wine

Economics 101: Understanding the Importance of the Fed Funds Rate

Hi there, Wine and Dime listeners! Amy Irvine here, and I want to start a series on economics. I've realized that during some of my presentations, not everyone may be familiar with some of the terms I use. So, over the next six weeks, I'll be discussing various economic topics that may be new to you but are important to understand. This week, let's start with understanding the importance of the Fed Funds Rate.

Remember, just like a good bottle of wine, the Wine and Dime Podcast gets better with time. So don't forget to rate and subscribe to our show, where we blend the flavors of wine and personal finance to help you achieve financial freedom!

If you have any questions that you would like answered on the show, feel free to email us at info@rootedpg.com

Or visit us at www.rootedpg.com/podcasts for full show notes and links!

Understanding the Importance of the Fed Funds Rate

The Fed Funds Rate has been making headlines over the past year and a half, with projections showing interest rate hikes to slow inflation. Here's what you need to know:

  • What is the Fed Funds Rate? The Fed Funds Rate is the interest rate at which banks lend to each other overnight. It's set by the Federal Reserve to influence economic activity.

  • Why is it important? The Fed Funds Rate affects everything from the yield on your savings account to the price of goods and services.

  • How does it affect you? Changes in the Fed Funds Rate can impact your borrowing costs, your investments, and even your job opportunities.

Other Key Terms to Know

  • Yield Curve: The yield curve is the difference between short-term and long-term interest rates. An inverted yield curve, where short-term rates are higher than long-term rates, can signal an economic slowdown.

  • APR vs. APY: APR (annual percentage rate) is the interest rate you pay on a loan, while APY (annual percentage yield) is the interest rate you earn on an investment. Make sure you know the difference!

  • Basis Points: A fancy term for percentage points. 100 basis points equal 1%.

My Exploration of Scottish Wine

As many of you know, I'm planning a trip to Scotland in 2024, and I've started to get educated about the country. Believe it or not, Scotland has some wineries! While they don't produce a lot of wine, I came across a winery called Chateau Largo during my research. I'm always up for trying new things, so I'm challenging you to find a Scottish wine that you enjoy. If you do, please report back to me!

Where to Learn More

If you want to learn more about the Fed Funds Rate and other economic terms, check out the links below:

That's all for now. Stay tuned for more economic topics in the coming weeks. Cheers!

This episode is brought to you by Rooted Planning Group. Rooted Planning Group is a fee-only financial planning firm that specializes in working with women in their 30s and 40s who want to take control of their finances and plan for the future. Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to make a big change, Rooted Planning Group can help.

Visit www.rootedpg.com to learn more.

Pairing Schedule 3 with the Perfect Wine: A Tax Season Guide

In this episode of the Wine and Dime podcast, host Amy Irvine discusses Schedule 3 of the 1040 tax form, which covers additional credits and payments. Schedule 3 of the 1040 tax form is like the third glass of wine - it's necessary to finish, but you're not sure if it's worth the headache tomorrow.

Kidding aside,

Remember, just like a good bottle of wine, the Wine and Dime Podcast gets better with time. So don't forget to rate and subscribe to our show, where we blend the flavors of wine and personal finance to help you achieve financial freedom!

If you have any questions that you would like answered on the show, feel free to email us at info@rootedpg.com

Or visit us at www.rootedpg.com/podcasts for full show notes and links!

Here are some key points from the episode:

  • Schedule 3 is where you might get some additional credits and payments after your taxes have been calculated.

  • The first part of Schedule 3 is for non-refundable credits. If you don't pay enough in taxes, these credits will offset any amount of liability or tax computation that you might owe.

  • You can also get a foreign tax credit if you paid taxes on international funds held within your brokerage account.

  • The credit for child and dependent care expenses can provide some benefit based on your income level and the amount paid for childcare, with the maximum credit being $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children.

  • Education credits such as the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit are available for those who have college expenses.

  • If you are saving for retirement, you may be eligible for a retirement credit.

Winery Recommendation:

Pudding River Winery is a family-owned and operated vineyard located in Salem, Oregon, that has been producing award-winning wines since 2003. The winery's name is inspired by the nearby Pudding River, which flows through the beautiful Willamette Valley. The winery's mission is to create unique and high-quality wines that reflect the distinct terroir of their vineyard.

Pudding River Winery's vineyard spans over 22 acres, and it is planted with several grape varietals, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Syrah. The winery uses sustainable farming practices, such as composting and cover cropping, to ensure that their grapes are healthy and vibrant. Their wines are handcrafted in small batches, using traditional winemaking techniques and minimal intervention, to showcase the natural flavors and aromas of the grapes.

The winery's tasting room is a charming and cozy space, decorated with warm wood accents and beautiful artwork. Visitors can taste a selection of the winery's current releases, including their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. Pudding River Winery also offers guided tours of their vineyard and winery, where visitors can learn about their winemaking process and the history of the winery.

If you are interested in trying Pudding River Winery's wines, you can purchase them directly from their website or visit their tasting room in Salem. Some of their wines are also available for purchase at local wine shops and restaurants in Oregon. Here are some additional links to explore their wine selection:

If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, here are some helpful resources:

This episode is brought to you by Rooted Planning Group. Rooted Planning Group is a fee-only financial planning firm that specializes in working with women in their 30s and 40s who want to take control of their finances and plan for the future. Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to make a big change, Rooted Planning Group can help.

Visit www.rootedpg.com to learn more.

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