Podcasts about farnoosh

If you've been following the financial news lately, you may have noticed something unusual: the bond market is getting a lot of attention.After a year of tariff shocks, interest-rate whiplash, tax policy changes and persistent questions about inflation and the national debt, bonds have moved from the financial pages into the broader economic conversation. And whenever markets get nervous about where the economy, inflation or government borrowing may be headed, attention tends to turn pretty quickly to the bond market.Because this isn't just Wall Street inside baseball.The bond market influences the interest rate on your mortgage. It influences how much the federal government pays to borrow money. It affects companies trying to finance everything from infrastructure to AI data centers. And it can offer some important clues about how investors are feeling about inflation, growth, recession risk and even the creditworthiness of the United States.So perhaps it's time we understood bonds a little better.And I have to admit, after more than a decade of hosting So Money, I don't think we've ever dedicated an entire episode to them.Today, we are fixing that.My guest is Robin Wigglesworth, one of the financial journalists who has been covering these markets up close for years. Robin is an editor at the Financial Times, where he leads FT Alphaville, its influential markets and finance blog. He's also the author of Trillions, his acclaimed history of the index-fund revolution and the rise of passive investing and ETFs.His new book is called A Fabulous Debt: The Epic Story of How Bonds Built the Modern World, and it comes out September 22.And I should emphasize: this is not a book about how to build a bond portfolio.Robin has written essentially a people's history of the bond market — and somehow made bonds genuinely entertaining. The story begins in Venice in 1171, takes us through Amsterdam and the development of modern finance, and brings us to America and Alexander Hamilton, whose decisions about government debt helped establish the creditworthiness of the young United States.Robin's larger argument is that we tend to think the stock market is the star of the financial system, when really the bond market is the foundation underneath it. In fact, as he tells me in our conversation, bonds are the “bedrock that the entire house rests upon.”We talk about what the 10-year Treasury yield can tell you about the economy — and why it matters more to mortgage rates than many people realize. We talk about America's nearly $40 trillion national debt and the big question: At what point does all of this borrowing actually become a problem?We also get into something I found fascinating: bonds have quietly financed some of the biggest transformations in modern history. Railroads. Canals. Telecommunications. The internet. And now, potentially, the enormous buildout of artificial intelligence.There are also fraudsters, scoundrels and some truly wild financial schemes along the way — including one man who essentially invented an entire country so he could sell its bondsLearn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Ask Farnoosh Friday, we're tackling five thoughtful listener questions that touch on everything from career transitions and combining finances as a couple to insurance, retirement accounts, and planning for the future.Before we dive into the mailbag, I also share a few headlines that caught my attention this week—including a fascinating new trend in prenups designed to protect stay-at-home parents, California's latest move to make personal finance a graduation requirement, and a New York Times article about the money frustrations that seem uniquely American (plus a few of my own!). And yes...So Money is officially on YouTube.In this episode:•Why you shouldn't feel guilty quietly job hunting before you have an offer•The best way to leave an employer professionally while protecting your own career•How couples can combine finances without sacrificing independence•Why "fair" doesn't always mean splitting expenses 50/50•My favorite three-account system for couples•The insurance policies every young professional should prioritize—and which ones can probably wait•Why your ability to earn an income may be your greatest financial asset•When to start thinking seriously about long-term care insurance•How to prepare for future caregiving conversations with your parents•What to do with an old, empty 401(k) account after your employer changes retirement providers•Why cybersecurity deserves a place in every annual financial checkupAlso in the news:•A new prenup trend: More couples are adding "leave the workforce" clauses to protect spouses who pause their careers to raise children or provide care, recognizing the real financial cost of unpaid caregiving.•Money annoyances in America: Inspired by a New York Times article from Ron Lieber and Tara Siegel Bernard, I share my own biggest financial pet peeves—from managing kids' allowance to credit card surcharges and New Jersey property taxes.•Financial literacy gains momentum: California becomes the 26th state to require a standalone personal finance course for high school graduation, signaling a major shift in how we prepare young people for adulthood.Resources & Mentions•So Money is now on YouTube•Columbia Journalism Review's feature on The Montclair Pod•Wall Street Journal reporting on caregiving clauses in prenups•New York Times article: "6 Things That Drive Us Crazy About Money in America" by Ron Lieber and Tara Siegel BernardHave a question for the show?Send your question for a future Ask Farnoosh Friday! If it's on your mind, chances are thousands of other listeners are wondering the same thing. You can email me, leave a voicemail, or connect with me on Instagram.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. It helps more people discover the show—and build richer, more confident financial lives.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!This episode aired originally on July 17.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony O'Neal, had $6.32 to his name on a Wednesday night. He needed gas. He was hungry. He ended up cutting two McDonald's double cheeseburgers in half — that was his food for the next two days. He diluted his sweet tea with water to stretch it. And in that moment, eating a cold half-burger in his apartment, something shifted in him. He thought: there has to be a better way.Fast forward to his fortieth birthday. Anthony is on a private yacht off the coast of Italy. The chef comes out mid-dinner, not just to ask how the fish is — but to offer to catch that same fish again for him tomorrow. And Anthony thought back to that Wednesday night, that half-burger, that $6.32 — and he realized: he had found the better way.Anthony O'Neal is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with AO. His new book, Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck: The Proven Path to Break Free from Debt, Build Real Wealth, and Live Free on Any Income, is out in August.This episode aired originally on July 20.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode aired originally on October 21, 2024.Seth Godin, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and one of the most influential thinkers in marketing and leadership, joins the show. He discusses his latest book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans, and how to create more meaningful and effective strategies in all areas of life, from career growth and personal development to financial success.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we headed for another housing crash — or is today's market fundamentally different from 2008?On this Ask Farnoosh Friday, Farnoosh digs into the state of the housing market with insights from real estate economist Dr. Joshua Harris, Academic Director of the Fordham Real Estate Institute. While some overheated markets are already seeing prices decline, Harris explains why today's housing landscape looks very different from the run-up to the Great Financial Crisis — particularly when it comes to housing supply, lending standards and homeowner equity.Farnoosh also examines the explosive growth of Buy Now, Pay Later, which is increasingly being used not just for clothes and electronics, but for groceries, rent, utilities, medical bills and even taxes. The question she wants consumers to ask: Are you using BNPL to solve a timing problem — or an affordability problem? Because those are two very different financial challenges.Plus, shopping scams are getting dramatically harder to spot thanks to artificial intelligence. The old advice — look for typos, awkward emails and suspicious-looking websites — isn't enough anymore. Farnoosh shares the new safeguards consumers should be using to protect their accounts, passwords, loyalty points and credit cards.Then, two excellent listener questions.First, Anne is in her 40s after spending two decades moving between employers and has accumulated a collection of 401(k)s, 401(a)s, 403(b)s and a rollover IRA. Should she consolidate everything? And is it actually safer to keep retirement money spread across multiple institutions in case one brokerage fails?Farnoosh explains the important difference between diversifying your investments and diversifying your custodians, how protections such as SIPC work, and why simplifying your retirement accounts can make sense — but only after checking fees, investment choices and plan-specific benefits.Finally, a listener follows up on the new Trump Accounts for children: Why is Robinhood the sole initial brokerage and trustee? Why can't families simply choose Vanguard, Fidelity or another provider from day one? And did Robinhood somehow pay for exclusive access?Farnoosh went digging. She explains the relationship between the U.S. Treasury, BNY Mellon and Robinhood, why Robinhood's role is described as initial rather than permanent, and why families should eventually be able to transfer Trump Account assets to another eligible provider. She also examines why questions about transparency are reasonable given the enormous customer-acquisition opportunity the program represents for Robinhood.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Almost 30 years ago, before financial wellness was a line item in anyone's benefits package, before it was a buzzword that we all throw around in this space, my guest today was watching something unfold that most people missed entirely. She was raising money for a hedge fund during the dot-com boom, sitting across from entrepreneurs and high-net-worth investors, watching them take wild risks with money they'd worked incredibly hard to build, and she had this realization: If these wealthy, sophisticated people were this exposed, what about everyone else? What about the assistant down the hall with paper equity and no safety net? Nobody was in their corner, so she built the thing that didn't exist. That's Liz Davidson, founder and CEO of Financial Finesse, the company that's widely credited with inventing the workplace financial wellness industry as we know it. She's the author of Money Strong and What Your Financial Advisor Isn't Telling You. Today, we're getting into what her company's brand-new 2026 research reveals about who's actually stressed about money right now, and it might surprise you. We're talking AI's growing and complicated role in how people learn about their finances, the quiet epidemic of high earners living paycheck to paycheck, and benefits maxing, which might be the most underused free money sitting in your employee portal right now.  Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernadette Joy, founder of Crush Your Money Goals, shares her unexpected journey into early retirement at 41, the emotional and financial surprises along the way, and how she's redefining purpose and joy in this new chapter of life. Check out her column for CNBC on the topic.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Ask Farnoosh, we unpack the latest updates to Trump Accounts, including new workplace contribution options that could make these child investment accounts more appealing for families. We also dive into the rise of "money maxxing"—what this viral trend gets right (and where it goes too far)—plus the surprising economics behind the stay-at-home boyfriend phenomenon.Also on the show: why customer service frustrations are fueling record levels of consumer rage, what Realtor.com's hottest ZIP codes reveal about today's housing market (including why Montclair, NJ, ranks #2), and answers to two listener questions on avoiding common pre-retirement mistakes and deciding where to put your next dollar after you've built an emergency fund and are saving for retirement.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking about a kind of power most of us are terrified to claim: the power of our own voice.My guest is Samara Bay, speech and speaking coach to CEOs, politicians, and tech founders, and author of Permission to Speak. She was last on the show talking about that book, and now she's back with something new: a viral TEDx talk about how to actually be human while you're speaking in public, whether that's on a stage, in a work meeting, or in a hard conversation at home.Here's the thing. Most of us think great public speaking means sounding polished, authoritative, in control. Samara says the opposite. The speakers who actually move us are the ones who let us see that they care. Not perform it, reveal it. And when our words, our tone, and our body language are all telling the same story, that's when people lean in.We get into why "public speaking" feels so loaded in the first place, what's actually happening in our bodies when fear takes over (hello, vocal fry and monotone), and the practical difference between practicing a talk and actually inhabiting it.And yes, this is a money conversation. Because whether you're asking for a raise, pitching an idea, negotiating with a partner, or standing up at a town hall about your property taxes, your ability to speak with power and stay human while doing it is directly tied to the outcomes you get. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting into college was supposed to be the hard part. So why are so many kids arriving on campus and falling apart?That's the question that's driven Ana Homayoun's work for 25 years. She's an educational consultant, author, and today she's back on So Money to talk about the paperback relaunch of her book, now retitled Getting In Is Not Enough: The New Blueprint for Student Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions.We originally built this book around one idea: that grades and test scores don't teach kids how to actually run their lives. But when Ana sat down to revise it for the paperback, she realized the AI-driven workforce made the argument even more urgent — and that the four pillars she teaches (systems, connections, perspective, and acceptance) aren't just for teenagers. They're for anyone navigating a messy transition, whether that's a 22-year-old moving back home after graduation or a 52-year-old rebuilding a career from scratch.We talk about why friend groups shouldn't live in one place, why "choices" is the most stress-reducing word in the English language, and why Ana thinks parents often struggle with disappointment more than their kids do. Plus: her honest take on where AI genuinely helps, where it gets in the way, and what it means to build an entrepreneurial blueprint of your own.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Ask Farnoosh, we're talking about the financial conversations that can save families years of stress—and why it's never too early to start having them.First, a story from my daughter's lemonade stand that sparked an unexpected lesson about entrepreneurship, generosity, and teaching kids the value of earning (and giving) money.Then, in the mailbag:How do you talk to your parents about retirement and estate planning without making them feel like you're taking away their independence? I share the key questions to ask—from healthcare and long-term care plans to wills, powers of attorney, debt, and retirement income.Should you superfund your children's 529 plans or contribute gradually over time? We break down the pros and cons of front-loading college savings, the power of compound growth, gift tax rules, and why a hybrid approach may be the smartest strategy.Plus, in the headlines:Why more homeowners associations are moving toward foreclosure over unpaid dues.Relief for more than 170,000 student loan borrowers—and who qualifies.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk a big game about taxes, until the bill actually shows up in our inbox. This week I'm digging into a question that's been nagging at me ever since Montclair, one of the most progressive towns in New Jersey, split down the middle over a special election to cover a $20 million school budget deficit. It wasn't that people stopped believing in public schools. It was more like, prove to me this actually fixes anything.That flinch, the gap between what we say we believe and what we're willing to pay for, is exactly what financial planner Georgia Lee Hussey has been sitting with. Georgia is the founder of Modernist Financial, and she's noticed something uncomfortable happening even in deeply progressive circles: a growing resistance to taxes, alongside language that sounds a lot like the anti-government scripts used by anti-democratic movements.We get into:The Portland preschool tax story that started Georgia down this rabbit holeWhy there's such a gap between "I support this policy" and "I resent paying for it"Whether this is really about money, or about trust, especially with trust in government sitting at a historic lowWhat "paying" can look like beyond a check: time, civic skills, citizen journalism, showing upThe line between healthy skepticism of government spending and something more corrosiveWhat Georgia saw in Vienna, where a huge share of residents live in subsidized housing, and what (if anything) that model could teach an American system built on individual tradeoffsHer advice for a median-income family when no amount of smart financial planning can solve housing, elder care, or college costs on its ownLearn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesse Mecham, founder of YNAB (You Need A Budget), returns to So Money to discuss his new book, Never Worry About Money Again, a thoughtful guide to reducing financial stress by changing the way we think about money. Rather than focusing on budgeting tactics or investment strategies, Jesse argues that lasting financial confidence begins with answering one powerful question: What is your money for?We also discuss how to raise financially curious kids, why earning more doesn't automatically eliminate money worries, and how learning to embrace trade-offs can transform the way we spend, save, and live.In this episode, we learn:Why making more money often doesn't solve financial anxiety.The one question Jesse believes everyone should ask before creating a budget.How to build a spending plan that reflects your values—not just your bills.The surprising expense most people happily cut once they become more intentional.Why it's okay—and healthy—to change your financial priorities over time.How to talk to children about money without passing down fear or shame.What Jesse learned from writing (and completely rewriting) this book.Why even the founder of YNAB occasionally worries about money—and the exercise he uses to regain perspective.Jesse's thoughts on AI, financial advice, and where money management is headed next.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farnoosh recaps a webinar on navigating money conversations with loved ones, then dives into the week's financial news: the Fed holding rates steady, what Apple and Microsoft earnings mean for your index funds, and a landlord's "work from home fee." Then, she tackles two big listener questions: how to find and pay for a financial planner (flat fee vs. retainer vs. AUM, and what "fee-only" really means), and why a perfect credit score doesn't guarantee you the lowest mortgage rate. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is brought to us by Back Market, the world's largest pure-play premium refurbished tech marketplace. Back Market's mission is to make refurbished tech the mainstream choice, by extending the life of devices, fighting electronic waste, and challenging today's throwaway culture.On today's show we sat down with Lauren Benton, General Manager of Back Market in the US, to talk about the real cost of family tech - and how to bring it down. To learn more, visit BackMarket.comApple just raised prices on several products (up to $300 more on certain MacBooks and iPads), and analysts expect the iPhone to see a hike this fall too. So the timing couldn't be better to rethink how we're spending on tech.Here's what we learn:Why "refurbished" doesn't mean what most people think it means, and how devices are quality-checked before they're ever resold.Where the real savings are: specific numbers on phones, laptops, tablets, and watches.The hidden costs in your tech budget that have nothing to do with the device itself.How to know when it's worth trading in an old device instead of letting it collect dust in a drawer.What to prioritize (and skip) when Back-to-School shopping collides with these new Apple prices.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever felt like the math just doesn't work anymore, that you're doing everything right and still coming up short on rent, groceries, and student loans, this episode is for you.Freddie Smith spent nearly twenty years acting, including nine years on Days of Our Lives, before a business manager who was supposed to be handling his money instead stole it and stopped filing his taxes. He found out when the IRS came looking for three years of back payments, with interest and penalties on top. Then came the pandemic. He lost the show, moved to Florida, and had to rebuild his finances from zero in a brand new career.That personal collapse turned into a mission. Freddie started sharing what he was learning about taxes, investing, inflation and the Fed on TikTok and Instagram, not as an expert, but as someone figuring it out in real time alongside his audience. That honesty struck a nerve. He's built a community of two million people in three years, and it's now the subject of his new book, Generation F*cked.In this conversation, Freddie and I get into why he thinks the real crisis for millennials and Gen Z isn't financial illiteracy, it's wages that haven't kept pace with the actual cost of living. We talk about his "big four" (housing, student loans, childcare, and healthcare), why he thinks college needs a hard math test before anyone signs on the dotted line, his wild but genuinely compelling case for how an 18-year-old could retire with millions just by investing early, and why he's cautiously optimistic that his generation is about to be the one that finally changes the system.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Ask Farnoosh, I'm reflecting on a memorable visit to the Today Show with my daughter, Colette, and how exposing kids to new experiences can shape their futures. That conversation leads into one of the smartest long-term wealth-building strategies available to parents: putting your child on payroll—legitimately—and using earned income to fund a Roth IRA.I also unpack fascinating new research linking chronic financial hardship to long-term brain health, discuss Senator Andy Kim's proposed Healthy Kids Act, explore why modern baby registries are shifting from "stuff" to services, and share lessons from a Washington Post column on what people consistently misunderstand about retirement.Then, in this week's listener question, I help a family navigate an emotionally complicated financial crossroads: a potential $500,000–$800,000 inheritance, a home renovation, IVF, a recent layoff, and the challenge of deciding which priorities deserve the biggest investment. Together, we explore why the most valuable outcome isn't simply growing wealth—it's creating more choices.Referenced: Senator Andy Kim on So Money.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's show covers the ins and outs of LLCs and S-Corps and how to determine which one (or both) is best for structuring your business. The guest is Hannah Cole, creator of Sunlight Tax. You can visit Sunlight Tax for resources mentioned in today's episode. This episode was originally published May 13, 2024.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony O'Neal, had $6.32 to his name on a Wednesday night. He needed gas. He was hungry. He ended up cutting two McDonald's double cheeseburgers in half — that was his food for the next two days. He diluted his sweet tea with water to stretch it. And in that moment, eating a cold half-burger in his apartment, something shifted in him. He thought: there has to be a better way.Fast forward to his fortieth birthday. Anthony is on a private yacht off the coast of Italy. The chef comes out mid-dinner, not just to ask how the fish is — but to offer to catch that same fish again for him tomorrow. And Anthony thought back to that Wednesday night, that half-burger, that $6.32 — and he realized: he had found the better way.Anthony O'Neal is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with AO. His new book, Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck: The Proven Path to Break Free from Debt, Build Real Wealth, and Live Free on Any Income, is out in August. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Ask Farnoosh Friday, we're tackling five thoughtful listener questions that touch on everything from career transitions and combining finances as a couple to insurance, retirement accounts, and planning for the future.Before we dive into the mailbag, I also share a few headlines that caught my attention this week—including a fascinating new trend in prenups designed to protect stay-at-home parents, California's latest move to make personal finance a graduation requirement, and a New York Times article about the money frustrations that seem uniquely American (plus a few of my own!). And yes...So Money is officially on YouTube.In this episode:Why you shouldn't feel guilty quietly job hunting before you have an offerThe best way to leave an employer professionally while protecting your own careerHow couples can combine finances without sacrificing independenceWhy "fair" doesn't always mean splitting expenses 50/50My favorite three-account system for couplesThe insurance policies every young professional should prioritize—and which ones can probably waitWhy your ability to earn an income may be your greatest financial assetWhen to start thinking seriously about long-term care insuranceHow to prepare for future caregiving conversations with your parentsWhat to do with an old, empty 401(k) account after your employer changes retirement providersWhy cybersecurity deserves a place in every annual financial checkupAlso in the news:A new prenup trend: More couples are adding "leave the workforce" clauses to protect spouses who pause their careers to raise children or provide care, recognizing the real financial cost of unpaid caregiving.Money annoyances in America: Inspired by a New York Times article from Ron Lieber and Tara Siegel Bernard, I share my own biggest financial pet peeves—from managing kids' allowance to credit card surcharges and New Jersey property taxes.Financial literacy gains momentum: California becomes the 26th state to require a standalone personal finance course for high school graduation, signaling a major shift in how we prepare young people for adulthood.Resources & MentionsSo Money is now on YouTubeColumbia Journalism Review's feature on The Montclair PodWall Street Journal reporting on caregiving clauses in prenupsNew York Times article: "6 Things That Drive Us Crazy About Money in America" by Ron Lieber and Tara Siegel BernardHave a question for the show?Send your question for a future Ask Farnoosh Friday! If it's on your mind, chances are thousands of other listeners are wondering the same thing. You can email me, leave a voicemail, or connect with me on Instagram.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. It helps more people discover the show—and build richer, more confident financial lives.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is for anyone who has ever stood in the vitamin aisle reading about the exact right creatine dosage for a woman "in this stage of life" and thought... okay but where's the aisle for my retirement savings?I'm right in the thick of this myself. Midlife money is basically all I want to talk about lately, because I think we are the forgotten demo. There's an entire industry telling us how to optimize our sleep, our supplements, our skin. But when it comes to actually managing our money at this stage, when the stakes are higher and the runway to retirement is shorter, the advice mostly dries up.So I'm thrilled to have Lindsay Goldwert here. She's the co-author, with Gabrielle Moss, of The Midlife Plot Twist, and she's spent a lot of time talking to women about the money moment we're in right now: the shame, the catching-up, the marriages where one partner has quietly been steering the ship, the total reinvention some of us are doing in our forties and fifties. Lindsay, welcome to So Money.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the secret to extraordinary wealth isn't about betting on the next big thing, but buying something tried-and-true—like a plumbing business, a car wash, or a cleaning company? What if the future of entrepreneurship isn't on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley, but on Main Street—if only we knew how to seize it?My guest today is Codie Sanchez, founder and CEO of Contrarian Thinking, a digital education platform and media company with over 6 million followersIn her new book, Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses, Codie lays out her bold argument: that buying profitable, established, cash-flowing businesses is the most underrated path to building wealth—and that now is the time to act. Why? Because America is facing a generational handoff. Over 40 million Americans are hitting retirement age, and baby boomers—who currently own nearly two-thirds of small businesses with employees—are poised to sell. Codie calls it a “silver tsunami,” and for those who know how to navigate it, it could mean once-in-a-generation opportunity.In our conversation, Codie opens up about her own unlikely journey from journalism to Wall Street to Main Street. We talk about how she made the leap, the psychological hurdles to entrepreneurship, and how she thinks about power, relationships, and the future of work in an AI-driven world.This episode aired originally March 26, 2025Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're exploring two topics that are at each end of the life spectrum - child savings accounts and Medicaid. First, what is a Trump account? Farnoosh began contributing to her kids' accounts over the weekends. She has pros, cons and even a great hack for making the most of these accounts. Plus, is 20% a good amount for a home downpayment? And how to increase your chances of qualifying for Medicaid?Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest today is someone I've known and admired for a long time — Bobbi Rebell, CFP®, founder of Financial Wellness Strategies and author of Launching Financial Grownups: Live Your Richest Life by Helping Your (Almost) Adult Kids Become Everyday Money Smart, as well as How to be a Financial Grownup. Bobbi was previously a global business news anchor and personal finance columnist at Thomson Reuters, and held positions at CNBC, CNN and PBS, so she's spent decades translating money into plain English for millions of people. But today we're talking about a new chapter: Bobbi just became a Certified Financial Therapist — a credential that sits at the intersection of money and mindset, and one she worked hard for, the long way, no shortcuts. We're going to dig into why she pursued it, what financial therapy actually is, and how understanding our money psychology — from childhood money memories to the algorithms shaping our spending — can change how we feel about our financial choices, even the ones we didn't fully choose.Follow Bobbi on Substack.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We spend so much of our lives chasing money—believing that once we earn enough, save enough, and invest enough, happiness and freedom will finally follow.But what if the real goal isn't more money… it's more time?Today's guest is Andy Hill, AFC®, award-winning family finance coach and founder of the platform Marriage, Kids and Money, which has reached millions of families through his podcast, videos, and writing. His new book, Own Your Time, challenges a deeply held belief in personal finance: that wealth alone will solve our problems. Instead, Andy argues that true financial success is about using money intentionally to design a life filled with freedom, family connection, and choice.In this conversation, we explore Andy's own journey—from a six-figure household income and negative net worth to a life where he and his wife now work part-time by design. We talk about the concept of “coast financial independence,” the surprising middle ground between burnout and early retirement, and the practical financial steps families can take—at any stage—to reclaim their calendars and their priorities.We'll also get into the emotional side of money and time: how couples navigate unequal incomes, why optionality matters more than status, and how to raise kids who understand wealth not just as dollars, but as freedom and generosity.This episode aired originally on Feb 9, 2026.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode aired originally on May 1, 2026.May 1 is College Acceptance Day and as many families grapple with the soaring cost of college, Farnoosh shares thoughts on how to decide whether a college education is worth its price tag. Would you spend $100k a year?Plus: Establishing credit for the first time and how to allocate your investments in your 30s. And a crazy story about how one woman's investments disappeared from her bank's website. What happened?Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the most important investment you make in your child's future isn't paying for travel sports, tutoring, or the latest smartphone—but investing in your relationship?Farnoosh sits down with Bridget KerMorris, a Stanford-trained attorney, relational therapist, creator of the Steady + Connected Parenting™ framework, and mom of seven, to discuss why the middle school years may be the most critical—and misunderstood—season of parenting.Together they explore:Why ages 10–13 are a pivotal window for building lifelong trustHow to respond to bullying, friendship drama, and emotional outburstsThe words every middle schooler needs to hear from their parentsHow to repair after conflict instead of striving for perfectionNavigating phones, social media, and the pressure to fit inTeaching kids about money, expensive wants, allowances, and delayed gratificationWhy emotional presence may be the greatest investment parents can makeWhether you're raising a tween now or your child is heading toward middle school, this conversation offers practical tools, reassuring perspective, and a powerful reminder that your relationship—not your perfection—is what matters most.More about Bridget: Bridget KerMorris is a nationally recognized middle school parenting expert, relational therapist, and creator of Steady + Connected Parenting™. She is also the host of the new podcast, Middle Years with Bridget KerMorris.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The art market is one of the least regulated, most opaque wealth transfer systems on the planet. We're talking billions of dollars moving between billionaires, oligarchs, and heads of state — with almost no oversight. It's where old money hides, new money launders, and powerful families build dynasties that last for generations. And at the center of all of it? Almost always, a man.But behind that man? Almost always, a woman who did the work — and got written out.That's the world at the heart of The Parisian Heist, the new novel from my guest today — and it is juicy. We're talking rich people behaving very badly, the hidden female genius behind one of the most famous artists who ever lived, and what all of it has to do with your money, your financial agency, and why handing over control — even to someone you love and trust — can cost you everything.Jo Piazza is a bestselling author, journalist, and podcast host with fourteen books and 25 million downloads to her nameLearn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch the full commencement speech on YoutubeLearn about and reserve your seat for Book to Brand.Farnoosh reflects on the biggest money lessons from producing 2,000 shows across 11 years. And listen to her speech to the high school graduates in her town. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking about FORO, the fear of running out. According to a new sweeping study from Corebridge Financial, Americans are nine times more likely to say they'd regret running out of money while they're alive than dying with a fortune left unspent. Now, you have probably spent years, maybe decades, doing everything right, putting money away. You're contributing to your 401k, maybe even maxing it, and you're watching the balance grow, and somewhere in the back of your mind you're telling yourself, "When I finally get there, I'm gonna enjoy this." But here's what a new study just uncovered, and it's one of the most surprising findings in retirement research in years: getting there may be considered the hard part, but spending the money once you do is actually harder for millions of Americans.These are people who've worked hard, they saved diligently, they made it to retirement, and now they're not spending. They're hoarding. They're restricting. They're eating out less. They're skipping the trip. They're holding back, not because they can't afford it, but because they're afraid. Afraid if they actually use what they saved, it might run out. To unpack what's driving this and what to do about it, we are joined by Brian Pinsky, President of Individual Markets at Corebridge Financial, one of the nation's largest providers of retirement solutions. He's also the executive behind this landmark research. And Jean Chatzky, a New York Times bestselling author, personal finance expert, one of the most trusted voices in America when it comes to helping real people make smart decisions with their money. She has partnered with Corebridge to turn these findings into an actionable playbook for retirement. We're gonna walk through what the data shows, why it matters, and what you can do right now, even if retirement is still years away, to make sure you don't fall into this trap. Resources and LinksDecumulation Survey Press Release: Only 28% of Pre-retirees and Retirees are Comfortable Drawing Down Savings in Retirement, But Having a Plan for Decumulation Boosts ConfidenceDecumulation Survey - Full Findings: The decumulation planning gap – Findings from a survey of Americans ages 45 to 79Real Stories with Jean Chatzky (Jean's interviews with real people navigating unique retirement situations) Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if debt isn't a personal failure—but a symptom of a much bigger problem?For years, we've been told that financial struggles come down to individual choices: spend less, budget better, work harder. But what if the real story is more complicated?My guests today are Jamie Feldman and Rachel Webster, creators and hosts of the award-winning podcast Debt Heads, a groundbreaking series they describe as a "true crime investigation into the murder of our bank accounts." The podcast is now entering season 2.Season one began with Jamie's own experience navigating credit card debt and the shame that came with it. But what started as one woman's debt payoff journey quickly evolved into a deeper investigation into the systems, cultural pressures, and economic realities that leave so many people feeling financially stuck.Jamie is a writer, editor, and storyteller. Rachel is a filmmaker and producer. Together, they've built a fiercely honest, deeply funny, and surprisingly hopeful podcast community around a topic most of us avoid talking about: money.Now, as Debt Heads returns for its second season, they're widening the lens beyond spending and debt to explore work, job security, income instability, and what it means to pursue financial wellbeing in a world that often feels increasingly precarious.In our conversation, we talk about the hidden connections between mental health and money, why so many women tie their self-worth to spending, how shame keeps us isolated, and why financial security is about far more than your net worth.You'll also hear their thoughts on the creator economy, the pressure to monetize every passion project, and why making meaningful work—not just profitable work—can lead to unexpected opportunities.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for Book to Brand on Friday, October 9, in New York City. Early bird tickets are available now at BookToBrand.co.Farnoosh shares a parenting mishap from her book A Healthy State of Panic—accidentally sending her kids to the wrong birthday party—and explains why low-stakes failures can help us build resilience instead of fear.Then, she tackles listener questions about whether to stay in an unhappy marriage for financial reasons, how to navigate a toxic workplace, and what home repairs are worth making before a sale. Plus: advice for Penn State finance freshmen looking to stand out, tips for choosing the right investment platform, and what to know before setting up an S-corporation for your business.This episode aired originally on June 24, 2023.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to land a traditional book deal in 2026?In this episode, Farnoosh sits down with book proposal strategist Richelle Fredson, founder of Book Proposal Blueprint, to unpack what publishers, agents, and editors are really looking for today. Together, they explore the role of platform-building, the biggest mistakes aspiring authors make, and the truth about landing a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.Richelle, who helped shape Farnoosh's proposal for A Healthy State of Panic, shares practical insights on crafting a standout proposal, attracting the right publishing partners, and turning a book into a bigger opportunity—from growing your business and audience to securing speaking engagements and building a lasting brand.If you're dreaming of writing a book—or already working on one—this conversation offers a clear roadmap for navigating today's publishing landscape.Want to go deeper? Join us at Book to Brand on October 9 in New York, where we'll connect you with agents, publishers, editors, and successful authors for an immersive day of learning and networking. Early bird pricing ends July 1 at booktobrand.co.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking about one of the most stressful financial moments in a young person's life — that gap between graduation and a real paycheck.My guest is Jahleane Dolné, founder of the Postgrad Playbook, a media platform and community helping Gen Z navigate the years right after college — the job search, the identity shift, the moving back home. All of it.Because here's the thing: we tend to assume young people will figure it out. No mortgage, no kids — they'll be fine. But this transition is one of the most underserved in our culture, and the job market right now is making it even harder. New grads are spending six months, a year, sometimes two years searching. Many end up in jobs that don't require the degree they just paid six figures for.Jahleane has been there. She's a UC Santa Barbara grad, daughter of Haitian immigrants, and she found her way through a sales career, a TikTok community, a $20 LinkedIn course — and eventually, a mission. Today she's sharing the playbook: how to position yourself for work, network without cringing, think about grad school strategically, and why a year in sales might be the best investment a twenty-something can make. More about Jahleane: She is the founder of The PostGrad Playbook, a media company building the definitive guide for life after college and helping young professionals navigate careers, identity shifts, and the moments between milestones that nobody prepares them for.She was named a Future Voice at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and her work has led to partnerships with brands including LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Fide. Her insights have been featured in Ad Age, Business Insider, The New York Times, Essence, AfroTech, and LinkedIn News. Across social media and The PostGrad Playbook newsletter, she has built a community of ambitious professionals seeking practical strategies for creating opportunities in a rapidly changing world.Jahleane's socials  Instagram | TikTok | LinkedInThe PostGrad Playbook: Website | Instagram Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Farnoosh answers listener questions about rolling over an old 401(k), managing $100,000 in savings for a 68-year-old on Social Security, and how couples should discuss and merge finances. She highlights a New York Times story on how weak job markets can scar young graduates long-term and a piece in the Wall Street Journal about “Trump accounts,” including unclear eligibility rules and potential state tax differences versus 529 plans, advising caution until IRS guidance arrives. Learn more about her October 9 Book to Brand event. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, financial expert Farnoosh Torabi tackles one of the most overlooked—and emotionally charged—areas of personal finance: planning for retirement and aging, both for yourself and the people you love. Farnoosh breaks down the real cost of growing older, from rising healthcare and long-term care expenses to the hidden financial strain of becoming a caregiver. She offers practical guidance on how to start the conversation with aging parents before a crisis hits, what documents every family needs in place, and how to avoid the costly mistakes that derail even well-intentioned plans. You'll learn how to assess whether your retirement savings are truly on track, the difference between a will and a trust and when you need each, why powers of attorney and healthcare directives matter, and how to protect family assets while navigating Medicare, long-term care insurance, and estate planning. Whether you're decades from retirement or helping a parent through this stage right now, Farnoosh delivers clear, actionable steps to set your whole family up for security and peace of mind. For more information on Farnoosh go to: Farnoosh.tv Follow Farnoosh on Instagram: @farnooshtorabi Check out Farnoosh's book A Healthy State of Panic Or Listen to her podcast So Money where ever you get your podcasts Follow us on Instagram: @every.body.talks @jenngiamo @schully Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening. Apple Podcasts Spotify Be sure to leave a 5 star rating! It really helps grow the show. If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing!

Hey SO MONEY family — something special in your feed today.My friend Lindsey Stanberry is taking over with an episode of Family Money, her new podcast series with Babylist through The Purse. Lindsey has been covering women, work, and money for over a decade, and what she's building here is exactly the kind of honest, practical conversation that parents need and almost nobody is having well.And yes — I'm in this one.The episode is called "What Does Childcare Actually Cost?" and it does exactly what it says. Lindsey talks with economist Corinne Low — Associate Professor at the Wharton School and author of the USA Today bestseller Having It All — who reframes childcare not as a money pit but as an investment in your time, your career, and your family's future. Then I join to walk through the real numbers: daycare centers, nanny shares, au pairs, in-home care, the grandparent option nobody talks about enough — what each one actually costs and how to figure out what's right for your family.We also get into something that drives me crazy: this idea that childcare costs come out of the mother's salary. They don't. They come out of your family's future. And once you see it that way, everything changes.If you're expecting, deep in the daycare years, or just trying to get ahead of it — this episode is for you. Give Family Money a follow wherever you listen. Lindsey is doing incredible work.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Beth Kobliner published Get a Financial Life nearly 30 years ago, the average first-time homebuyer in America was 28 years old.Today? It's 40.That one number captures just how dramatically the financial landscape has changed for young adults. The rules many of us grew up with—go to college, get a good job, buy a home, build wealth—don't seem to work quite the same way anymore.And yet, Beth isn't here to tell us the system is hopeless.In fact, after spending years talking with high school students, college graduates, and young workers across the country, she says she sees something surprising: Gen Z may be one of the most financially aware generations we've ever seen.Today, Beth joins me to discuss the newly updated edition of her classic book, Get a Financial Life, and what young people really need to know about money in 2026. We talk about student debt, housing affordability, retirement, investing, financial influencers, and why some of the most powerful financial advice is also the most boring.If you've ever wondered whether the old money rules still apply—or what new rules have replaced them—this conversation is for you.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Ask Farnoosh, we're tackling some of life's biggest financial decisions—from navigating a major income gap in a relationship to deciding whether a promising restaurant venture is worth the investment. Plus, what should you prioritize when you're trying to save for a home while also preparing for retirement?Farnoosh answers listener questions about maintaining financial independence before marriage, evaluating a potential angel investment opportunity, choosing between a brokerage account and a traditional IRA, finding trustworthy financial advice, and building a down payment fund in a high-cost housing market. She also shares resources for managing healthcare costs and weighs in on whether married couples should file taxes jointly or separatelyBefore the mailbag, Farnoosh breaks down the latest jobs report, explains why a strong labor market may keep the Federal Reserve on hold when it comes to interest rates, celebrates National Donut Day, and sounds off on a teen financial literacy competition that may be testing the wrong skills altogether.Listener questions include:How do we manage money fairly when one partner earns significantly more?Should we invest in a chef friend's new restaurant?Is it better to file taxes jointly or separately?How can I save for a house down payment faster?Should I open a traditional IRA or a brokerage account if I earn too much for a Roth IRA?How do I find a financial advisor I can trust?What resources can help consumers navigate healthcare costs?Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! 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.This episode originally aired on Dec 17, 2025.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gold has captivated humanity for thousands of years—but why?In this episode, Farnoosh sits down with author and financial historian Dominic Frisby to explore the fascinating story behind one of the world's most coveted assets. Drawing from his new book, The Secret History of Gold, Dominic explains how gold shaped empires, fueled exploration, influenced wars, and continues to play a powerful role in global finance today.The conversation covers why gold remains a popular safe-haven investment during uncertain times, the emotional and psychological hold it has on people and cultures, and why countries like China continue to accumulate vast reserves. Farnoosh also shares her own family's connection to gold as an Iranian-American and explores the generational tradition of passing gold down as a store of wealth.Plus: Dominic weighs in on whether Bitcoin is truly "digital gold," what central banks know that everyday investors may not, and the smartest ways to add gold to your portfolio.Check out Dominic's Substack The Flying FrisbyLearn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Ask Farnoosh, we're tackling one of the biggest money questions of all: When can I retire?Inspired by a viral Instagram reel about repeatedly refreshing a retirement calculator in hopes of finding financial freedom, Farnoosh breaks down how to determine your retirement readiness—and why retirement may not be the right goal at all. Instead, what if the goal is optionality?In this episode:Why so many Gen Xers are obsessed with retirement calculatorsHow to calculate your "freedom number"The 4% rule explained simplyWhy Social Security may be worth more than you thinkHow home equity changes the retirement equationFour retirement personality typesPractical ways to move your retirement date closerWhy burnout—not retirement—may be the real issuePlus:Farnoosh weighs in on the controversy surrounding Belle Burden's bestselling memoir Strangers following a recent New Yorker investigation.An update on the new Trump Accounts program, including why Farnoosh believes it could become one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for children.Related Listening:Retiring on Social Security AloneLearn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the most important inheritance you leave your family has nothing to do with money?Not stocks. Not real estate. Not a trust fund.But instead, a written record of your values, your hard-earned lessons, your family stories, your regrets, your hopes — the wisdom you want future generations to carry forward.Today's guest, Eric Becker, calls this an “ethical will.” He originally wrote one for his children years ago, never imagining that after the devastating loss of his daughter Kara, he would one day rediscover the document and find that it would help guide him through grief and back to himself.Eric is the Founder and Co-Chairman of Cresset Family Office & Private Wealth Management, a multi-family office overseeing more than $237 billion in assets under management and advisement. Before that, he co-founded Sterling Partners, the private equity firm that raised more than $5 billion across eight funds, and throughout his career has advised founders, entrepreneurs, and ultra-high-net-worth families on how to build businesses — and lives — that endure.His bestselling book and new podcast, The Long Game, explore exactly that: what separates companies, families, and leaders who survive for generations from those that disappear.In this conversation, we talk about the hidden traits of enduring companies, why culture matters more than most founders realize, how to recognize “moments of truth” in business and life, and why one of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is: “What am I tolerating that I shouldn't be?”We also get into stoic philosophy, parenting, family meetings, AI, investing for the long term, and the surprising parallels between building a resilient company and building a meaningful life.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's rare in personal finance that someone comes along and doesn't just offer advice—but completely rewires how we think about money, work, and what it means to live a good life.My guest today did exactly that.Pete Adeney—better known as Mr. Money Mustache—helped ignite the FIRE movement long before it was trending on TikTok or debated on cable news. His message? Radical, at the time: Spend less, live intentionally, invest wisely—and you might just buy yourself the freedom to walk away from traditional work decades early.And here's the thing—Pete didn't just write about it. He lived it. Retiring in his early 30s, raising a family on his own terms, and building a cult-like following of readers who wanted to do the same.I've actually had a front-row seat to his journey. We first met more than a decade ago, filming in his backyard in Colorado, when his blog was just beginning to take off. Back then, his ideas felt… almost rebellious.This episode originally ran on April 8, 2026Today? They're part of the mainstream conversation.But Pete hasn't stood still—and neither has life.In this episode, we catch up on everything: what early retirement really looks like after a decade, how his thinking on money, family, and even divorce has evolved… and why, despite having “enough,” he's still rethinking what a rich life actually means.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh tackles some of the biggest personal finance questions listeners are wrestling with right now, from AI-powered banking tools to buying a home in today's expensive market and whether it's smart to pay off debt early.Farnoosh begins with a look at OpenAI's new personal finance tools that allow select ChatGPT users to connect their financial accounts directly to AI. She breaks down what the feature can do, why some consumers are intrigued, and why others are understandably nervous about privacy and security. She also shares fresh housing market data showing more buyers are moving forward despite mortgage rates remaining above 6%, and why waiting for ultra-low rates may no longer be realistic.The episode also explores a viral MarketWatch story about a couple who became millionaires in their early 30s despite modest incomes. Farnoosh unpacks the real lessons behind the headline: avoiding excessive student debt, consistently investing at least 15% of income, buying reliable used cars, keeping housing costs manageable, and staying financially flexible enough to seize opportunities when they arise.Listener Mailbag Questions This Week:Can you buy a new home if you already own one with a mortgage? Farnoosh answers a newlywed listener's question about purchasing a larger home while keeping her husband's current house as a future rental property. She explains how lenders evaluate debt-to-income ratios, when future rental income may count toward mortgage approval, and why it's important to run the numbers carefully before deciding whether becoming a landlord is truly worth it.Should you pay off a car loan early, even if it might impact your credit score? Another listener asks whether paying off the final $1,000 on a car loan could hurt their credit. Farnoosh explains the difference between revolving credit and installment loans, how credit mix factors into your score, and why the emotional relief of becoming debt-free can sometimes outweigh purely mathematical investing advice.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode is about neurodivergence, the workplace, and a question that more families and employers are beginning to confront: Why are so many talented people still struggling to get hired and succeed at work simply because the systems around them weren't designed with them in mind?My guest is Dr. Helen Genova, Associate Director of the Center for Autism Research at Kessler Foundation, where she also directs the Social Cognition and Neuroscience Laboratory. She's also an Assistant Research Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.Today, we're focusing on one area where her work is having an especially profound impact: helping autistic young adults navigate the hiring process and workplace culture, while also helping employers rethink what inclusion and talent recognition can actually look like.We'll talk about why job interviews can be such a major barrier, the hidden communication mismatch happening in workplaces every day, the importance of self-advocacy and employer education, and what all of us—whether we're managers, coworkers, parents, or job seekers—can do to build more supportive and successful work environments.Learn more about the KF STRIDE program.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women today are more educated than ever. More ambitious than ever. More likely to be breadwinners, business owners, and leaders in their households and communities. And yet — despite decades of progress — the pay gap persists, women continue to hit barriers at work, and many still feel punished for wanting both financial success and personal fulfillment.My guest today says that's not a coincidence. It's a system.Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez is back on So Money with her powerful new book, The Ambition Penalty, which examines how corporate culture encourages women to strive, achieve, and “lean in” — only to penalize them once they begin claiming real power, money, and authority.In this conversation, we unpack the myths we've been sold about ambition and meritocracy, why women are still more likely to face backlash for negotiating and asking for raises, and how inequality at work is deeply connected to inequality at home. Stefanie also shares why the rise of both “girlboss” culture and the tradwife movement miss the bigger picture — and what actually needs to change if we want more equitable outcomes for women.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: A possible Covid-related tax refund, the demographic with the biggest student loan defaults, can AI help with your money….and All-things 529 plans and college savings with Patricia Roberts.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by Carrie Joy Grimes. founder of WorkMoney and the author of the new book The Joy of Money. She's a former union organizer who spent years helping workers fight for better wages and benefits while also trying to untangle her own complicated relationship with money — debt, shame, financial anxiety, all of it.In this episode, we talk about why so many women still avoid taking ownership of their finances, how to rebuild confidence after money mistakes, whether homeownership still makes sense, and how to separate what society tells us should make us happy from what actually does.We also talk about the inspiration behind her new book, The Joy of Money, and why she believes financial security is not just about numbers — it's about feeling safer, freer, and more in control of your life.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Simone Stolzoff, journalist and author of the new book, How to Not Know: The Value of Uncertainty in a World that Demands Answers, says we are living through what the World Health Organization calls a “polycrisis” — overlapping economic, political, technological, and personal disruptions that are leaving many of us feeling anxious, untethered, and desperate for answers.But what if the goal isn't to eliminate uncertainty?What if the real skill is learning how to live with it?Simone argues that our obsession with certainty — whether in our careers, relationships, finances, or identities — may actually be making us more anxious, less adaptable, and less fulfilled.In this conversation, we talk about:Why uncertainty tolerance is decliningThe surprising psychology behind layoffs and career anxietyWhy savings can create emotional flexibility, not just financial securityHow to stop tying your self-worth to your job titleThe dangers of chasing a “dream job”Why curiosity may be one of the most important skills in the AI eraAnd how becoming a parent forced Simone to practice what he preachesLearn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.