

Rich Habits Podcast
Austin Hankwitz and Robert Croak
Introducing the Rich Habits Podcast — a financial literacy podcast for anyone ready to take back control of their money by implementing new habits.
Join Robert Croak and Austin Hankwitz every Monday, Thursday, and Friday as they demystify the financial habits of the rich, share their own mistakes and shortcomings, and lay out the blueprint for you to succeed with money.
Robert is a decamillionaire with 30+ years of business experience and $200M+ of company exits under his belt, while Austin is an entrepreneur in his 20s eager to learn.
Join Robert Croak and Austin Hankwitz every Monday, Thursday, and Friday as they demystify the financial habits of the rich, share their own mistakes and shortcomings, and lay out the blueprint for you to succeed with money.
Robert is a decamillionaire with 30+ years of business experience and $200M+ of company exits under his belt, while Austin is an entrepreneur in his 20s eager to learn.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2025 • 42min
Rich Habits at the New York Stock Exchange
Bilal Little, the engaging host of the ETF Central podcast, dives into the dynamic world of ETFs and investing strategies. He explores the rise of AI and its impact on the market, predicting significant trends like humanoid robots and tokenization of real assets. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of building trust with listeners and removing barriers to investment. Additionally, they discuss advanced strategies for retail investors, portfolio construction, and the exciting potential of launching a Rich Habits ETF.

Dec 18, 2025 • 44min
Q&A: Making Extra Money, Opening a Bar, & Paying Down Loans
This discussion dives into the nitty-gritty of financial decision-making. From prioritizing loans over investments to the debate between renting and buying while in debt, the hosts provide actionable advice. They emphasize the importance of setting spending rules tied to investment milestones and explore strategies for managing settlements wisely. Plus, the thought of opening a bar while in debt? Not so fast! Overall, it’s a journey through smart, balanced financial habits that motivate healthy savings.

5 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 42min
148: Inside Google Finance’s AI Upgrade — With Google VP Rose Yao
Rose Yao, VP of Product Management at Google Search, dives into the exciting transformation of Google Finance, making financial data more accessible to retail investors. She shares insights on how generative AI is revolutionizing finance by providing real-time data, analyst reports, and an AI companion to simplify complex concepts. Rose emphasizes the importance of democratizing financial research, enabling users to harness professional-grade tools. Her journey as an immigrant fuels her vision for intuitive products that help everyone invest smarter.

11 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 21min
SpaceX's 2026 IPO, Disney's $1B Investment in OpenAI, & Warby Parker's AI Glasses
Discover the financial landscape as hosts dive into the Fed's recent rate cut and its implications for markets and real estate. They explore Disney's bold $1 billion investment in OpenAI for innovative character licensing aimed at a younger audience. Plus, get the latest scoop on SpaceX's ambitious IPO plans with a staggering $1.5 trillion valuation, anticipating ventures like lunar manufacturing. The discussion also touches on market reactions and notable trends in ETFs and AI technologies.

6 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 44min
Q&A: Young & In Debt, Maximizing Cash Flow, & Buying Real Estate w/ Friends
This engaging discussion tackles the intricacies of buying property with friends, emphasizing clear LLC agreements and defined roles. The hosts delve into structuring deals and the importance of maintaining emergency funds, recommending high-yield cash accounts for better returns. They also explore balancing student loans with investing, advocating for frugality to jumpstart wealth. Tips for side hustles highlight maximizing income effectively, while advice on when to use margin loans adds another layer of investment strategy.

21 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 32min
147: How to Achieve Your 2026 Money Goals
Exploring how to achieve your financial goals by 2026, the hosts emphasize shifting from outcome-focused thinking to behavior-driven habits. They discuss creating systems that automate positive financial behaviors, like automatic transfers and incremental investments. Delving into the importance of consistency, they suggest habit-stacking tactics and making good choices easier while complicating bad ones. Additionally, they address listener questions on strategies for emergency funds and investment structures, providing valuable tactical insights.

10 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 22min
Trump Loves AI Robots, Spotify Music Videos, & "Metaverse" Hype Fading
Meta's drastic budget cuts spark a discussion on their shift toward AI. The U.S. job market reveals surprising losses, particularly among small businesses. Cyber Monday sees massive spending through 'Buy Now Pay Later' services. In tech news, Spotify ventures into music videos to rival TikTok. Trump's administration shows support for AI robotics, hinting at future investment opportunities. Plus, Netflix's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery could reshape media landscapes!

6 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 36min
Q&A: Money Fights w/ My Spouse, UTMA Accounts, & Switching Careers at 63
This discussion tackles navigating money disagreements with your partner, emphasizing open communication and shared investment goals. They explore whether to finance or pay cash for a used car, considering seasonal deals and interest rates. The hosts dissect the best accounts for children's wealth-building, comparing options like UTMA and 529 plans. They also reflect on career changes at 63, suggesting a focus on happiness and upskilling. Plus, a deep dive into rolling over retirement accounts for optimal investment strategies.

23 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 38min
146: Lease or Buy? The Real Math Behind Your Next Car
Dive into the real math behind leasing versus buying your next vehicle. Discover the hidden costs of leasing, like mileage penalties and wear-and-tear charges. Learn why buying a used car can save you from initial depreciation and build wealth in the long run. The hosts share practical steps to help you decide between leasing and owning, breaking down cash flow implications and ownership lengths. Plus, they discuss the dealer incentives that keep customers caught in a perpetual payment cycle.

9 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 27min
Apple's (Potentially) New CEO, Amazon's $50B Investment, & December Rate Cuts
Dive into the latest buzz around the Federal Reserve's hints at potential rate cuts in December and what it means for investors. Find out about Amazon's jaw-dropping $50 billion investment in data centers and the opportunities it opens up. The hosts also unpack the concerning trends in U.S. home prices and how buyers might need to rethink their strategies. Plus, there's a lively discussion about leadership changes at Apple and the effects of Big Tech on the market. Tune in for all the insights and investment tips!


