This week on Ficonomy, we cut through the noise around three major economic stories shaping your spending in 2025. Tariffs are costing companies $1.2 trillion — and most of that is ending up in your grocery cart, your tech gadgets, and your bills. The Fed’s latest Beige Book confirms that prices are rising and consumers are already feeling the squeeze. And just as inflation reports hit the news, experts are warning that the data might not tell the full story.
We’ll unpack what all of this really means for you — in plain language — and share practical tools to help you protect your wallet, budget smarter, and stay ahead of rising prices.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why tariffs are quietly driving prices up across industries
- How companies pass extra costs to consumers (and when you’ll feel it)
- What the Fed’s Beige Book reveals about real-world inflation pressure
- Why inflation data might be misleading — and how to track your own “personal inflation”
- Actionable tips: building a spending buffer, buying smart, and budgeting for cost spikes
Articles Discussed
- CNBC: Tariff costs to companies this year to hit $1.2 trillion, with consumers taking most of the hit, S&P says
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/16/tariff-costs-to-companies-this-year-to-hit-1point2-trillion-with-consumers-taking-most-of-the-hit-sp-says.html - CNBC: Tariffs are pushing prices higher and consumers are feeling the hit, Fed’s Beige Book shows
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/15/tariffs-are-pushing-prices-higher-and-consumers-are-feeling-the-hit-feds-beige-book-shows.html - CNBC: This week’s critical inflation report comes with doubts about the data
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/21/this-weeks-critical-inflation-report-comes-with-doubts-about-the-data.html
Practical Takeaways
- Plan Ahead: Expect gradual price increases through the holidays — and budget accordingly.
- Track Your Spending: Watch imported goods and categories like groceries, electronics, and apparel.
- Question the Numbers: Official inflation might understate what you’re actually experiencing.
- Act, Don’t React: Build a small “price-shock fund” and explore alternatives or substitutions before costs rise further.
Listen & Subscribe
Stay sharp on how global economics affect your daily life — without the jargon.
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💬 Got questions or topic ideas? DM us on Instagram [@kylethehorton] or email kyletalkspodcast@gmail.com
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