Slate Money

Austan Goolsbee, Chicago Fed President and monetary policy expert, joins the discussion. He shares insights from his first FOMC meeting, detailing the unique deliberation process. Goolsbee explains the shift in the Fed’s communication strategy towards transparency and why it’s crucial for public trust. He also addresses criticisms of the Fed and the dangers of the gold standard. With humor, he likens data analysis styles to 'data dogs' and 'data cats,' emphasizing their different approaches to economic indicators.

In this Money Talks: The Wall Street Journal’s Heather Haddon joins Emily Peck to unpack her recent reporting on the fast food industry, including the reason we’re seeing the “Value Wars” play out at places like McDonalds and Chili’s, Starbuck’s strategies to revive sales, and the intense drive-thru operations research being done by Chik-fil-A.Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: Larry Summers has stepped down from his public positions following the release of unsavory emails he exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein. Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck discuss Summers’ correspondence with the infamous sex trafficker, the veracity of his “genius” reputation, and his beef with Felix. Then, Meta has won its anti-trust case, highlighting the current struggle to regulate Big Tech. The hosts examine the landscape of anti-trust efforts in the US and whether it is the correct tool for regulating tech behemoths. Then, everyone is talking about the “AI bubble” right now, but what does that actually mean? The hosts break down the state of the AI market and whether or not calling it a “bubble” is the right way to think about it. In the Slate Plus episode: Thanksgiving Hot Takes!Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the hosts dive into the idea of 50-year mortgages and the mixed reactions they sparked, especially from conservatives. They explore how these long-term loans could actually inflate housing prices rather than solve the crisis. The conversation transitions to the power dynamics of proxy advisers and asset managers, revealing how billionaires like Musk oppose them for more control. Finally, there's a playful discussion about Robinhood's cash delivery service, weighing its practicality and who would really benefit from it.

Adrianna Adams, a financial advisor from Domain Money, shares her expert insights on balancing personal financial health with caregiving for aging parents. She highlights the importance of prioritizing your own financial foundation to effectively support family. Adrianna also discusses creative strategies to assist parents financially, like home purchases, and the crucial conversations around sharing money values with adult children. Additionally, she covers protective measures against scams and the need for regular updates to legal documents as life circumstances change.

In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, to discuss her book The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid. They discuss Anna’s extensive research into how racism and sexism create real economic barriers in the US, why it’s not just women of color who should be worried about this disturbing trend, and what can actually be done about it.Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff Horwitz, a technology reporter at Reuters, shines a light on Meta's troubling ad practices, revealing how the platform profits from the prevalence of fraudulent advertisements. He shares insights from internal documents, highlighting the company’s alarming tolerance for scams and low response to user reports. The discussion also navigates the implications of Trump's tariffs before delving into the epic fail of Saudi Arabia's Neom megacity project, laden with absurdity and environmental concerns. Tune in for a wild ride through tech turmoil and political fiascos!

Adrianna Adams, Head of Financial Planning at Domain Money and a certified financial planner, joins the hosts to explore the emotional complexities of retirement planning. They discuss why personal finance is largely psychological and how empathy is crucial in advising. Adrianna explains balancing short-term liquidity with long-term goals, the traits of financially secure retirees, and the pitfalls of lifestyle creep. They recommend reducing investment monitoring to ease anxiety and even suggest deleting stress-inducing finance apps. The conversation is both insightful and relieving!

The discussion kicks off with OpenAI's shift from non-profit to for-profit, sparking debates about public benefit and oversight. Rising Affordable Care Act premiums are dissected, revealing the harsh realities of escalating health costs. The spotlight also shines on Maurizio Cattelan’s gold toilet, with a second one uncovered and set for auction amid soaring gold prices. From art to healthcare, the hosts weave together a tapestry of cultural commentary and financial insights!

Anna Sale, the empathetic host of Death, Sex & Money, joins Felix Salmon to tackle the decision of whether to have children. They explore the hidden financial burdens of parenting, like childcare and housing, and how these costs affect family planning. Anna shares her emotional reasons for having two kids, while Felix discusses his childless lifestyle. They also examine how parenthood reshapes social dynamics and friendships, and reflect on the long-term benefits that children might bring in terms of support and legacy.