Episodes
The Stagnant Middle Class and the Wage-Price Squeeze
We are looking at the specific mechanics of why purchasing power feels stuck for so many workers in September 2026. With core CPI holding at 336.8 and average hourly earnings flatlining at thirty-seven dollars and sixty cents, the gap between what people earn and what they pay is widening. We break down the structural reasons behind this squeeze, using the latest Employment Cost Index data to show how service sector wages are lagging behind the cost of essential goods. This isn't just about…
Why Your Grocery Receipt Feels Heavier Than Your Paycheck
Inflation numbers are cooling, but your weekly grocery bill tells a different story. We dig into the sticky nature of food prices versus broader inflation metrics like CPI and PCE to understand why purchasing power feels squeezed even when headlines look calm. With core CPI holding near 336 and average hourly earnings at thirty-seven dollars and sixty cents, we break down the specific mechanics of category-level inflation that general indices miss. #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a New Car
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into a shifting trend: after years of pay raises lagging behind car prices, wage growth is now outpacing the cost of a new vehicle. Using the latest data on average hourly earnings and new car prices, they explain why the affordability gap is closing, what it means for buyers and the broader economy, and whether the trend is likely to stick. From supply chain disruptions to changing consumer preferences, they break down the forces at play and what to watch in…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Children's Clothing
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna zoom in on a surprisingly cheerful corner of the inflation story: children's clothing. While overall consumer prices have climbed 3.3 percent year-over-year, apparel prices for kids have actually fallen, thanks to a mix of fierce retail competition, cheaper synthetic fabrics, and a global glut of fast-fashion supply. They dig into the numbers—average hourly earnings up to $37.60, and a child's winter jacket that now costs 12 percent less than…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Movie Ticket
In episode 170 of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising data point: the cost of a movie ticket has risen just 1.8 percent over the past year, while average hourly earnings are up 3.1 percent. That means your raise is outpacing the price of a night at the cinema for the first time in a decade. They explore the economics behind the trend—the streaming shakeout, the rise of premium formats, and the changing habits of moviegoers—and ask whether this is a durable shift or just a…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Wedding
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a fresh data point: the cost of getting married has risen slower than wages for the first time in years. With the average wedding now around $30,000 and median weekly earnings up to $1,204, the affordability gap has narrowed. They break down what's driving the cool-down—from smaller guest lists to shifts in venue demand—and what it means for couples planning in 2026. Using the latest CPI and earnings data, they show how wage growth has outpaced wedding…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Movie Ticket
This episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo digs into a surprising new data point: average hourly earnings hit $37.60 in July, up 3.2% from a year earlier, while the cost of a movie ticket has barely budged. We look at how the pandemic-era streaming boom, the shift to premium formats, and the rise of subscription services like MoviePass have changed the economics of going to the movies. We ask whether your raise is finally keeping pace with a night out at the cinema, and what that means for…
Why Raises Are Beating the Cost of Pet Care
On this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising shift in the cost of living: while many expenses continue to outpace wage growth, the cost of caring for our furry friends has actually risen slower than average pay. With average hourly earnings up 3.1 percent year-over-year and core inflation at 3.3 percent, pet care services have seen only modest price increases. The hosts break down the numbers behind this trend, from veterinary fees to pet insurance premiums, and explain why your raise…
Why Raises Are Beating the Cost of Prescription Drugs
In this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising shift: after years of prescription drug costs outpacing paychecks, recent data suggests wages are finally gaining ground. Using the latest CPI and earnings figures from July 2026, they break down the numbers — average hourly earnings up to $37.60, while drug prices have moderated. They explore what's driving the slowdown, from patent expirations on blockbuster biologics to Medicare price negotiations, and…
Wages vs Tuition: When Learning Costs Less
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising winner in the pay-vs-price race: college tuition. While average hourly earnings have climbed 3.4 percent in the past year, the cost of attending a four-year public university has actually fallen in real terms for the first time in decades. They dig into the numbers—tuition up just 1.8 percent, well below the 3.0 percent CPI rise—and what's behind the shift: demographic decline, online learning, and a cultural reassessment…
How Raises Are Finally Keeping Pace With Prescription Drug Costs
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna tackle a question many workers are asking in August 2026: is your raise finally beating the cost of prescription drugs? With average hourly earnings at $37.60 and core CPI still elevated, the hosts dig into the latest data on drug pricing trends, from generic competition to the impact of inflation on out-of-pocket costs. They break down why some medications are getting cheaper while others keep climbing, and what that means for your purchasing…
How Raises Are Beating Childcare Costs
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising turn in the inflation story: wages are finally outpacing the cost of childcare. With average hourly earnings up 3.4% year-over-year and childcare costs rising at their slowest pace in years, families are seeing a real improvement in purchasing power. They break down the numbers, discuss what's driving the slowdown—from increased supply to policy shifts—and consider whether this trend can hold. #Childcare #Wages #Inflation #PurchasingPower…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Rent
On this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising shift: after years of rent outpacing pay, the latest data suggests wages are finally catching up. Using the most recent figures—median weekly earnings up 3.9 percent year-over-year and shelter costs up just 3.2 percent—they explore what's driving the change. From a slowdown in new apartment construction to softer demand in once-hot Sun Belt markets, they unpack the numbers behind the trend and what it means…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Summer Camp
On this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna take a close look at summer camp costs — a major line item for working families every June through August. With the Consumer Price Index for camp and nursery school up just 2.1 percent over the year, compared with average hourly earnings up 3.1 percent, they explain why camp inflation has cooled so dramatically. They dig into the pandemic-era rise in camp prices, the shift from day camps to specialty and overnight programs, and…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Dog
In this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising shift in the cost of owning a dog. While overall inflation has cooled — average hourly earnings are up to $37.60 and the employment cost index for wages rose to 179 — the cost of veterinary care has kept climbing, with pet insurance premiums rising sharply. But a new analysis shows that for many workers, raises have finally outpaced the growth in dog-related expenses, from food to vet bills. Using the latest…
Your Raise Beats the Cost of Diapers
In episode 159 of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna break down one of the most stubborn items in the family budget: diapers. Over the past year, diaper prices have risen only 1.8 percent while average hourly earnings are up 4.2 percent, meaning your raise is finally outpacing the cost of keeping a baby dry. But it wasn't always like this — during the pandemic, a shortage of wood pulp and resin sent diaper prices soaring 12 percent in a single year. What changed? The hosts walk through the supply…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Health Insurance Premiums
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising shift: after years of health insurance premiums eating up paychecks, wage growth has finally outpaced the cost of premiums. They break down the latest data on average hourly earnings and the employment cost index, then compare it to the slowdown in premium inflation. They explore what's driving this—from healthcare price trends to the labor market's leverage—and what it means for your take-home pay. If you've ever felt…
How Raises Are Finally Beating the Cost of Staying Healthy
On this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising new trend: wages are finally outpacing health-related costs. With average hourly earnings up 3.1% over the past year and core CPI running at 2.6%, the gap has flipped in workers' favor. They explore what's driving this shift—from generic drug prices falling to a slowdown in hospital service inflation—and what it means for your paycheck. Using the latest data on earnings and inflation, they unpack the numbers behind the…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Renters Insurance
In this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dissect a surprising shift: renters insurance premiums, long a nagging line item for tenants, are now growing slower than average hourly earnings. With fresh CPI data from July 2026 showing core inflation at 2.8% and average hourly earnings up 3.6% year-over-year, they explain why insurance rates are easing—citing cooler replacement costs, less severe weather losses in recent quarters, and a more competitive market among carriers.…
How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Fans and Air Conditioners
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising twist in the cost-of-living story: while many goods and services have outpaced wage growth, the price of fans and air conditioners has actually fallen over the past year. They dig into the July CPI report, which showed a 4.5 percent drop in the price of fans and a 1.2 percent drop in air conditioners, even as overall inflation ticked up. With average hourly earnings up 3.6 percent year-over-year, this is one category where…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Pet Insurance
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna explore why pet insurance is the latest expense that wage growth is finally outpacing. With average hourly earnings up 2.9% year-over-year and pet insurance premiums rising only modestly, the affordability picture has shifted. They break down the math: how a typical policy costs around $70 a month for a dog, how that stacks against median weekly earnings, and why the 2026 CPI data shows pet-related costs rising slower than overall inflation.…
Why Raises Are Beating the Cost of Lettuce
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising market moment: lettuce prices just plunged to their lowest in years, even as the overall inflation rate holds at 3.4 percent. They trace how a food-safety scare and a glut of supply can send a single grocery item into deflation, while the average raise — now hovering around 4 percent — quietly outpaces it. Along the way, they break down what July's CPI report really says about core inflation, why the Federal Reserve is…
How Raises Are Finally Beating the Cost of a Used Car
In this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna look at the surprising trend in used car prices. Despite a historically tight market, auction prices for used cars have been falling for months, while wages continue to climb. They discuss what this means for the average worker looking to buy a dependable vehicle, and why the shift might be here to stay. With average hourly earnings up to $37.60 and used car prices down significantly from their 2022 peak, the hosts explore how…
How Raises Are Finally Beating the Cost of Eating Out
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising twist in the inflation story: after years of restaurant prices climbing faster than paychecks, the gap has finally flipped. Using the latest data from July 2026 — average hourly earnings up 2.4 percent year-over-year while food-away-from-home inflation has cooled to 1.8 percent — they explain why the cost of eating out is now rising slower than wages. They break down the forces behind the shift, from easing food commodity costs to a cooling…
How Raises Are Finally Beating the Cost of Renters Insurance
In this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore why wages are finally outpacing the cost of renters insurance. With average hourly earnings up 3.4% year-over-year and renters insurance premiums up just 2.1%, the gap has flipped for the first time in a decade. They break down the data, explain the insurance pricing cycle, and offer a practical tip to lock in savings. Plus, a quick note on how listener support keeps the show ad-free. #RentersInsurance #Wages #CostOfLiving…
How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Home Repairs
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna examine why home repair costs are finally growing more slowly than paychecks. With hourly earnings up to $37.60 and the CPI down to 332.6, they dig into the shift in labor and materials costs that's making contractors more negotiable. They also unpack the surprising math behind the recent July jobs report and what it means for your buying power. #HomeRepairs #WagesAndPrices #Economics #CostOfLiving #Inflation #LaborMarket #Construction #DIY…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Rent
On this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising shift: while rents have climbed sharply over the past few years, wage growth has finally caught up. Using the latest data on average hourly earnings and the consumer price index, they explain why the rent-to-income ratio is easing for the first time since the pandemic. They look at what's driving the slowdown in rent growth — new apartment supply, changing migration patterns, and softer asking rents — and…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Wedding
Weddings are one of the biggest expenses many people will ever face, with the average celebration now costing over $30,000. In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into the latest wage and price data to see whether pay raises are finally outpacing the cost of tying the knot. They break down the real numbers behind venues, catering, and photography, and explain why wedding costs have risen faster than overall inflation for decades. Lucas brings in research on how the 'wedding industrial complex'…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Vacation
Airfare, hotels, and restaurant tabs have gone up sharply over the past few years, but a new analysis shows that inflation-adjusted wages have now overtaken vacation costs for the first time since the pandemic. Lucas and Luna dig into the numbers: average hourly earnings at $37.60, the CPI easing to 332.6, and what the latest ADP jobs report signals for workers' purchasing power. They explore how the 'vacation premium' — the extra cost of leisure spending versus everyday goods — has shrunk, and…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Haircut
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising pocket of the economy: the cost of a haircut. While many services have been climbing faster than wages, barbershop and salon prices haven't kept up with the average raise. Using the latest data—average hourly earnings up to $37.60 in June 2026, while the overall CPI actually ticked down to 332.6—Lucas explains how a mix of productivity gains, gig-economy pressure, and changing consumer habits are keeping this…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Health Insurance
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna break down why health insurance is the one big expense that's been growing faster than wages for years — and why that's finally starting to change. With average hourly earnings up to $37.60 and the CPI actually dipping slightly in June 2026, they dig into the numbers behind employer-sponsored premiums, the role of the employment cost index, and what a cooling core inflation rate means for your wallet. They also examine the tricky relationship…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Health Insurance
On this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dive into a quiet shift in the U.S. economy: wages are finally outpacing health insurance premiums. With the employment cost index for wages up to 179 in the first quarter and average hourly earnings at $37.60, private-sector premium growth has slowed to a crawl. Lucas breaks down the latest Kaiser Family Foundation data showing family premiums up just 3 percent this year, the smallest jump in a decade, while core inflation sits at 3.3…
How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Mortgage
This week on Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising twist in the cost-of-living story: after years of rent and home prices outpacing paychecks, the math on buying a home is finally shifting. With the ten-year Treasury around 2.3 percent and mortgage rates following suit, the monthly payment on a median-priced home is growing slower than average hourly earnings for the first time in years. They break down the numbers—from the employment cost index to the latest CPI reading—and…
How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Childcare
This episode unpacks the latest wage data and childcare costs. With average hourly earnings rising to $37.60 and median weekly earnings hitting $1,204, we explore why your raise is finally outpacing the skyrocketing cost of childcare. Lucas and Luna discuss the factors driving childcare inflation, including labor shortages and regulatory costs, and what this means for working parents. A specific case: the cost of daycare in a mid-sized city versus the national average. Tune in for a data-driven…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of College Tuition
In this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how rising wages are finally outpacing the skyrocketing cost of college tuition. With average hourly earnings reaching $37.60 and tuition inflation slowing to around 3%, the gap is narrowing for the first time in decades. They discuss the broader implications for workers, the Fed's next moves, and what the latest CPI and wage data mean for your purchasing power. Plus, a quick word on how listener support keeps the show…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Groceries
In Episode 139 of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna examine how rising wages are finally outpacing the cost of groceries. With average hourly earnings climbing to $37.60 and CPI easing to 332.6, real purchasing power is improving for the first time in years. They break down the numbers, discuss the impact of tariffs on food imports, and explore what this means for household budgets. A fresh angle in the 'raise beating costs' series, grounded in the latest economic data from June 2026.…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating Streaming Subscriptions
In this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how recent wage growth is finally outpacing the cost of streaming subscriptions. With average hourly earnings hitting $37.60 in June 2026 while streaming prices remain relatively flat, consumers are seeing real gains in purchasing power for digital entertainment. The hosts examine why services like Netflix and Disney+ have held the line on prices, the role of ad-supported tiers and competition, and what this means for…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Dental Care
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dig into a surprising shift: dental care costs are finally rising slower than wages. With average hourly earnings hitting $37.60 and dental services inflation cooling, your paycheck is catching up to the dentist. They break down the numbers, explain why this matters for household budgets, and look at what it means for broader economic health. Plus: a look at how wage growth is outpacing other healthcare costs. #WagesAndPrices #DentalCare…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Car Insurance
In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine the latest wage data showing average hourly earnings at $37.60, up 2.4% annualized, while headline CPI has fallen. But car insurance premiums remain a pain point. They break down why the gap is narrowing—from 12% to 8% annual increases—and what that means for your wallet. Using June 2026 data, they explore how wage growth is slowly catching up to one of the most stubborn inflation categories, with implications for the broader economy and listeners'…
How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Plane Ticket
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dive into the latest economic data showing that wage growth is outpacing airfare declines. With average hourly earnings hitting $37.60 in June 2026 and airfare prices dropping about 5% year-over-year, American workers can now afford more travel. They discuss the factors behind this trend—moderating fuel costs, increased airline capacity, and resilient wage gains—and whether it can last amid rising oil prices and global tariff tensions. Using…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Pair of Jeans
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna examine why your paycheck is finally outpacing the price of denim. Despite tariffs driving up import costs from China to their highest since 2008, the average price of a pair of jeans has barely budged. Meanwhile, average hourly earnings hit $37.60 in June, up from $37.51, and the Consumer Price Index actually fell 0.4% month over month. The hosts explain how retailers are absorbing tariff hikes, why apparel inflation has stayed cool, and what…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Prescription Drugs
For years, prescription drug prices climbed faster than wages, squeezing household budgets. But new data from June 2026 tells a different story: average hourly earnings reached $37.60, up 2.5% annualized, while overall CPI dipped to 332.6 and drug price increases have cooled significantly. Lucas and Luna unpack the numbers, explore the role of generic drug tariff threats and falling import costs from China, and explain why this trend benefits workers but leaves fixed-income households behind. A…
How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Laptop
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna examine a surprising trend: while import prices from China have surged to their highest since 2008, laptop prices have actually fallen. With average hourly earnings now at $37.60 and CPI declining, workers are finally gaining purchasing power on big-ticket electronics. The hosts unpack the data, explore the role of tariffs and global supply chains, and explain why your next laptop might feel a little more affordable—even if the economy feels…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a New Car
New car prices are finally cooling after years of pandemic-era surges, and wages are still climbing. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the numbers: average hourly earnings at $37.60, new car transaction prices dipping below $48,000, and what this means for the average worker's purchasing power. They explore why automakers are cutting prices, how higher interest rates have shifted demand, and whether this trend is likely to last. Plus, a look at how tariff policies could affect import…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Pet Care
In this episode of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna examine how wage growth is finally outpacing the cost of pet care in mid-2026. With average hourly earnings up to $37.60 and the CPI easing to 332.6, pet owners are seeing some relief after years of rising vet bills and pet insurance premiums. The hosts break down the numbers behind a typical annual vet visit, discuss why pet care costs have been sticky, and explore what this means for household budgets. Lucas explains how the 4.5%…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Night Out
In episode 129 of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore how wage growth is finally outpacing the cost of dining out and entertainment. With average hourly earnings at $37.60 and CPI cooling to 332.6, workers are seeing real gains in purchasing power for the first time in years. But the picture is mixed: while restaurant prices have moderated, costs for concerts and sporting events are still climbing. Lucas breaks down the latest data from the Fed's Beige Book and the surprising…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Cup of Coffee
In Episode 128 of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore why the average worker's raise is finally outpacing the cost of a cup of coffee. With average hourly earnings up to $37.60 and core CPI easing, the purchasing power of wages is on the rise. But not all coffee is created equal—specialty brews and cafe markups have surged, while grocery-store coffee prices have fallen. The hosts break down the numbers, discuss the role of import prices and commodity costs, and explain what…
Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Rent
In this episode of Wages and Prices with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive into the latest data on wage growth versus rental costs. With average hourly earnings hitting $37.60 and the CPI showing a slight decline, they explore whether workers are finally gaining ground on one of the biggest household expenses. Using the most recent Consumer Price Index and earnings figures from June 2026, they break down the math behind rent affordability. Lucas points out that while wages have risen about 4.7%…
How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Night Out
Lucas and Luna examine why the cost of a night out at a bar or restaurant is rising more slowly than wages, using the latest CPI data showing overall inflation cooling while the Fed notes a World Cup boost for hospitality. They discuss how average hourly earnings have climbed to $37.60 while core CPI eased, and whether the trend can last given rising import costs from China and geopolitical risks. Along the way, they debate whether the party is sustainable for workers or if tariffs could spoil…
How Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of Imported Goods
In Episode 125 of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna dig into the latest import price data — a surprise gain in June that pushed costs of Chinese goods to their highest since 2008. They explore why a worker's raise is finally outpacing these higher import prices, using the real numbers: average hourly earnings at $37.60, CPI down to 332.6, and the 10-year breakeven inflation rate at 2.25%. The hosts break down the mechanics of how wage growth, a strong dollar, and shifting trade flows are…
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