Think you know inflation? Think again. In this episode of The Personal Wealth Coach, we unwrap the quirks behind the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), and why this month’s numbers are stranger than your uncle’s Christmas sweater. From skipped reports and zeroed-out housing data to the baffling concept of “owner’s equivalent rent,” we dig into what these metrics really mean and why averages can be as misleading as having one foot in boiling water and the other in dry ice.

We explore why the latest CPI release might be more fiction than fact, how housing dominates inflation calculations even though mortgages do not count, and why seasonal price swings make your winter coat look like an economic anomaly. You will learn the sticky truth about rent and why it rarely goes down, plus what past shocks from bird flu to the Ukraine war teach us about price trends.

If you have ever wondered why economists argue over letters like CPI and PCE, or why your grocery bill feels like the real inflation gauge, this episode is your ticket to nerd out before the holiday dinner table debate. Spoiler: You will leave with insights that might just put everyone to sleep faster than eggnog.

This episode was recorded on December 19th, 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.