Mortgage 101 Podcast: Episode 30 - Finger Licking Fiscal: Colonel Powell's Recipe for 2025
In Episode 30 of the Mortgage 101 Podcast, hosts Anthony and Manley use a KFC theme to explore the U.S. economy's challenges over the past two years and the Federal Reserve's role under Chairman Jerome Powell. They discuss how Powell's monetary policies have navigated inflation and growth, likening it to cooking with "11 herbs and monetary spices." The episode analyzes why the recovery has been "burnt" instead of "golden brown" and offers predictions for a crispy economy in 2025, with actionable advice for homebuyers to prepare for rate changes.
[00:00] Welcome to Mortgage 101: Episode 30
Manley: Welcome back to the Mortgage 101 Podcast. I'm Manley Haines, and today's episode is about finger licking fiscal.
Anthony: And I'm Anthony Valentino. Today we're talking about how the economy has been in the fryer for the past two years and how Colonel Powell has been running the kitchen with his 11 herbs and monetary spices.
Manley: Instead of a golden brown recovery, we got a burnt batch. We're breaking down what it takes to cook a crispy economy—the perfect mix of policy, patience, and balance—and how Powell’s kept changing the recipe.
Anthony: By the end, you'll know how the market got soggy and what it'll take to fix the flavor for extra crispy numbers in 2025. Let's get cooking.
[01:09] The Fed's Kitchen: Grease Popping and Alarms Blaring
What does the current economic situation look like?
Anthony: Picture the Fed’s kitchen right now—grease popping, alarms blaring, and Colonel Powell shouting “data dependent” while the ten-year yield sizzles at 4.109%.
Manley: You're probably thinking rates are cooling off—are we finally getting that golden finish? Not so fast. The market's still stuck in a grease cycle.
[02:43] Powell's Recipe Changes and Economic Recovery
How has Powell adjusted policies?
Manley: Powell’s kept changing the recipe on us.
Anthony: The economy's recovery has been burnt instead of golden brown. We're analyzing why and what it'll take for a crispy economy in 2025.
[19:15] Don't Be Dumb: Waiting for 2% Rates
Is waiting for low rates a good strategy?
Manley: If someone says they're waiting for 2% mortgage rates before buying, they're not buying a house—they're moving into a chicken coop.
[19:38] Closing Thoughts
Anthony: Good chicken, good jokes, good loans—that's the recipe.
Manley: I’m Manley Haines, and I'm Anthony Valentino. Thanks for watching the Mortgage 101 Podcast. Like, subscribe, share. Send us the next topic if you want us to break something down.
FAQ
What is the 'finger licking fiscal' theme about?
It's a KFC-inspired analogy for the Federal Reserve's monetary policies under Jerome Powell, comparing economic management to cooking with spices.
Why has the economic recovery been 'burnt'?
The Fed's frequent policy changes to combat inflation have led to a slower-than-expected recovery, but 2025 predictions suggest improvement.
Should I wait for 2% mortgage rates in 2025?
No—rates are unlikely to drop that low; act now to lock in deals and refinance later if rates improve.

How can homebuyers prepare for 2025?
Get pre-approved, negotiate with sellers, and focus on long-term strategies like reallocating spending to boost affordability.
