So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

In this special Best of So Money 2025 episode, we revisit four of the year's most powerful conversations at the intersection of money, feminism, and choice. From caregiving and career pauses to beauty standards, ambition, and the myth of “having it all,” these excerpts explore how women navigate systems that shape our financial lives—and how we reclaim power, agency, and options along the way.Featured Guest ExcerptsNeha Ruch (Episode 1774) – Reframing career pauses as The Power Pause and why caregiving chapters can be strategic, dignified, and financially intentionalKatie Gatti Tassin (Episode 1832) – The “Hot Girl Hamster Wheel,” the beauty tax, and how cultural pressure quietly drains women's wealthAmina AlTai (Episode 1880) – The ambition penalty, broken systems at work, and how to shift from painful ambition to purposeful ambitionDr. Corinne Low (Episode 1919) – Rethinking “having it all,” using data to understand tradeoffs, timing, and women's life satisfaction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join the So Money Members Club today and get your first two months FREE. Offer expires December 31.In this Ask Farnoosh episode, Farnoosh answers listener questions on the tax implications of receiving Bitcoin as a gift, including how cost basis and capital gains work when you sell, plus smart ways to negotiate benefits beyond salary at a small business, from retirement matches to bonuses and potential equity alternatives. She also offers guidance for PhDs entering a competitive job market, shares practical ways to invest in your health for long-term financial wellbeing, and explains when withdrawals from a whole life insurance policy may be taxable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, women were told that if they wanted equality, they needed to lean in harder. Work more. Organize better. Choose better partners. Be more efficient.And yet, here we are. More educated than ever. More present in the workforce than ever. And somehow… more exhausted.My guest today says this isn't a contradiction. It's a data point. Dr. Corinne Low is a Wharton professor and an economist. She is the author of the new book, Having it All: What Data Tells Us About Women's Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours. She has spent the last 15 years studying how women actually live — how we work, how we partner, how we parent, and how we divide time and labor inside our homes. And what her research shows is uncomfortable: while women's careers have evolved dramatically, the structure of marriage and household labor has barely changed since the 1970s.In this conversation, Corinne walks us through the data behind why modern women are so tired, why the mental load remains stubbornly unequal, and why cooking, cleaning, caregiving, and the invisible work of running a household still fall disproportionately on women — regardless of who brings home the bigger paycheck.We talk about why “fair” isn't always the right goal — and why sustainability, nourishment, and evidence-based decision making matter more. We dig into outsourcing, why women undervalue their time, and why we're far more comfortable paying someone to change the oil than paying someone to make dinner.And then there's Corinne's personal story, one that the media turned into a headline, but rarely explained well. After divorcing a man, Corinne remarried a woman. And in doing so, she experienced something unexpected: when gender stopped silently organizing the household, equality no longer had to be negotiated; it could be designed.We talk candidly about what same-sex couples get right about partnership, what heterosexual couples can learn from that, and why true equality at home requires interrogating defaults — not just dividing tasks.We also get into the bigger questions women are asking right now: when to have children, how motherhood reshapes careers, why women still take the professional hit for caregiving, and how AI and economic change may actually make women's labor more — not less — essential in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if doing everything “right” still left you broke, burned out, and quietly panicking about money?Today's guest followed the script perfectly. Elite degree. Wall Street job. Big bonus. The kind of career that looks wildly successful from the outside. But behind the scenes, she was carrying nearly $100,000 in student loan debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and realizing that the life she worked so hard for wasn't giving her freedom at all.That moment of reckoning became her financial awakening.My guest today is Rose Han, YouTuber, money educator, and author of the new book Add a Zero. Rose went from six figures of debt to building a seven-figure net worth, not by chasing flashy investments or overnight wins, but by radically rethinking her relationship with money, work, and freedom.In this conversation, Rose shares the mindset shifts that helped her escape debt, why income alone doesn't equal wealth, how she built assets from scratch with almost no capital, and why even after “making it,” she chose to recalibrate her definition of enough.We also talk about rewriting the financial rules millennials inherited, betting on yourself in an uncertain economy, and how to build a life that feels rich — not just one that looks rich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Markets feel jittery, interest rates are in flux, and many listeners are wondering how to plan for 2026 with confidence. In this Ask Farnoosh episode, Farnoosh Torabi breaks down the biggest financial headlines of the week and tackles real listener questions about investing, saving, and navigating major life decisions during uncertain economic times.Farnoosh starts with a clear, no-nonsense explanation of the Federal Reserve's latest rate cut and what the split decision inside the Fed signals about inflation, the labor market, and the likelihood of future cuts. She explains why mortgage rates may not move much in the near term, what the Fed's return to buying Treasury securities really means, and why now is not the time to make big financial moves based solely on headlines.Next, Farnoosh walks through important 401(k) changes coming in 2026, including higher contribution limits, expanded catch-up contributions for older workers, and increased employer contribution caps. She outlines who benefits most from these changes and shares practical steps listeners can take now to maximize retirement savings and avoid leaving money on the table.In the mailbag, Farnoosh answers listener questions on:Whether gold makes sense as a “safe haven” investment, how to buy it, and how much is too muchWhen high-yield online savings accounts are a smart place to park money, especially after receiving an inheritanceWhat to do with an old employer's 401(k) and when rolling it over is the better moveAnd one of the toughest questions many first-time buyers face today: whether it's ever worth tapping a 401(k) to buy a home Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens to a society when people decide to have fewer children—or none at all? And what does that mean for our economy, our housing market, the workforce, and even our financial futures?Today we're looking at one of the most consequential demographic shifts of our time: the global decline in birth rates. And we're doing it with someone who has spent the last year leading an extraordinary international reporting project on exactly this.My guest is Sarah McCammon, National Political Correspondent at NPR and co-lead reporter of the series Population Shift: How Smaller Families Are Changing the World. You may have seen the headlines, but Sarah's work goes far deeper—across Finland, Greece, and the United States—to understand why people are having fewer kids, and what the downstream effects look like on everything from the labor market to aging, immigration, childcare, housing, and the future of economic growth.We talk candidly about the financial pressures families face, why even countries with generous social safety nets aren't reversing the trend, how shifting relationship patterns and cultural expectations factor in, and what all of this means for you whether you're raising kids now, hope to someday, or are simply planning for your financial future in a world that may look very different in the decades ahead.Sarah also opens up about her own experience becoming a parent in her twenties without paid leave, what she might do differently today, and what economists and policymakers are still struggling to understand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the real threat to your financial future isn't the next market crash… but the AI-fueled bubble we may already be living through? Today's So Money is part liberation, part investing reality check, and part clapback at the financial pressure women face to “get it perfect” when the system itself is unpredictable.I'm joined by Amanda Holden, author of How to Be a Rich Old Lady, who breaks down how to build real, long-term wealth even as tech stocks dominate headlines, valuations drift from reality, and everyone seems to be bracing for a correction. Together, we unpack the psychology of risk, what true diversification looks like in an AI-obsessed market, and why slow, intentional investing still works — especially now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Ask Farnoosh, she breaks down new economic data showing private payrolls fell by 32,000 jobs — the third decline in four months — and what that cooling job market means for hiring, raises, and year-end career strategy. She also digs into Redfin's housing market predictions for 2026, smart last-minute tax moves (from retirement contributions to tax-loss harvesting), and inspiring data about teens investing for their futures. In the mailbag, she advises listeners navigating job dissatisfaction, mid-career pivots, starting families, layoffs, health insurance decisions, and the best way to structure your ongoing investing strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to build wealth when the world hasn't always made space for your identity? That's the question at the heart of today's conversation, and the driving force behind a powerful new book reshaping how LGBTQ+ people think about money, belonging, and the future. On this episode of So Money, I'm joined by Nick Wolny, a longtime personal finance journalist, columnist for OUT Magazine, and now the author of Money Proud: The Queer Guide to Generate Wealth, Slay Debt, and Build Good Habits to Secure Your FutureNick brings a candid, deeply human lens to the financial lives of queer people, from the emotional and cultural realities that shape money choices to the systems and habits that help rebuild stability, confidence, and long-term security. His own story, which he describes not as self-help but as a kind of spiritual reckoning, is woven throughout the book and sets the stage for an honest, energetic, and eye-opening conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's conversation digs deep into one of the most important and misunderstood stages of financial development: the tween years. Research shows our money habits are formed as early as age seven, yet most people don't start investing seriously until their 30s or 40s. So what happens if we bridge that gap? What if kids as young as 10 begin learning how money works, how investing grows wealth, and how to make smart decisions with the dollars they earn, save, and spend?Our guest is Jamie Bosse is a Financial Planner, Author, and Mother of four. She helps her clients navigate life's transitions and overcome and anticipate potential roadblocks along the way. Jamie finds it extremely rewarding to see people organize their financial lives, maximize their human capital, and get closer to their life goals in her work at CGN Advisors. Jamie has a passion for mentoring and financial literacy and is the author of Money Boss Mom: Helping Young Parents Be the “Boss” of Their Financial Future, as well as the Milton the Money-Savvy Pup children's book series.Her next book, Investing for Tweens, is available for preorder here.In this episode, we explore how parents can introduce investing in a way that feels tangible, empowering, and fun — whether that's buying a share of Nike because your kid loves their sneakers or using a custodial brokerage account to let them experience the market in real time. We also talk about helping college-age kids understand the real cost of life, how to communicate money boundaries at home, and how parents can teach healthy financial habits even if they're still working through their own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Farnoosh dedicates Ask Farnoosh to one of the most pressing money topics in America right now: debt relief. Visit SoMoneyLinks for resources.With household debt topping $17.7 trillion and credit card balances at record highs, Farnoosh answers real listener questions about tackling debt, from when to pause investing to whether it ever makes sense to use home equity or refinance student loans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Treasury Secretary, former Federal Reserve Chairwoman and Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Janet Yellen is one the most powerful woman in American economic history. Award-winning economics writer and author Jon Hilsenrath joins with insights about her life and work from his book, Yellen: The Trailblazing Economist Who Navigated an Era of Upheaval. He shares how she navigated the sexism in her industry and in politics, her unconventional partnership in marriage and work with Nobel Laureate George Akerlof and why she didn't always "lean in."More about Jon Hilsenrath: He is a senior writer for the Wall Street Journal, where he has been since 1997, reporting from Hong Kong, New York, and Washington, DC. He was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2014 for his coverage of the Federal Reserve; part of a team of 2009 Pulitzer finalists for coverage of the global financial crisis; and contributed on-the-scene reporting from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, which helped the WSJ win a Pulitzer in 2002. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill joins Farnoosh for a candid conversation about the rising cost of living, the future of public schools, health care, taxes, and why politics and personal finance are inseparable.Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, federal prosecutor, and three-term congresswoman, recently won the governor's race in a decisive victory that coincided with significant Democratic gains nationwide. In this episode, she breaks down what state leaders can actually do to make life more affordable for families, from freezing utility rates to improving school funding to modernizing energy infrastructure.Farnoosh also gives listeners a heads-up: the first part of this interview touches on a hyper-local school budget crisis in her hometown of Montclair, NJ. But this story isn't unique. Across America, school districts are confronting rising costs, shrinking state support, and — in some cases — financial mismanagement. The questions Montclair is wrestling with (“Raise taxes or accept restrictive state aid?”) are the same questions communities everywhere are facing.In this wide-ranging conversation, Sherrill discusses:Why public-school funding is cracking nationwideThe real barriers to affordable health care at the state levelHow utility-rate freezes would work — and what critics get wrongThe affordability crisis squeezing middle-class familiesWhat her election signals about the national political landscaOriginally recorded for Farnoosh's local podcast The Montclair Pod, this expanded So Money release provides a rare look at how a new governor thinks about money, power, and the policies that shape our financial lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Ask Farnoosh pulls together some of the most revealing financial stories of the week, grom pandemic-era homebuyers now feeling “locked in” by their ultra-low mortgage rates, to Gen Z putting marriage, kids, and career plans on hold until they can afford a home. Farnoosh also breaks down an under-the-radar proposal from the CFPB that could weaken anti-discrimination protections in lending, a shift that could impact mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and small-business financing.Then, she heads to the mailbag to answer listener questions:Should you borrow more on a home-equity loan to protect your savings during a renovation?How can a self-employed spouse take full advantage of a healthcare FSA?What exactly is the IRS “contract” that lets you withdraw from retirement accounts early? (Hint: SEPP/72(t) and the Rule of 55.)And if you've bought a home for your parents, are you putting your own retirement at risk? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah Cole, founder of Sunlight Tax, is back on So Money. And she's here with big news: Her new book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed, is officially out in the world — funny, joyful, deeply practical, and truly unlike any tax book you've ever read. I'm holding it in my hands right now.And for my Montclair and NYC listeners: Hannah is coming to Montclair on January 15th at 7PM for a special stop on her book tour. I'll be on stage with her at The Rec Room at Lackawanna Plaza, and tickets are available at: SunlightTax.com/MontclairIn today's conversation, Hannah and I dig into so much helpful ground, including:The big goal behind Taxes for Humans and why she believes tax education is actually a form of empowerment.The limiting beliefs and shame traps so many freelancers carry around taxes — and how to break them.Her beautifully simple three-system approach to staying organized (receipts, tax docs, and bookkeeping — yes, they're different).What to do if you can't pay your tax bill, how audits actually work, and why the IRS is often far less scary than we've been taught. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest is someone who has spent more than two decades helping women, families, and entrepreneurs build, protect, and keep their wealth.Ann Margaret Carrozza is a nationally recognized asset-protection and elder-law attorney, a former New York State Assemblywoman, and a trusted legal commentator seen across CBS, NBC, Fox Business, and iHeart. Her new book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Building & Protecting Wealth, is a roadmap for safeguarding everything you've worked hard to earn — from unexpected lawsuits and tax traps to relationship risks and long-term care. In our conversation, Ann Margaret makes one point very clear: You cannot build wealth unless you also protect it. And for women in particular who statistically earn less, live longer, and often carry more family responsibility, the stakes are even higher. In this episode, we break down how transparency, smart prenups, and strategic tools like trusts and alternative long-term care policies can help protect your assets, your home, and your future. You can follow Ann Margaret on Instagram @MyLawyerAnn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farnoosh breaks down how much a 50-year mortgage would actually cost (spoiler: it's hardly a savings!) Plus: Getting your employer to help you with your down payment, helping your child become a millionaire, and splitting furniture costs with your partner when moving in together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to launch a big idea? One that can change your career, business, or even the world? Is being a visionary enough, or is there a hidden formula for success? Guest Jen Kem says it's all about building the right "unicorn team." But here's the twist: even if you're a solopreneur or running a small business—like me—this book is still for you. Jen's framework isn't about having a massive team; it's about understanding the roles and energies you bring to your work and how to fill in the gaps to achieve success faster and with less burnout.Jen is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, and author of Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success. With a career working on iconic initiatives for companies like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Oracle, she's now revealing how big ideas succeed—not just through visionaries, but through the right mix of leaders who execute and get results.We'll learn how to identify your own leadership type, how even a solo effort can become a "team" by leveraging the right resources, and hear the inspiring story of how a small team at Moderna outpaced industry giants to lead the charge on a life-saving vaccine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where do you think you are on the wealth ladder? Just starting out and struggling to save? Sitting on six figures and wondering what's next? Or maybe you've hit a financial milestone—but it doesn't feel as life-changing as you expected.Today's episode is all about understanding what changes—and what should change—as you move up the financial ladder.My guest is Nick Maggiulli, author of The Wealth Ladder, a new book that introduces a six-level framework for wealth building and financial strategy. We dive into the key questions we all face on the journey to financial independence:How do you break out of Level 1 when you're living paycheck to paycheck?Is a side hustle actually worth your time—or just another distraction?And how should your mindset and money strategy evolve as your net worth grows?Plus, we explore his 0.01% spending rule and 1% earning rule—two powerful benchmarks to help you spend smarter and pursue income opportunities that truly move the needle.More about Nick: He is the Chief Operating Officer and a data scientist at Ritholtz Wealth Management. He's also the author of the blog Of Dollars and Data and the books Just Keep Buying and The Wealth Ladder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're doing something a little different this week. My guest is my friend and financial planner Georgia Lee Hussey, founder and CEO of Modernist Financial, and together we're unpacking the Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for your taxes in 2025 and beyond.We explore how this new legislation could impact everyday taxpayers, what it reveals about our national priorities, and how we can each align our financial decisions with our values. It's a thoughtful and, yes, sometimes political conversation—because as Georgia reminds us, taxes are political. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you harness your curiosity to grow your career? What are the most important questions to ask yourself when attempting to manage your money well?Guest Danielle Robay is a TV host, journalist, and content creator known for her open-hearted questions + compelling interview style. Noted by Forbes as a “game changer,” she is recognized for creating the podcast “PRETTYSMART,” the bestselling card game Question Everything, and hosting E!'s “While You Were Streaming.” She's chatted with everyone from Taylor Swift + Michael B. Jordan, to Viola Davis, Helen Mirren, Alexis Ohanian, +Tom Hanks. Even Larry King has commented on her compelling interview style: “Danielle is the millennial Barbara Walter's. She has the ability to make people feel seen.” With a loyal social media following of over 400,000 followers across platforms, Danielle's goal is that we learn to live better through each other's stories.This episode is a reply from Jan 10, 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 1900, friends! Ten years of conversations about our money, our fears, our growth, and the power that comes when we take control of our financial lives. I can't think of a better guest to mark this milestone than my longtime friend and former colleague, Tracy Byrnes.Tracy and I go way back to our early days in broadcast journalism, when we reported from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and hustled to make our voices heard in a male-dominated industry. These days, Tracy is using her voice and expertise as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) to help women, especially those in midlife, regain control of their finances and their futures after divorce.In this episode, we talk about:Why so many smart, capable women feel ashamed about not knowing enough about money — and how to change that.The biggest financial mistakes women make during and after divorce, from clinging to the family home to rushing big money decisions.How to rebuild your financial confidence post-divorce — and why sometimes the best move is to pause, breathe, and rent before you buy.And how women can safeguard themselves in marriage — even the happiest ones — by asking the right questions and making sure both partners know where the money is.To reach Tracy, you can connect with her on LinkedIn or email her tbyrnes@lebenthal.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial fear is common and quite frankly, normal. In this episode, Farnoosh breaks down some of the pivotal financial moments in her life where the underpinning emotion was fear. Starting all the way back in her early childhood. Then we hit the mail bag and answer questions about life insurance for kids, using a Roth IRA as an emergency account and where to allocate charitable giving this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine a world where you were no longer expected to compete. That's the world today's guest, Ruchika T. Malhotra, invites us to imagine—and to start building.You may remember Ruchika from her last appearance on So Money, when she turned our understanding of imposter syndrome upside down, revealing it not as a personal flaw, but as a systemic one. Her new book, UNCOMPETE: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success, does something equally radical: it questions the very belief that competition is healthy—or even necessary—for success.Ruchika argues that our obsession with rivalry and scarcity thinking has made us anxious, exhausted, and disconnected. She calls for a new framework built on collaboration, abundance, radical generosity, inclusion, and solidarity—principles that might sound soft, until you realize how much they fuel innovation, well-being, and long-term wealth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the year winds down, many of us are asking, "What should I take care of financially before December 31st? What can wait until the new year? And how can I build a spending plan that actually reflects the life I want to live?"We're going to explore all of this, including how to think about emergency funds, the current economic cycle, and how that might affect our plans, as well as the myths around working with a financial planner. To help answer these questions, I've got a great guest, Adrianna Adams, CFP, and Head of Financial Planning at Domain Money, which is a modern financial planning platform on a mission to make expert guidance more accessible, personalized, and transparent.Adriana has worked everywhere from Wall Street to startups and now leads a team helping clients align their money with their goals and their values.**I am not a client of Domain Money. I am paid by the Firm to promote its services, which means they I have a financial incentive to say positive things. This should not be taken as investment advice, and results for clients may differ.**To learn more about Domain Money visit www.domainmoney.com/somoney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a replay from April 11, 2025.Joining me today for a very special Ask Farnoosh episode is Maggie Johndrow, a seasoned wealth advisor and partner with Johndrow Wealth Management. Maggie brings her signature calm, clear-headed guidance to our turbulent financial times — and let's be honest, we could all use a little Maggie in our wallets right now.In this episode, we tackle some of the most pressing money questions on your mind as headlines swirl with talk of tariffs, market volatility, and a possible recession. Maggie walks us through:•The behavioral traps investors are falling into right now (hello, regret aversion and herd mentality) — and how to avoid them.•Her smart and simple "three-bucket strategy" for managing your investments during uncertain times, especially if you're nearing retirement or need access to cash soon.•How tariffs might hit our wallets — from rising consumer prices to the potential ripple effects on jobs, inflation, and the Fed's next move.•What to prioritize financially if you're worried about a layoff or loss of income, including how to protect your emergency fund, health insurance, and long-term goals like retirement and college savings.•And perhaps most reassuring of all — why making small, consistent investing moves still matters more than trying to time the market perfectly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farnoosh sits down with beauty icon Anastasia Soare, founder of Anastasia Beverly Hills and author of the new memoir Raising Brows. Known as the “Eyebrow Queen,” Anastasia shares how she built a billion-dollar brand from scratch after immigrating from communist Romania with nothing but determination. She opens up about learning the “alphabet of finance” in America, the early days shaping brows in a rented salon room, and the business risks that changed her life. Anastasia also reveals how she convinced Nordstrom to take a chance on her products, her unforgettable live TV moment shaping Oprah's brows, and the negotiation lessons that still guide her today. She talks candidly about working alongside her daughter Claudia, what keeps her motivated decades into her career, and how she continues to innovate while staying grounded. This is a story about beauty, grit, and building an empire one brow—and one bold move—at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feminist dating coach and Date Brazen founder Lily Womble shares how to invest in your love life the same way you invest in your financial future with intention, clarity, and confidence. Drawing from her new book Thank You, More Please, Lily explains how to move beyond the algorithm-driven dating grind and cultivate what she calls Essence-Based Preferences—a framework for attracting the relationships that truly align with your values. We explore the parallels between financial and emotional abundance, why self-worth is the ultimate currency, and how to stop “settling for less” in both money and love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's questions: Ways to build smarter budgets, earn extra money outside the 9-to-5, tackle those hefty annual credit card fees, and a pro tip for anyone struggling with medical debt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new study reveals that more people want to quit their jobs now than during the Great Resignation. Whether it's to find better-paying work to address the rising cost of living, or simply to leave their company or industry and start fresh on a professional path they actually enjoy, the big question remains: Will they quit?Our guest today is helping people overcome that hurdle.Goli Kalkhoran is a Master-Certified Life Coach and former attorney who helps unfulfilled professionals create a career (and life) they truly enjoy. She's the host of the Lessons from a Quitter podcast, where she de-stigmatizes quitting and offers resources and inspiration for individuals looking to pivot in their established careers.In this episode, we discuss:Why our culture is so afraid of quittingHow to afford quitting — both financially and energeticallyGoli's own journey of quitting her law career and the many pivots that followed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money touches every part of a relationship — from who pays the bills to who feels free to spend, to how faith, privilege, and even family expectations shape the way we see our financial roles. But for many couples, these conversations stay on the surface — focused on budgets or account balances — instead of the deeper emotions and power dynamics underneath.My guests today, Heather and Douglas Boneparth, set out to change that. They're the husband-and-wife duo behind the new book Money Together, a guide that goes beyond financial planning to explore the real forces that drive how couples handle money — things like caregiving, identity, gender, faith, and generational wealth.Heather is a corporate attorney turned author and financial advocate; Douglas is a certified financial planner and founder of Bonafide Wealth. Together, they spent years interviewing more than 60 couples and experts to unpack what really happens behind closed doors when money meets love.In our conversation, we talk about what they discovered — why traditional money advice often fails couples, how gender roles and caregiving reshape financial power, how to talk about privilege or family wealth without resentment, and why sometimes the healthiest financial decision is saying “no” to money that comes with strings attached. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Farnoosh dedicates Ask Farnoosh to one of the most pressing money topics in America right now: debt relief. Visit SoMoneyLinks for resources.With household debt topping $17.7 trillion and credit card balances at record highs, Farnoosh answers real listener questions about tackling debt, from when to pause investing to whether it ever makes sense to use home equity or refinance student loans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've been shopping lately, you've probably noticed — clothes cost a lot more than they used to. Inflation has hit fashion hard, but the quality? Not so much. From fast fashion to high-end brands, shoppers are wondering: why are we paying more for pieces that don't seem to last?To help us make sense of it all — and learn how to shop smarter — I'm joined by stylist Amy Salinger, founder of StyleMethod®. (Catch me on her podcast!)Self-taught and style-obsessed, Amy built her career on the belief that great style isn't innate — it's intentional. Her signature method has helped hundreds of clients align how they look with who they truly are, across all body types, lifestyles, and life stages. After more than a decade working one-on-one with clients in New York City, she took her business fully online, bringing expert styling support to high-achieving people everywhere.Through StyleMethod®, Amy helps clients reclaim their reflection — with shoulders back, chin up, and confidence fully activated. Because as she puts it, great style isn't about trends or impressing others — it's about showing up for yourself.Today, we'll talk about the real reasons fashion prices have skyrocketed, how to think about cost per wear, and Amy's best tips for saving money on style — from end-of-season sales to discount treasure hunts and wardrobe investments that actually pay off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times bestselling author of Take Back Your Brain, Kara Loewentheil, unveils her proven strategies for closing the “brain gap,” and how women can reclaim their financial confidence in a patriarchal society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's questions: Should I move my money overseas if I'm worried about immigrant rights? Should I divide my dad's $100,000 (currently in a basic bank account) among savings, high-yield savings, and investments, and should I remarry my current boyfriend, knowing I would lose my ex-husband's Social Security benefits? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was this: you don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate. It's true, but for many of us — especially women — negotiating can feel loaded, intimidating, even risky. The fear of backlash is real.My guest today knows this better than anyone. In fact, a failed negotiation early in her career — one that ended with her being escorted out of the building — changed the course of her life and career. Since then, she's made it her mission to equip women with the strategies to negotiate successfully without the penalties.Joining me is Kathryn Valentine, CEO of Worthmore Strategies, whose work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Today, she shares the research-backed tools and scripts that can help all of us — whether we're asking for a raise, a promotion, or even more flexibility at work — get to “yes” while sidestepping the backlash.More resources:Kathryn's 76 things you can negotiate - www.76things.comHer negotiation bootcamp - https://worthmorestrategies.com/courses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is one of the most vibrant and necessary voices in personal finance today. Katie Gatti Tassin is the founder of the wildly popular Money with Katie platform and host of the podcast by the same name. She's back on the show with a brand-new book that is as bold as it is brilliant: Rich Girl Nation.This isn't your average money guide. Katie weaves sharp analysis, real-world context, and her signature wit into a manifesto for financial independence — especially for women navigating the beauty tax, the motherhood penalty, workplace politics, and a world where financial systems weren't exactly built with us in mind.We discuss why the first chapter is called “The Hot Girl Hamster Wheel,” how investing in yourself early can pay off big, and why financial independence isn't just about retiring early—it's about having options. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farnoosh kicks things off with life updates—juggling the whirlwind of September as a parent, launching The Montclair Pod (now a finalist for a prestigious Signal Award (vote here)), and coping with a double hit of bank fraud that forced her to shut down an account and rebuild her banking setup.Sign up for her investing workshop on Tuesday, Sept 30 at SoMoneyWorkshop.comFarnoosh also shares important personal finance headlines:Doctors vs. Insurance Companies: New prior-authorization rules delaying basic care.Amazon's $2.5 billion FTC settlement: Millions of Prime subscribers may be eligible for refunds.Iron Hill Brewery closures: A beloved East Coast restaurant chain, tied to her own family memories, shutters permanently.In the mailbag, she tackles listener questions on:Whether to open multiple high-yield savings accounts for different goals like emergencies, annual expenses, and travel.The best ways to start saving for a child's college education—including 529 plans, gifting platforms, and Roth IRAs.How to ace a financial services interview at age 23 without licenses yet—focusing on passion, relatability, research, and asking smart questions.Dividing money between an emergency fund, retirement, and a down payment on a home.Strategies for intermediate savings goals like marriage or travel within 10 years, and how to balance risk vs. safety in those investments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've been following along, you know that I recently experienced fraud in my own business checking account — a gut-wrenching ordeal where thousands of dollars disappeared overnight because someone got hold of my routing number. The bank caught it, but the disruption and stress were very real. And I'll be honest: even as someone who spends her life thinking and talking about money, I almost missed the warning signs.Which is why today's conversation is so important. We're heading into the fall and holiday season — peak time for identity theft and online scams. Fraudsters know we're distracted, busy, spending more, and often less vigilant.To help us all stay one step ahead, I've invited back Martha Underwood, founder of Prismm. Martha and her team are on the frontlines of protecting our financial identity and legacy. She's here to share the latest scams to watch out for — from PayPal “micro-deposits,” to spoofed IRS texts, to sophisticated AI voice fraud — and, most importantly, the concrete steps we can take to guard our money, our families, and our peace of mind.Charlotte Cowles on Losing $50k to a Scammer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money is never just about money. It's identity, history, and how we see ourselves in the mirror. Today, we're joined by psychotherapist Holli Rubin, whose work sits at the intersection of mental health, body image, and financial wellbeing. She specializes in life transitions and women's mental health, and she's advised organizations from Deloitte to wealth management firms on the psychology of money and confidence. In our conversation, Holli unpacks why so many women carry shame and doubt around money, how early messages about worth, care work, and “who earns” shape our financial confidence and why self-worth gets tangled up with net worth. We also explore her nuanced link between body image and money: the ways appearance and status cues can mask (or magnify) our inner stories about value, security, and belonging. And crucially, she offers practical ways to move from awareness to action, especially in midlife when careers, relationships, and health are all in flux.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh opens with a personal story about a $5,000 fraud attempt on her business checking account—and what she learned about staying vigilant. She then breaks down today's biggest money headlines: the Fed's recent interest rate cut, why U.S. credit scores just saw their sharpest drop since 2008, shifts in the housing market, and why groceries and rent are still stubbornly high despite easing inflation elsewhere. Farnoosh also answers a wide range of listener questions from investing to estate planning.Register for Farnoosh's investing workshop on Sept 30th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when ambition—the very quality that's supposed to fuel our success—ends up making us sick?My guest today, Amina AlTai, knows this firsthand. On a sweltering July morning in New York City, she got a call from her doctor that changed everything: if she didn't head to the hospital immediately, she was just days away from multiple organ failure. The cause? Years of overwork and overstriving, rooted in her experience as the child of immigrants, navigating a post-9/11 workplace with an Arab name, and feeling she had to be the hardest working person in the room to matter.That wake-up call set Amina on a journey of healing and reinvention, eventually becoming an executive coach to senior leaders and women around the world. From her work and her own life, she's come to see that ambition isn't the enemy—but the way we relate to it can be. In her new book The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living, she introduces us to two kinds of ambition: the painful kind, driven by wounds like rejection or injustice, and the purposeful kind, rooted in truth and wholeness.We'll talk about how to spot the difference, how to break free from the “painful ambition” that leaves us exhausted and disconnected, and what it looks like to redirect that drive in ways that nourish us, support our communities, and bring lasting fulfillment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blended families don't just merge households—they merge bank accounts, bills, and very different money expectations. And while stepfamilies are becoming more and more common, the financial playbook for them is far from simple. Every dollar spent can feel loaded: is it going to your kids, your spouse's kids, or the kids you're now raising together?My guest today, Cameron Normand, is one of the country's leading stepfamily experts and the founder of Stepfamily Solutions. She knows firsthand how money and emotional labor intersect in blended families, and she's built a career helping stepparents navigate the financial and emotional landmines that come with the role.In our conversation, Cameron breaks down why finances in stepfamilies are about so much more than dollars and cents, the “insider-outsider” syndrome that many stepparents face, and what it really takes to create a household where everyone feels seen, supported, and financially secure.Learn more about Cameron at stepfamilysolutions.com. And check out her 10 Essential Stepmom Scripts, which helps stepmoms with some of the most challenging conversations in blended family life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Farnoosh shares advice on managing finances between partners with unequal incomes and offers guidance on common financial queries such as selling a home to live mortgage-free and building credit without a credit card. Register for Farnoosh's live investing workshop here. Listen to Farnoosh on WNYC here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be well-mannered with your money?Today, we're getting a masterclass in modern etiquette from Daniel Post Senning, the great-great-grandson of Emily Post and co-president of the Emily Post Institute. Daniel joins us to talk about the sticky situations we all face—splitting the bill, tipping in the era of digital checkout screens, handling salary conversations with friends, and navigating the financial asks that come with weddings, parties, and work culture.With AI reshaping our communication, remote work blurring social lines, and generational traditions clashing with modern norms, it's never been harder—or more important—to be mindful of how we show up for each other.For more information, check out The Emily Post Institute, the podcast Awesome Etiquette, and the book Emily Post's Business Etiquette.This episode aired originally on June 9, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While most of us wait until January to make financial resolutions, fall is actually one of the smartest times to review your finances, especially your 401(k). Deadlines are coming up, new legislation is on the horizon, and for many of us, this is when employers open enrollment and nudge us to re-evaluate our benefits. I'm joined by Tess Waresmith, accredited financial counselor, investing educator, and founder of Wealth with Tess. Tess has a gift for breaking down the intimidating world of investing into simple, actionable steps that help everyday people build long-term wealth. She's here to walk us through what the recent headlines about crypto and alternative assets in 401(k)s really mean, how to make sure your account is working for you, and the strategies she believes are most important as we close out the year.Learn more about Tess:WealthWithTess.comFollow on InstagramOn Tuesday, September 30th, I'll be teaching my Investing Workshop—a live class where I'll pull back the curtain on exactly how I invest and the rules I follow. You'll get to see my process in action and walk away with clear strategies you can use. If you'd like to join me, head to SoMoneyWorkshop.com to reserve your spot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of So Money, host Farnoosh Torabi dedicates the conversation to college savings in recognition of College Savings Month. Returning guest Patricia Roberts, author of Route 529 and a leading expert on college savings, breaks down the latest updates to 529 plans, including expanded uses under the newly signed HR1 bill.Together, they explore whether college is still worth the investment, the growing benefits of 529s for both K–12 and post-secondary credentials, and practical strategies for realistic saving. Listener questions are also answered—covering how to save for multiple children, the differences between federal and private loans, and when families might choose a 529 over alternative accounts like brokerage or custodial accounts.Farnoosh and Patricia share practical tips for families at every stage of the college savings journey, emphasizing planning, flexibility, and smart use of resources, including employer contributions. This episode is a must-listen for parents and caregivers looking to secure a strong financial foundation for their children's education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Financial journalist Beth Pinsker joins with a sneak preview of her forthcoming book My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving (out this November). We dive into the realities of stepping in to manage a parent's finances—what to do first, the documents you must have in place, the pitfalls of long-term care, and how to navigate banks, insurers, and even cable companies when they put up barriers. Essential listening for anyone with aging parents—or kids of their own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest needs little introduction if you've spent any time in the world of online entrepreneurship. Pat Flynn is one of the most respected thought leaders in digital business and passive income. He's the creator of Smart Passive Income, host of multiple top-ranked podcasts, a sought-after speaker, and the author of several bestselling books including Will It Fly? and Superfans.Now, Pat is back with a timely and much-needed new book: Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less. In an age when we're drowning in information and pulled in a dozen directions by the algorithm, Lean Learning is a practical framework for mastering new skills efficiently—without burning out or going broke in the process.This episode aired originally on June 11, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Ask Farnoosh episode, we tackle three major financial dilemmas from listeners: Setting Boundaries as a Daughter of Immigrants, Avoiding Financial Dependence on a Partner and Knowing When to Walk Away from a Business. Plus, a behind-the-scenes update on The Montclair Pod, and reflections on launching a new show 10 years after So Money.Resources & Links:Listen to The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.This episode aired originally on February 21, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, mental strength trainer and the host of Mentally Stronger. She joins to share her 5 lifestyle mistakes that keep you from growing mentally stronger — and financially better off.More about Amy: She is an international bestselling author. Her books, including 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold more than 1 million copies. The Guardian dubbed her “the self-help guru of the moment.” Forbes calls her a “thought leadership star” and People says her book is one of the top 20 must read books of all time.She lives on a sailboat in the Florida Keys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.