Money and Change: Navigating 2026's Economic Headwinds

The Super Bowl of Flowers, $6 Gas, and the Coming Housing Crash: Navigating 2026's Economic Headwinds

Stu Shear explores the critical financial and economic trends hitting consumers, starting with the staggering cost of Mother's Day, featuring an interview with Minakshi Lala of Urban Stems on how rising fuel costs and tariffs are impacting the floral industry.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Inflation & Cost of Living: An analysis of soaring U.S. gas prices, which have hit the highest levels since 2022, and the global trade warnings from Maersk about bottlenecks in the Strait of Hormuz. Stu links rising gas and diesel costs to higher consumer prices, noting the closure of a 141-year-old candy company due to escalating raw material and labor expenses.
• Housing and Debt: A deep dive into the fear of a housing market crash, with prices up over 50% in some areas, forcing younger generations to plan for a future without homeownership. The conversation also covers the growing U.S. national debt, which is climbing past $39 trillion, and the possibility of shifting away from the petrodollar to a gold-backed currency.
• Changing Consumer Behavior: Discussion of the new term "dateflation," as 40% of singles are cutting back on dating due to high expenses. Stu also looks at the restaurant business, examining Burger King's revamp efforts and how more Americans are skipping dining out in favor of cheaper alternatives like Costco and Sam's Club.

Financial Preparedness: Practical advice on how to cut back on gas costs, pay down debt, build an emergency fund, and conserve funds to prepare for potential economic difficulties in late 2026.