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ZFS Ep #25

Freddie Smith joins me on ZFS 24 to pull back the curtain on what life really costs in America right now. We walk through the data on wages, rent, mortgage payments, child care, used cars, utilities, and why a “starter home” now requires starter-CEO money. If you’re under 35 and feel like you have to be extraordinary just to live an ordinary life, this one’s for you.

We break down how interest rates and the bond market feed straight into monthly payments, why builders keep chasing profits over price cuts, and why first-time buyers are boxed out even when they “do everything right.” We get real about mental health, hopelessness, and why cutting Netflix will not fix a math problem driven by housing, healthcare, and debt.

Then we talk solutions. From rethinking zoning and permitting to investor fees that fund first-time buyers, to smarter multi-family and fractional ownership, we explore what could actually move the needle. We also cover the labor market reality behind headline unemployment, why 500 qualified applicants fight for one underpaid job, and how to navigate the next decade by owning scarce assets and staying financially mobile.

Topics we cover:

Housing affordability vs wages, and why costs exploded in the last five years

Rates, bonds, and why your annual mortgage interest doubled

Renting vs buying in 2025 and the case for “renter + investor”

Mental health, “deaths of despair,” and the pressure to run harder just to stand still

Practical policy ideas that help first-time buyers without killing small landlords

What builders actually respond to, and why supply keeps missing the mark

How to position yourself: savings, debt strategy, and owning scarce assets

If you care about the American Dream and what it takes to build a life right now, hit play, take notes, and share this with a friend who needs a clear, no-spin breakdown.

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ZFS Ep #23

Our economy is cracking, and the headlines don’t even cover half of it. I sat down with Robert from @Infranomics to break down what’s really happening with inflation, debt, housing affordability, and the Fed’s next moves. We talk about why families are struggling, what the numbers actually show, and how the cracks in the system are starting to widen.

If you’ve been wondering about the future of the US economy, whether a recession is coming, or what rising rates and consumer debt mean for everyday Americans, this conversation is for you. No hype. No political spin. Just raw, data-driven truth.

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ZFS Ep #14

All sources used in today's show:

https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/

https://cbs12.com/news/local/judge-releases-2006-pbc-grand-jury-documents-in-jeffrey-epstein-criminal-case-sex-trafficking-and-rape-allegations-palm-beach-county-south-florida-news-july-1-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maison_de_L%27Amitie?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/us/politics/virginia-giuffre-family-trump-epstein.html

https://youtu.be/UbbCHkjvU-o?si=7eZxs161vfWb9Jv8

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMGfvhqpPBT/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMOrTi_Ajrp/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMavQzkuZHe/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL7qU_XPC1B/

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #13

Home prices are crazy high right now, and the drama between Donald Trump and Jerome Powell over interest rates is heating up. Trump wants lower rates, but does the Fed really have the power to make that happen? We're diving into how the bond market, inflation, and the Fed’s decisions are impacting mortgage rates, and why a quick fix could make things worse. Let's break it all down in this episode so you’re not left wondering what’s really going on.

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #12

Home prices are at an all-time high, but sales are at an all-time low. Let's dive into why that’s happening and what it’ll take for the market to shift. Could it take a major financial crash like 2008, or is there a different path? Let's also explore how corporate investors are impacting affordability and whether new solutions can help get homes into the hands of first-time buyers. The struggle’s real, and we’re here to break it all down.

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #11 | Reacting to the Week (Jerome Powell, Housing Market, & Trump DRAMA)

We’re diving into the ongoing drama between Donald Trump and Jerome Powell, looking at the fiery exchange and what it means for the economy. Trump is threatening to fire Powell, and we’re breaking down the fallout from that—along with the $2.5 billion renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters. Is this all about Powell’s interest rate policies, or is there something deeper at play here? Stick with us as we react to the latest in the housing market, mortgage rates, and the future of our economy. 

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #10

It’s been 178 days since Trump took office, and his promises to slash rates, cut regulatory costs, and make housing more affordable are still in play. Today, we’re diving into the numbers—home prices, mortgage costs, bills in Congress, and whether a housing crash is on the horizon. With a healthier market than we saw in January, we’ll break down what’s actually happening and whether we’re closer to affordable homes or facing more uncertainty. Stay tuned as we review housing affordability and the potential for a shift in the market.

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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Jerome Powell’s got an impossible decision to make. Should he lower rates or hold steady? Donald Trump’s pushing for cuts, but Powell’s sticking to his guns—for now. With high rates and a tough housing market, what’s next? Will prices drop enough to make homes more affordable, or are we stuck in a never-ending cycle of uncertainty? Let’s break it down and figure out what this all means for you and your financial future.

ZFS Ep #9

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #8

The Epstein cover-up is happening right in front of our eyes.

We are being instructed to follow the misspoken and nervous words of Pam Bondi; the seemingly defensive words (and hands) of Donald Trump; and to accept that Mrs. Maxwell is not really behind bars for orchestrating an organized s** ring. No, instead it was only Epstein, the CCTV footage of him is legit and Alexander Acosta has no clue what he is talking about, when referencing the sweetheart slap on the wrist he gave Epstein in 2008, " it's above your pay grade" "he is part of intelligence". 

When is enough enough?  

ep 8 Zach Foust show

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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 ZFS Ep #7

We’re at a crossroads in the economy, and there’s drama brewing between Jerome Powell and Donald Trump. This time, the stakes are even higher. We're looking at a future where the age of easy money could be back, and while that sounds good on the surface, it comes with serious consequences. Home prices may rise, the wealth gap will widen, and inflation could get worse. But what does this all mean for your next five years? I’ve got some uncomfortable predictions to share, and I'll break down what’s really going on behind the scenes and how you can prepare for what’s coming. If you're waiting for home prices to crash, you might be waiting for the wrong thing. The truth? Lower rates are coming—but they're not going to make things easier for everyone. Here’s what to expect in the next few years, and how you can position yourself now. 

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #6

The Federal Reserve is flying blind right now. Jerome Powell’s been called out by Trump, and I’m not seeing anyone talking about the real economic evils we’re facing. Stagflation is creeping in—stagnant wages and skyrocketing costs—and the Fed’s tools are barely keeping us afloat. They’re basing everything on outdated survey data that’s not even capturing the full picture. This is a mess, and we need to talk about how inflation is being misrepresented, how housing is out of control, and how the Fed’s not stepping up. Trump’s pushing for a change, but the real problem lies deeper. We’re walking into a storm, and it’s time we face it. 

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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Is housing about to flip? |  ZFS Ep #5

The housing market is facing some tough questions: Are prices going to drop? Is this a repeat of 2008? With affordability at an all-time low, I dive into what’s really happening in the market right now. Despite rising fears, we're not seeing a nationwide crash just yet—though cooling prices in certain regions suggest a shift is happening. I break down the key factors driving these changes, including the struggles of new construction, supply shortages, and what all this means for buyers, renters, and homeowners. If you're watching the market closely, I share practical advice on what to do, whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or staying put. 

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Trump Tracker document shown earlier: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #22

America isn’t just “cooling off”—it’s stuck in a full-on housing emergency. The real blockers aren’t headlines or rate cuts; they’re zoning walls, builder costs, and broken first-time buyer financing. Until policy hits those three levers—reforming zoning, incentivizing truly affordable builds, and giving first-time buyers a real rate/closing-cost edge—prices won’t budge in any meaningful way. Call it what it is: an affordability crisis that needs structural fixes, not soundbites.

Housing Affordability Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

Articles and sources used:
https://time.com/7313848/trump-bessent-national-housing-emergency-declaration-affordability-crisis-explainer/

https://www.newsweek.com/trump-making-housing-emergency-worse-nobel-economist-2124372

https://www.newsweek.com/trump-may-declare-national-housing-emergency-what-it-2123064

https://www.nahro.org/journal_article/rethinking-zoning-to-increase-affordable-housing/

Bills referenced: 

https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/how-utahs-house-bill-572-aims-to-make-homeownership-affordable

https://senate.utah.gov/first-time-homebuyers-assistance-program-applications-available/

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An Interview with  @Fmsmith319  on the Housing Affordability Crisis, Growing Wealth Gap, & Who's to Blame. | ZFS Ep #4

Freddy Smith and I dive deep into the affordability crisis and the widening wealth gap that’s taking a toll on nearly every generation today. Freddy’s path from actor to real estate expert gives him a rare insight into the systemic issues that are driving this divide, especially when it comes to housing. We talk about what went wrong, the economic policies that helped create this mess, and what might be done to turn things around. Freddy breaks down some staggering stats, connects the dots on generational challenges, and we explore why today’s younger generations are feeling the weight of it all. The conversation also takes a real turn as we discuss how homeownership is slipping out of reach for many and how we can still push for change. 

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Send us a text

Where does our economy stand? How can we fix this? How do we WIN? | ZFS Ep #3

A breakdown of where the U.S. economy currently stands, focusing on key issues like inflation, stagnation, and wealth inequality. The challenges facing the housing market, rising costs of living, and the Federal Reserve's actions are examined. The conversation explores the role of government and private sectors in shaping the economic landscape and offers theoretical solutions to reverse the troubling trends.

The discussion includes a look at the Federal Reserve’s history and its influence on the market, the impact of gold and the petro dollar, and the growing influence of private equity on housing, healthcare, and more. Insights into how financial policies from the past have created the present economic state are provided, with the aim of encouraging listeners to question and understand the system at a deeper level.

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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The Fed's next move, how to heal housing, & can the Federal Reserve save us | ZFS Ep #2

The complex challenges facing the U.S. economy today, particularly for asset owners, are explored in this episode. Key issues like inflation, stagflation, and the growing national debt are examined for their impact on financial stability. The Federal Reserve’s role, from controlling interest rates to managing money flow, is explained in terms of its influence on everything from mortgage rates to unemployment.

The conversation also addresses potential solutions, including legislation like an affordability index and new ways to finance affordable housing. Ideas are shared for how the government and the Federal Reserve can tackle the widening wealth gap and affordability crisis.

As the episode wraps up, a look at the future and the likely steps the Fed may take to stabilize the economy is provided, with a focus on the potential effects of stagflation. Bold ideas for recovery are discussed, making this an essential listen for anyone looking to understand the direction of the economy and how to adapt.

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Trump Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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 ZFS Ep #1

The federal reserve's recent meeting, the future of our money supply, and whether stagflation is a threat to our economy. 

The current economic situation—specifically, the Federal Reserve’s role in what’s happening right now—is crucial to understanding the challenges we face. Inflation is out of control, interest rates are high, and we’re dealing with the most unaffordable housing market in history. The Federal Reserve’s actions are directly impacting these issues, and we’re breaking down the consequences of money printing, why we’re heading into stagflation, and the struggles facing the middle class.

We’ll discuss how the Fed’s two mandates—keeping prices stable and maximizing employment—are clashing, and why the Fed’s response isn’t enough to fix the situation. We’ll take a close look at how the economy is being impacted by high rates, the consequences of the money supply increase, and the potential for a future economic collapse.

Also, I share my prediction for what’s likely to unfold by 2026, including the return of quantitative easing and government bailouts. This is a candid conversation about the current economic crisis and the steps we can take to prepare for the coming changes. Tune in for an honest, raw look at what’s happening and what you need to know to navigate the next few years.

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

The FOMC Press Conference:

https://www.youtube.com/live/8oX4RCJJXAM?si=B5D4iFtOhEYVTXX6

My assets:

Trump Tracker document:

(tracks housing costs across the country)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zacharyloft?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachary.loft/?hl=en

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ZFS Ep #21

The economy isn’t shaped like a “V” or a “U” anymore—it’s a K. The top keeps rising through asset ownership, while the bottom gets stuck paying higher costs with fewer chances to build wealth. Housing, stocks, cars, childcare—every entry point into the American dream has gotten more expensive, while the wealthy own more of it all. The divide isn’t about working harder—it’s about who owns assets and who doesn’t. The question is: which side of the K are you on?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/08/06/economy-jobs-middle-class-recession-tariffs/

https://www.kens5.com/article/money/money-smart-what-is-a-k-shaped-economic-recovery/273-1894a7ea-d166-420d-ae67-6b85bef17d00

https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/02/24/higher-income-americans-drive-bigger-share-of-consumer-spending

https://press.spglobal.com/2022-03-15-S-P-500-Buybacks-Set-Quarterly-and-Annual-Record

https://www.reddit.com/r/ETFs/comments/1mma510/important_chart_sp_490_has_had_basically_no/#lightbox_cuts 

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS

https://www.realtor.com/research/september-2021-rent/

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SP500

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUR0000SETA01

https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/distribute/chart/#range:2008.3,2025.1;quarter:142;series:Net%20worth;demographic:networth;population:1,3,9;units:levels

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ZFS Ep #20

Trump Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

We’re seven months into the Trump administration and keeping a close eye on his five big housing promises. From affordability to supply, rates, and regulatory costs, I’ve built the Trump Tracker to cut through the noise with raw, unbiased data. In this update, I break down Zillow’s shifting price forecasts, what’s happening with new construction versus resales, Trump’s push for lower interest rates, and the drama unfolding at the Fed. We’ll also look at whether a housing crash is anywhere on the horizon—and what the numbers really say about affordability today.

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ZFS Ep #19

Robert, better known online as Infranomics (@infraa_), is a Southern California-based macroeconomics commentator and self-described "macro nerd" who joined X in June 2021 and began on youtube just a few months ago.

With a background in analyzing financial systems, he gained prominence as a contributor to discussions on the "Silent Depression"—a term he uses to describe the ongoing erosion of American purchasing power, wage stagnation, and economic inequality despite nominal growth metrics like GDP. 

His content often critiques how post-gold standard monetary policies, globalization, and an overvalued U.S. dollar have hollowed out the middle class, fueled asset bubbles (especially in housing), and exacerbated wealth divides.

Infranomics emphasizes themes like the "Dollar Dutch Disease," where the strong dollar boosts imports and financialization at the expense of domestic manufacturing and real wages.

He has appeared in interviews discussing sovereign debt crises, stagflation, and the realities of modern costs, arguing that true inflation (measured against money supply or gold) far outpaces official figures, leading to declining affordability in essentials like housing. 

Through his YouTube channel, he distills complex topics in macroeconomics, finance, and markets for everyday audiences, often warning of systemic risks like fiscal dominance and the unsustainability of current debt levels. His perspective is data-driven, highlighting K-shaped economic recoveries where the wealthy thrive via assets while others face perpetual decline.

X - https://x.com/infraa

YT - https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@EconomicsUnmasked⁩

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ZFS Ep #18

Will the Fed lower its rate? And should it even matter to you?

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/UNRATE

https://www.bls.gov/charts/consumer-price-index/consumer-price-index-by-category-line-chart.htm

https://www.newyorkfed.org/markets/reference-rates/effr

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MORTGAGE30US

https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/bond/tmubmusd30y?countrycode=bx

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #17

We pulled together what I’m calling the Avengers of housing and private equity — James Lee, Tiffany C, and Freddy Smith — to have the kind of conversation the headlines won’t give you.

We’re talking about the real drivers behind the housing affordability crisis, why the wealth gap just keeps getting bigger, and how private equity keeps winning while first-time buyers can’t even get in the game. From what’s happening on the ground to the boardrooms making the calls, we break down exactly how we got here and what it would actually take to turn things around.

This isn’t just another “housing market update.” It’s a straight-up conversation about the power players you don’t see, the numbers nobody’s explaining, and the choices we have to make if we want homeownership to be something more than a dream for the next generation.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #16

Big questions are swirling after a major jobs report revision cast doubt on the numbers. Tariffs are moving through the supply chain and could drive housing costs higher. Meanwhile, new developments tied to the Epstein network are fueling calls for more transparency and accountability.

Stay tuned, because here, we break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

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ZFS Ep #15

America’s most followed real estate agent joins the show—and doesn’t hold back. Glennda Baker and I talk about everything that’s really broken in today’s housing market: investor takeovers, Gen Z getting priced out, seller delusion, and why we’re headed toward a generation of renters if nothing changes. Glennda drops wisdom, numbers, and real stories that hit hard—from butter prices to mailbox bombs to how the system keeps first-time buyers locked out.

If you’re a young buyer, an agent trying to keep it together, or just someone trying to make sense of this mess—this conversation is for you. Listen all the way through. There’s a path forward... but you’ve got to know how the game is played.

We break down housing, growing wealth gaps, and the economy in a simple, meaningful way.

Clear, honest, and structured for real people.

Document to follow along = Tracker document
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VNPGRB5ZcrxxIk_27Mmbe10nxc5wyCuHJPpD4ZGSvEU/edit?usp=sharing

Send us a text

What’s really happening in Gaza? In this episode of the Zach Foust Show, I sit down with CEOLawyer Ali Jamal Awad, a Palestinian-American attorney, to break down the truth behind the Gaza conflict and the history that led us here.

We dig into:

The roots of the conflict from the Balfour Declaration to 1948 and 1967

Why Gaza remains under siege and what “ethnic cleansing” means in today’s context

The role of Israel, Hamas, and international powers in shaping the crisis

How media narratives fuel division and hide the humanitarian reality

Why Americans should care, and what real solutions might look like

This isn’t about left vs. right — it’s about truth, history, and humanity.