242: Credit Cards: Trap or Treasure/Pimp or Be Pimped

We come to you today from “The Collective Sum,” a gathering of Black community leaders in Minneapolis. Join us in a conversation about community building through investing in “the Four ‘Ships” — Leadership, Authorship, Stewardship and Ownership.  Introducing Nexus Community Partners, a leading community building intermediary that is building engaged and powerful communities of color: www.nexuscp.org (https://nexuscp.org/about-nexus-community-partners/)

The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York CIty’s mayor was controversial for some because he is a self-proclaimed “Democratic Socialist.” His policy ideas include things like free childcare and government-owned grocery stores — all to benefit the people. While Republicans are pointing fingers and name-calling, they are also moving the government in an equally contentious direction - towards “State Capitalism.” The federal government is quietly making equity investments in public corporations — in the name of national security but ultimately for profit.  This week, we are highlighting the sea change happening in American politics, and giving you practical advice for putting you in a position to win, regardless of which direction the wind blows.

Credit cards are a game of Pimp or Be Pimped, and the credit card companies are winning. Americans are sitting on a record $1.2 trillion of credit card debt, with an average interest rate of 22.8%! This episode exposes credit card traps and gives advice on how to turn your credit cards into treasure by taking advantage of rewards programs and cash back offers. We also walk through a framework for picking the right credit card.

This year's financial markets have been a roller coaster, delivering strong—yet volatile—returns. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell describes the current labor market as "low hiring and low firing," where job openings have dried up but mass layoffs haven't materialized. With a new wave of stimulus hitting the economy (tax cuts and lower interest rates), we break down our views on what happens next for investors. Unrelated, and just for fun, we also have a little fun describing the perfect PBNJ sandwich!

Are you a high-income earner who still struggles with money? You might be spending like a drug dealer—making it fast, and burning through it even faster. This episode reveals the shocking truth that high-income earners often make worse financial decisions than low-income earners. It all started when a new client was chastised by her friends for her low savings, despite her huge salary. We dive into the irrational mental traps that cause lifestyle creep and overspending, including a quiz that proves how your brain tricks you. More importantly, we break down rules of thumb for managing your spending so that you can learn from those who do more with less.

Stock options aren't just for Wall Street pros anymore. Last week's record trading volume proves everyday investors are diving in - but do they really know what they are doing?  Whether your goal is to trade options for speculation or to hedge a stock investment, we will educate you on these complex strategies with some simple analogies and memorable stories.

The government has shutdown every 2-3 years on average over the past 50 years. However, many people are worried that it feels different this time. While we may not be in a recession, we are experiencing a “growth scare” - a rise in economic anxiety. Join us this week as we break down strategies for surviving this crucial moment.

The retirement account that has been around for nearly 50 years hasn’t changed much… until now. Starting next year, everything is different. We’re diving into the major new investment options—private equity, hedge funds, and crypto—that could redefine your portfolio. We also cover major changes to "catch-up" contributions for high-income earners over 50. Tune in this week for the breakdown you need to maximize your retirement savings under the new rules.

Did you know your ability to negotiate directly impacts your ability to create wealth? This week, we are helping you to stop leaving money on the table. We sit down with attorney and author Damali Peterman, who literally wrote the book on the subject. She'll reveal the key principles you need to persuade people and get what you want, whether it’s a higher salary, a better home price, or a more beneficial business deal. Tune in to learn the secrets that will turn you into a master negotiator.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a crucial part of our daily lives. With economists estimating that this technology could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, a key question remains: are you positioned to profit from this growth? This week we are breaking down all the ways you can invest in AI, from individual stocks to specialized funds, ensuring you don't miss out on this generational opportunity. Sent from my iPhone