Is Inflation Back, or Are We Reading It Wrong?

Is inflation back, or are we just reading the tea leaves the wrong way? In this episode, Jake McClure takes on one of the most talked-about questions in finance right now and breaks it down in a way that actually makes sense. He walks through what inflation really is, why rising prices do not always mean lasting inflation, and how recent spikes in food and energy are showing up in everyday life, from the gas pump to the grocery aisle. Along the way, he digs into what is driving today’s price pressures, including supply disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, and the sometimes misleading way we measure inflation by stripping out the very things we feel most. He also takes a sharp turn into the role of human behavior, explaining how expectations can quietly push prices higher and why moments like the pandemic toilet paper shortage are more than just odd memories. They are case studies in how belief alone can move markets. The episode wraps with a reality check on some of the scarier headlines making the rounds, like rising household debt, and reminds listeners why context matters more than clickbait. If you have ever wondered whether the economy is as shaky as it sounds or if there is more beneath the surface, this conversation will give you a clearer, and maybe more grounded, perspective. This episode was recorded on May 15, 2026. If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at advisingteam@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance. If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com. ** 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.