DiscoverThe Pete the Planner® ShowIf financial nihilism a thing?
If financial nihilism a thing?

If financial nihilism a thing?

Update: 2025-09-26
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Young adults are increasingly turning to risky bets — sports gambling, meme stocks, crypto, even leveraged ETFs — not just for the thrill, but because traditional wealth-building feels out of reach. In this episode, Pete, Damian, and Kristen dig into the rise of “financial nihilism,” a mindset fueled by housing costs, student loans, job market uncertainty, and fading confidence in the American Dream.


We’ll unpack the CNBC stories of 20-somethings chasing fast money on Discord and betting platforms, explore whether these strategies are truly new or just speculation repackaged, and debate whether they’re desperation or savvy risk-taking. Finally, we’ll look at healthier alternatives: ways to channel risk appetite without blowing up your future.


Because when people stop believing in long-term financial security, they don’t stop trying — they just look for shortcuts.

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If financial nihilism a thing?

If financial nihilism a thing?

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