Discussing money can be emotionally charged, but not here on the Pete the Planner® Show where Personal Finance Expert, former comedian, and author Peter Dunn breaks down personal finance with humor, practical advice, and real-life scenarios to help you make smarter money moves. Pete and his co-hosts Kristen and Damian lead a guilt-free discussion of budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and any number of other topics meant to help you thrive in the present and future. Part of the IBJ Me ...
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In the One Day is Today® program from OneAmerica Retirement Services, Peter Dunn a.k.a. Pete the Planner®, brings a friendly, approachable voice not only to retirement preparation, but a wide array of financial wellness topics. Through a series of podcasts, Pete's creative and humorous approach to buying a house, paying off debt and working with a financial professional makes these topics seem less intimidating. The views and opinions expressed in this material are solely those of Pete the P ...
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Economic mobility—the ability to move up the financial ladder—has long been a hallmark of the American Dream. But recent research suggests that for many, mobility is increasingly out of reach. In this episode, we’ll examine the determinants of economic mobility, explore why some individuals and families stay stagnant, and discuss realistic strategi…
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Are we on the brink of a recession, or is this just another round of economic fear-mongering? In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we break down the recession debate, why everything feels expensive even if the economy is supposedly fine, and whether tariffs could push us over the edge. Plus, practical steps to recession-proof your finances—witho…
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Market downturns bring out the worst in investors—panic selling, emotional decisions, and a desperate need to ‘do something.’ But that’s exactly when a good financial advisor proves their worth. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what advisors really do during turbulent times. From keeping clients from self-sabotage to executing tactical …
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In this episode of Storytime with Pete, we dive into the financial and emotional whirlwind of youth travel sports. What started as something I once mocked has now become my weekend reality—two-star hotels, overpriced tournament fees, and the ever-present pressure to “invest” in my kid’s future. But is it worth it? Can a reasonable person justify th…
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Your credit report might be controlling more of your life than you think. From loans and insurance rates to job opportunities and even renting an apartment, this silent score holds serious power. But is the system fair, or is it working against you? In this episode, Pete dives into the history, controversies, and hidden pitfalls of credit reports—p…
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Exploring the good and the bad of tariffs. And yes, there's good.由IBJ Media
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Today, Pete, Kristen, and Dame take a deep dive into the best and worst economic periods in American history. Was the post-WWII boom really the golden age of prosperity, or is that just nostalgia talking? How does today’s economy stack up against past crises like the Great Depression, stagflation, and the Great Recession? We break down real numbers…
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is officially no more. Is this the long-overdue removal of a bureaucratic overreach, or the beginning of a new era of financial chaos? In today’s episode of Storytime with Pete, we break down what the CFPB’s closure means for banks, businesses, and, most importantly, your wallet. Will fewer regulation…
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A new series -- Storytime with Pete. Pete the Planner delivers sharp, insightful, and sometimes provocative takes on the financial world and beyond—all in under five minutes. These short-form episodes are high-energy, opinionated, and straight to the point, blending Pete’s signature wit with hard-hitting truths about money, business, and life. Whet…
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In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, Pete, Kristen, and Dane dive into a mix of financial wisdom, everyday observations, and entertaining tangents. Pete kicks things off by discussing an unexpected fashion moment inspired by a mannequin outfit. From there, the team transitions into personal finance topics, breaking down money management st…
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Big Changes for The Pete the Planner Show! Plus, Love and Money We’re kicking things off with a major update—The Pete the Planner Show is now part of the IBJ Media Podcast Network! If you're a longtime listener, welcome back. If you’re new, get ready for a personal finance show that’s anything but ordinary. In this episode, Pete, Kristen Ahlenius, …
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In this episode of The Pete the Planner Show, Pete, Dame, and Kristen tackle a listener’s question about using a taxable brokerage account to supplement income before retirement. A high-earning couple with no debt and significant savings wonders if they should ease off their high-paying IT jobs and start tapping their investments. Pete isn’t buying…
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Tax season is upon us, and The Pete the Planner Show is here to guide you through it with The 2025 SpecTAXular! Pete, Dame, and Kristen dive deep into everything you need to know about taxes—what your accountant really wishes you knew, how to avoid common tax season pitfalls, and the ultimate debate: Is it better to owe or get a refund? They also t…
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete debate the utility of target date funds. Disagreement abounds.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete debate whether or not an emailer should breakup with their advisor. We talk fees, communication, and underperformance.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame and Pete pick their stocks for 2025. As always, the stock picks are for entertainment purposes only.由IBJ Media
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Pete and Kristen wrap the year!由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Dame, Kristen, and Pete discuss terrible housing advice which would leave you stressed, broke, and working forever.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, the crew is joined by crypto enthusiast Doug Collins to talk about Bitcoin cresting $100k/coin由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode Dame and Pete talk about how easy it is to get behind on home projects.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete talk about what you should discuss with your partner before you combine finances.由IBJ Media
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Don't worry, we don't get into the politics. Numbers only this week.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete answer an email regarding financial infidelity. Let's just say they didn't like the ground rules.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode we discuss whether or not everyone really needs a financial planner.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete discuss they whys and why-nots of 15 year mortgages.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete discuss the falling interest rates should influence you to refinance your car loans.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, chaos.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Pete teases his return to the socials.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Dame and Pete discuss an email from divorcee who may not have gotten the best divorce settlement.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete discuss the outlandish costs of youth travel sports. Kristen goes back in time to adopt Pete's perspective from 10 years ago.由IBJ Media
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Ep. 555: All balances being equal, should you payoff student loans, credit cards, or car loans first?
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On this week's episode, Kristen and Pete talk about why different types of debt are, well, different.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode we consider whether or not a person should retire based on a surprise inheritance.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Dame, Kristen, and Pete are joined by real estate wizard Jimmy Dulin. We knew there were major real estate contract changes, we had no idea how big the changes are.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete discuss historic mortgage rates and whether or not it's too soon to refinance.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode Kristen and Pete explore the various stakeholders in your personal finances, including the furry four-legged ones.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete talk politics. Well, no exactly. We talk economics, and the ramifications for the next president.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete discuss whether it makes any sense at all to make a dynamic housing decision, when housing has previously been a position of strength in a money life. Also, Pete glitches-out.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Pete, and Dame discuss whether or not an emailer should say something about a friend hiding purchases. It has all the elements of a great story, including money, fast food gift cards, and well, that's it.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Dame and Pete discuss whether a 37 year old should payoff his 6.5% mortgage with a giant bonus.由IBJ Media
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In this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete discuss new fraud allegations against Alexander Joyce, CEO of Rejoyce Financial LLC. You can read the most recent court filing here. If you believe you've been the vicim of financial fraud, contact your state's Secretary of State's office. All matters discussed on this show are allegations at this poi…
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Ep. 545: Are zombie mortgages an actual threat? And if they are, should you have already known that?
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In this weeks episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete explore zombie mortgages. Then they debate who's to blame.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete discuss what a pain in the neck setting up account for your kids is. You should do it anyway. Batman makes an appearance, and Pete has Schlage deja vu.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete discuss a new survey which sheds light on the average American's economic ignorance. It's not surprising, but it's still shocking.由IBJ Media
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In this week's episode, Kristen, Pete, and Dame talk about how to handle your financial advisor changing firms.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Dame, Kristen, and Pete dig through new realities of getting married in the 21st century. The result? Kristen reminds Pete and Dame how old they are.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Dame, Pete and Kristen debate whether or not a new relationship is a get out of debt jail free card.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, we debate whether or not an emailer should retire with his $3 million plan. It's not as cut and try as you might think.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Kristen, Dame, and Pete, combat a local credit union's assertion that a primary residence is the ultimate wealth generation tool. Needless to say, it's not.由IBJ Media
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On this week's episode, Dame and Pete discuss the complexity of being the executor of an estate. Long story short, it's a lot harder than you think it is.由IBJ Media
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In this week's episode, Kristen and Pete recall the mistakes they made early in their financial lives.由IBJ Media
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