On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian are joined by a very special guest: Dr. Loretta Mester, former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and one of the most influential voices in monetary policy. Alongside Allworth's Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout, the team gets Dr. Mester’s exclusive insight on the Fed’s recent rate cut, where inflation is really headed, and what she sees for the economy in 2026. Plus, she pulls back the curtain on what it’s actually like inside a divided Fed when key policy decisions are being made. Later, Bob and Brian break down why your once-smart financial tools—like whole life insurance, muni bonds, or annuities—could now be holding you back. And, could 12-year-olds be the next big investors? They explore a surprising trend among today’s youngest market participants.