In this episode of The Personal Wealth Coach, Jake and Jeff—economists, educators, and admirably bearded co-hosts—tackle the latest economic shifts with their trademark blend of insight and humor. They dig into the first-quarter GDP estimate from the Atlanta Fed, which signals a surprising contraction of -2.2%, and explore the implications of recent tariff announcements on the U.S. economy.

Along the way, they explain why deflation is scarier than inflation, why tariffs function like sales taxes (but sneakier), and how a sudden drop in the dollar is sounding alarm bells in the bond market. With historical context, personal anecdotes (including garage-fulls of Chinese stereos), and a healthy dose of sarcasm, they examine whether we're entering a recession—or just rehearsing for one.

From stock market barometers to the price of socks and the fate of Treasury bonds, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at what’s really moving the economy—and what history says might happen next.

This episode was recorded on April 17th, 2025.

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** 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.