The Invisible Economic Forces Shaping Your Life w/ Planet Money's Alex Mayyasi #1151

The Invisible Economic Forces Shaping Your Life w/ Planet Money's Alex Mayyasi #1151

Author: iHeartPodcasts June 10, 2026 Duration: 59:32

Try to explain consciousness. Go ahead… we’ll wait. It’s almost impossible, but that doesn’t make it any less real! Same with gravity. You can’t see it, but it shapes every movement you make, and it did long before anyone could fully explain it, even after Isaac Newton put words and math to it. Economic forces work similarly to gravity. You don’t always see them, you might not fully grasp them, but they quietly influence every financial decision you make, from the biggest to the smallest. That’s what today’s show is all about. Alex Mayyasi is a journalist, podcaster, and author of the new book, Planet Money, where he explores the hidden economic forces shaping everyday life. Today we discuss:

  • Pricing is more than just a number
  • Tariffs as taxes and their impact on quality of goods
  • Our personal choices in an uncertain world
  • Absolute wealth vs relative wealth
  • Expectations for continued economic growth
  • Housing supply and demand as a game of musical chairs
  • Alex’s new podcast about the business of food, Gastronomics
  • And much more!

Can’t get enough How To Money? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:

  • Cashback credit cards: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
  • Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!
  • Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
  • Money Gears: knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
    • MG7: and maybe you’re well on your way to financial independence but you’re looking for some financial reassurance, that’s when heading over to HowToMoney.com/Advisor and getting matched with a highly vetted financial advisor makes sense.

 

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

 

Best friends out!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Joel and Matt, two best friends who happen to be your guides through the world of personal finance, host this practical and approachable How to Money podcast. They cut through the noise and intimidation that often surrounds money topics, focusing instead on actionable strategies for everyday life. You'll hear straightforward conversations about getting out of debt, building an investment portfolio on your own terms, and mastering those small financial habits that add up to significant change over time. The core idea is that managing your finances shouldn't require a special degree or a wall of confusing terminology. This show from iHeartPodcasts is built on the belief that clear, unbiased guidance is a powerful tool for anyone. Each episode serves as a resource, offering knowledge you can apply immediately, whether you're just starting to budget or looking to optimize your long-term plans. Tune in for a down-to-earth discussion that makes business, education, and investing feel not only accessible but genuinely relevant to your journey toward financial confidence.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

How to Money
Podcast Episodes
The Harsh Realities of Real Estate Investing #1161 (Bestie Ep) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:45
Is homeschooling the best move for your family? Maybe!? That depends on so many factors like your family values, the goals for your career, what resources are available to you, and even what school your kids are currentl…
The Harsh Realities of Real Estate Investing #1161 (Bestie Ep) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:45
Is homeschooling the best move for your family? Maybe!? That depends on so many factors like your family values, the goals for your career, what resources are available to you, and even what school your kids are currentl…
Military to Millionaire w/ Lacey Langford #1160 (Bestie Ep) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:13
Only 9% of young Americans have shown an interest in serving in the military according to the latest figures- we’ve seen a precipitous drop which means that our nation’s security could be at risk in the future. And not o…
The Understated Power of Stealth Wealth #1158 (Bestie Ep) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:35
Clark Kent has a nerdy newspaper job, he’s got thick glasses- he’s definitely not cool in the city of Metropolis. But when he pulls back the white button up, he’s a beast and becomes Superman! He has superhuman strength,…
Post-Graduation Money Advice for the Real World #1155 (Bestie Ep) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:54
Getting your driver’s license was a liberating milestone worth celebrating because it meant you no longer needed your parents to drop you off at work, or it meant that your friends didn’t need to pick you up to hang out-…
Earn Your Freedom: Doing the Work That Pays Off w/ Bola Sokunbi #1154 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:57
Some of the best things in life are free, but many of the most meaningful goals demand serious time, effort, and sacrifice. The problem is, we rarely get a clear look at what it actually takes to reach those heights. Ins…