In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy introduces the concept of duration in bond investing, explaining its significance in understanding how bond prices react to changes in interest rates. He discusses the historical context of duration, its mathematical underpinnings, and its practical implications for investors. The conversation highlights the importance of duration in managing interest rate risk and the role of advanced mathematics in financial decision-making.
AndrewTemte.com
What Bond Markets Reveal About Economic Health
02/21/2026 | 10 mins.
In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the concept of the yield curve, its various shapes, and implications for the economy and investors. He discusses the normal upward slope of the yield curve, the significance of flat and inverted curves, and how these indicators can signal economic conditions and potential recessions. Andy also emphasizes the importance of understanding the yield curve for making informed investment decisions and interpreting financial news.
The Dark Side of Credit Ratings: Three Failures Every Investor Should Know
02/14/2026 | 10 mins.
In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the failures of credit ratings through historical examples, including the Penn Central bankruptcy, the Enron collapse, and the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses the inherent conflicts in the credit rating system, particularly the issuer-pay model, and the implications of these failures for investors. The episode concludes with lessons learned and the importance of using credit ratings as one of many tools in risk assessment.
AndrewTemte.com
What Are Credit Ratings & Why Do They Matter?
02/07/2026 | 10 mins.
In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy discusses the world of credit ratings, explaining their significance in the bond market. He introduces the historical context of credit ratings, their development by John Moody, and how they provide a simplified measure of bond quality. The episode covers the different rating scales, the factors influencing ratings, and the implications of these ratings on investment decisions. Temte also highlights the importance of credit ratings in assessing default risk and the limitations inherent in the rating system.
AndrewTemte.com
Why Some Bonds Pay More: Understanding the Risk-Return Tradeoff
01/31/2026 | 10 mins.
In this episode of Money Lessons, Andy explores the landscape of bond types, focusing on the reasons behind varying yields. He discusses Treasury bonds as the safest investment, corporate bonds and their associated risks, and municipal bonds with tax advantages. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between risk and return in bond investing, providing insights into how investors can make informed decisions based on their risk tolerance and investment goals.
Make Financial Literacy Accessible Through Compelling Storytelling
Join Dr. Andrew Temte every Saturday for Money Lessons—a weekly financial education podcast that transforms complex economic concepts into accessible, engaging stories. Each bite-sized 10-minute episode builds your financial knowledge through historical narratives and practical applications, making this the perfect podcast for anyone seeking to improve their money management skills and investment understanding.
What You'll Learn:
From the ancient origins of money and banking to modern stock markets and retirement planning, Money Lessons covers essential financial literacy topics including:
How insurance and risk management work
Stock market fundamentals and investment principles
Banking systems and monetary policy
Interest rates, inflation, and economic cycles
Credit, debt, and smart borrowing decisions
Foundational macro and microeconomic principles that directly apply to personal financial decision-making
Building wealth through informed financial decisions
Your Host:
Dr. Andrew Temte brings unparalleled expertise as a PhD in finance, CFA Charterholder, and former CEO of Kaplan Professional. With over 15 years of university teaching experience, Andy makes finance education approachable for everyone—from high school graduates to seasoned professionals seeking to sharpen their financial acumen.
Why Money Lessons:
Unlike traditional personal finance podcasts, Money Lessons uses historical storytelling to reveal how financial systems evolved and why they matter today. Whether you're learning about the Knights Templar inventing banking, the Dutch East India Company creating stock markets, or Benjamin Franklin's compound interest experiments, each episode connects past innovations to your present financial decisions.
Perfect for young professionals starting their investment journey, parents teaching financial responsibility, or anyone building a foundation for long-term wealth creation.
New episodes every Saturday. Subscribe today and start your journey of financial literacy.