When I first got interested in money and business, I had no idea where to start. Between confusing jargon, endless TikToks, and articles made for adults, it was hard to find resources that actually helped me learn. Now that I’ve spent a little more time exploring the world of finance, I thought I’d share some of the tools, channels, and accounts that helped me the most — especially as a student. Podcasts Planet Money (NPR) Super fun, easy to follow, and always creative. They explain things like inflation, the housing market, or cryptocurrency using stories, games, and real-world examples. You don’t need to be an econ expert to enjoy it. The Financial Confessions This one’s hosted by The Financial Diet. It’s more conversational and often features guests who talk honestly about money — from saving mistakes to side hustle tips. YouTube Channels Graham Stephan He’s a former real estate agent who talks about investing, budgeting, credit, and general financial advice in a way that’s easy to ...
So… What Is Inflation? You’ve probably heard adults talk about inflation on the news, in economics class, or maybe even at the grocery store. It’s one of those words that sounds complicated, but it’s something we all experience — yes, even as teenagers. In simple terms, inflation is the rise in prices over time. That bag of chips that cost $2 last year might be $2.29 now. A hoodie you had your eye on last fall could suddenly feel way out of budget. When prices increase but your money stays the same, you can’t buy as much — and that’s inflation in action. Why Does Inflation Happen? Inflation doesn’t have just one cause — it’s usually the result of several things happening in the economy. Some of the most common reasons include: Increased demand : Too many people want something, and there’s not enough of it. Supply issues : It becomes harder to make or deliver goods (like during global shortages). Rising production costs : Companies have to pay more for labor or materials, so they raise ...