: US&nbsp;mortgage&nbsp;applications&nbsp;have&nbsp;dropped&nbsp;by&nbsp;17.0% over&nbsp;the&nbsp;last&nbsp;week, the&nbsp;most&nbsp;since&nbsp;April 2020&nbsp;(X / The Kobeissi Letter)22 cities&nbsp;where&nbsp;homebuyers&nbsp;and&nbsp;owners&nbsp;will&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;most&nbsp;as&nbsp;interest&nbsp;rates&nbsp;tumble&nbsp;(Apple News)The&nbsp;Most&nbsp;Splendid&nbsp;Housing&nbsp;Bubbles&nbsp;in&nbsp;America: Sept&nbsp;Update: Prices&nbsp;Drop&nbsp;in&nbsp;26 of&nbsp;28 Big&nbsp;Metros, even&nbsp;San&nbsp;Diego, Los&nbsp;Angeles&nbsp;(Wolf Street)Americans&nbsp;are&nbsp;really&nbsp;anxious&nbsp;about&nbsp;their&nbsp;credit&nbsp;card&nbsp;debt&nbsp;(The Street)'Signature&nbsp;bites' and&nbsp;free&nbsp;umbrellas: Inside&nbsp;JPMorgan’s&nbsp;plan&nbsp;to&nbsp;lure&nbsp;more&nbsp;rich&nbsp;people&nbsp;to&nbsp;its&nbsp;branches&nbsp;(Yahoo Finance)<a href="https://www.inc.com/sydney-sladovnik/why-so-many-companies-are-firing-gen-z/90984937" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

The hosts take a hilarious trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the good old days of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger). They crack up over their embarrassingly bad usernames—ones that should probably never see the light of day again. You know that cringe-worthy online persona you thought was behind you? Turns out, it never really leaves! They dive into how their AIM alter-egos might still be haunting their present-day selves, proving once again that the internet never forgets. It’s a delightful mix of awkward nostalgia and a gentle reminder of how those early days of the internet shaped us all.➡️ But it’s not all goofy usernames and AIM nostalgia. The conversation gets deeper (but still funny!) when they tackle how social media has made us all professional curators of our own lives. The hosts poke fun at the gap between the online versions of ourselves and the real deal, dropping truth bombs about authenticity and how everyone’s just trying to “fit in” online. And just when you think things couldn’t get more entertaining, they throw in some absurd ideas about modern marketing, suggesting brands take on the wild task of marketing to the homeless. It’s a genius blend of sharp social commentary and laugh-out-loud moments that’ll keep you thinking—and chuckling—long after the episode’s over.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Rate cuts were supposed to push mortgage rates lower. The opposite has happened.&nbsp;(AOL)US credit card interest rates hit 23.4% in August, a new record. (The Kobeissi Letter via X)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The 250th episode of The Higher Standard podcast marks a significant milestone packed with our unique style of humor and engaging discussions on financial literacy. Hosts Chris, Saied, and Haroon navigate the complexities of budgeting and personal finance with an entertaining twist. They delve into the nitty-gritty of establishing a payday routine, breaking it down into digestible segments for their audience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a 60/30/10 budgeting rule, where 60% of income is allocated to essentials, 30% to savings, and 10% to discretionary spending. ➡️ Chris and Saied share their personal experiences, illustrating how small daily habits, like enjoying a morning coffee, can contribute to overall financial well-being. The episode captures the essence of making finance relatable and fun while equipping listeners with actionable strategies to improve their monetary management. Additionally, the episode features a lively segment discussing the ramifications of the recent port strike, highlighting its potential impact on the economy and consumer prices. With witty banter and insightful commentary, your favorite anti-economist hosts create a lighthearted atmosphere, making financial literacy feel accessible and engaging for everyone.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Harold Dagger President of the International Longshoremen’s Association (Plant Based Omnivore via Instagram)Over 50,000 port workers across the United States are now on strike for the first time since 1977. (The Kobeissi Letter via X)Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs hires his jail mate Sam Bankman-Fried’s lawyer (Fortune)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Chris takes the helm for episode 249 of The Higher Standard podcast, delivering an insightful solo deep dive into the economic landscape. The episode kicks off by addressing the Federal Reserve's unexpected 50 basis point rate cut and its implications for the U.S. economy, drawing parallels to previous cuts in 2001 and 2007 that preceded recessions. ➡️ With a focus on the housing market, Chris unpacks the complexities of mortgage rates, home prices, and why current market conditions make rental property investments less profitable. He also delves into the intricacies of bond market reactions, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current financial climate and what it may mean for the future.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:US&nbsp;consumers&nbsp;believe&nbsp;the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;is&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;recession&nbsp;(The Kobeissi Letter)The&nbsp;US&nbsp;consumer&nbsp;confidence&nbsp;index&nbsp;declined&nbsp;(The Kobeissi Letter)Fed&nbsp;Governor&nbsp;Bowman&nbsp;explains&nbsp;dissent&nbsp;on&nbsp;rate&nbsp;vote, says&nbsp;she’s&nbsp;worried&nbsp;about&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;(CNBC)JPMorgan&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Jamie&nbsp;Dimon&nbsp;says&nbsp;he&nbsp;remains&nbsp;skeptical&nbsp;(Bloomberg Economics via X)U.S. Home&nbsp;prices&nbsp;are&nbsp;up…. A&nbsp;lot.&nbsp;(Lance Lambert)The&nbsp;median&nbsp;US&nbsp;mortgage&nbsp;payment&nbsp;fell&nbsp;2.7% YOY&nbsp;(The Kobeissi Letter)If&nbsp;you&nbsp;could&nbsp;magically&nbsp;conjure&nbsp;up&nbsp;1.5 million&nbsp;housing&nbsp;units&nbsp;(Lance Lambert)Buying&nbsp;a&nbsp;rental&nbsp;property&nbsp;in&nbsp;America&nbsp;is&nbsp;no&nbsp;longer&nbsp;profitable&nbsp;(Nick Gerli)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Episode 248 of The Higher Standard is here and Saied, Chris and Haroon break down the key takeaways from the Fed's decision to cut a full 50bps for its first rate cut of the cycle. The last two times this happened historically was in 2001 and 2007. After each of those was a notable recessionary economy. ➡️ Real estate agents are also dropping like flies already, falling to the lowest number of reported employed agents since 2014. Almost as shocking is that the 23andMe CEO Anne Wojicicki has lost her entire board of directors in a single day. Lastly, as tragic as the Diddy situation may be, you know they guys had to unpack it and cover some of the absolutely stunning and strange revelations. 💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 🏆 Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a PERSONALIZED PLAN for Peptide Therapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep &amp; Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE. Their online process and medical experts make it simple to find out what’s right for you. ✔️ Click the link and start today: http://www.transcendcompany.com/THSP👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Key takeaways from the Fed’s decision to deliver a jumbo-sized interest rate cut (CNN)Last 2 times the Fed’s first cut was 50+ bps (Geiger Capital via X)BREAKING: The number of full-time real estate agents and brokers in the US dropped to 440,000 in 2023, the least since 2014 (Kobeissi Letter via X)23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki ‘surprised and disappointed’ by board resignations: Read the memo (CNBC)Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to remain in custody after judge denies bail appeal in racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking case (CNN)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In episode 247 of The Higher Standard, Saied, Chris and Haroon dive deep into a lighthearted discussion about the unexpected appearance of cockroaches in their studio. As they transition into the financial content, the team tackles a listener question on how to find the best real estate agent. And of course they had to cover the guaranteed rate cut happening this week when the FOMC announces their decision on Wednesday, September 18th. ➡️ The second half of the episode shifts gears with a robust debate about LeBron James and his impact on the economy, comparing his legacy to other sports icons like Tom Brady. They also touch on pop culture, covering everything from the Bad Boys movie franchise to Jackie Chan’s unique quirks.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 🏆 Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a PERSONALIZED PLAN for Peptide Therapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep &amp; Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE. Their online process and medical experts make it simple to find out what’s right for you. ✔️ Click the link and start today: http://www.transcendcompany.com/THSP👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Inflation falls to 2.5% year-over-year lowest since Feb. 2021 (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Where inflation is…. And isn’t (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Housing costs keeping inflation over 2% (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Fresh jobs data tests how deeply Fed will cut rates ahead of government payroll report (Yahoo! Finance)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, your charming hosts Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive deep into the habits that might be holding you back from financial freedom, inspired by Humphrey Yang’s insightful YouTube video “The Middle Class Habits Keeping You in the Rat Race.” The trio dissects the habits that seem harmless but might be chaining you to mediocrity, and they share their own witty takes on breaking free and creating real wealth. Get ready for some laughs, real-talk advice, and actionable steps to escape the rat race for good. Spoiler: It's not just about skipping that morning latte!➡️ Expect a dynamic conversation that balances humor and depth, with takeaways like the importance of investing in yourself, mastering delayed gratification, and rethinking the way you approach money management. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or a seasoned pro, there’s something in here for everyone — and as always, it’s delivered with the signature banter that keeps you coming back.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 🏆 Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a PERSONALIZED PLAN for Peptide Therapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep &amp; Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE. Their online process and medical experts make it simple to find out what’s right for you. ✔️ Click the link and start today: http://www.transcendcompany.com/THSP👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:The Middle Class Habits Keeping You in the Rat Race (Humphrey Yang via YouTube)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In episode 245 of The Higher Standard podcast, Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive into the latest market-moving headlines. They start with a bombshell from Jerome Powell, who finally hints that the Fed might cut interest rates. But before you get too excited, they break down why rate cuts tied to a looming recession might spell trouble for your stock portfolio. The hosts then shift gears to the housing market, discussing how U.S. home prices have hit a record high, making it tougher than ever to afford your dream home.➡️ And if that wasn’t enough, they expose some jaw-dropping admissions from Mark Zuckerberg that could change the way you see Big Tech. Lastly, they take a fascinating detour into the lucrative (and risky) world of professional whistleblowing—spoiler alert: you can make millions if you play your cards right!💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 🏆 Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a PERSONALIZED PLAN for Peptide Therapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep &amp; Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE. Their online process and medical experts make it simple to find out what’s right for you. ✔️ Click the link and start today: http://www.transcendcompany.com/THSP👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Jerome Powell says "time has come" for Fed to cut interest rates (Bloomberg Business via Instagram)Rate Cuts That Come With Recession Aren't Good For Stocks (Yahoo! Finance)U.S. Home Prices Hit A Record High (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Mark Zuckerberg just admitted three things (House Judiciary GOP via X)How To Make Millions As A Professional Whistleblower (GQ via Apple News)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode of The Higher Standard podcast, Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive into the timeless lessons of Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," reflecting on the book’s enduring insights into wealth-building strategies. While they acknowledge the value of its principles, the hosts candidly express their mixed feelings about Kiyosaki’s modern-day social media persona, suggesting that his transformation might have taken some of the shine off his original teachings.➡️ The conversation then shifts gears to current events, where the trio tackles the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, followed by a deep dive into the startling news that the U.S. economy created 818,000 fewer jobs than initially reported. They discuss the implications of this revision, including the Fed confronting the reality of potentially losing up to a million jobs in their forecast. On a lighter note, the hosts sprinkle in some pop culture commentary, from Ashanti and Nelly's baby news to the potential $550 million fallout from a rumored Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck divorce, and even a nod to Lil Jon's surprise appearance at the DNC. As always, Chris, Saied, and Haroon deliver sharp insights with their signature wit.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 🏆 Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a PERSONALIZED PLAN for Peptide Therapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep &amp; Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE. Their online process and medical experts make it simple to find out what’s right for you. ✔️ Click the link and start today: http://www.transcendcompany.com/THSP👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Bureau of Labor statistics shenanigans&nbsp;(ZeroHedge via X)Fed Confronts Up to a Million US Jobs Vanishing in Revision&nbsp;(Bloomberg)US economy created 818,000 fewer jobs than previously reported&nbsp;(Fox Business)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.