Mike Carruthers

But drinking water and driving is a spectacular idea.

I'm Mike Carruthers and that is what we're going to start with today on this episode of Something You Should Know.

If you want to be the best driver you can be, drink some water first.

Research shows that even mild dehydration, the kind you might have after a busy day, can impair your concentration, slow your reaction time, and increase fatigue.

In one study, dehydrated drivers made significantly more errors during a long, monotonous drive.

And it doesn't take much.

Losing just 1-2% of your body's water can start to affect how well your brain functions, which means something as simple as not drinking enough water can quietly make it harder to focus, think clearly, and stay alert.

So, before you reach for caffeine or try to push through the mental fog, you might just try a glass of water.

And that is something you should know.

A lot of what determines how much money you have happens in ways you never see.

It's not just how hard you work or how much money you earn.

It's the economy, technology, the credit system, even algorithms.

Forces that quietly shape your financial life behind the scenes.

So why does money seem to flow more easily to some people than others?

And how much control do you really have over your money?

My guest has spent years uncovering the hidden forces that influence your wallet and your bank account.

Alex Maiassi is a reporter for the podcast Planet Money, which I've recommended many times.

And he's the author of a book called Planet Money, a guide to the economic forces that shape your life.

Hey Alex, welcome to Something You Should Know.

Well, I have so many questions.