

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

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!

15 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 42min
Q&A: Mega Backdoor 401(k), Medical School Debt, & Losing a $50K Investment
Explore the essentials of mega backdoor Roth contributions and how to prioritize your retirement savings. Discover the best strategies for balancing student loan payments and investing simultaneously. Learn the pros and cons of Roth vs. traditional accounts, especially for those considering retirement abroad. Get tips on managing a delayed private REIT and the benefits of using home equity to tackle credit card debt. This Q&A covers practical financial advice for building a solid financial foundation while navigating big life choices.

13 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 35min
145: Our Black Friday & Cyber Monday Playbook — Saving You Hundreds
Discover the secrets to snagging the best deals this Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Austin and Robert delve into the psychology behind retailers' sales tactics. Learn how to confirm real discounts using handy tools like CamelCamelCamel and Honey. They share clever tips, like leveraging abandoned cart emails for extra savings. Plus, get the crucial scoop on what to buy and what to avoid. Their 5-step playbook equips you to budget effectively and stay on track for the ultimate shopping success!

10 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 38min
Special Guest: Bob Pisani, Market Meltdown, & Walmart's New $100K Customers
In this engaging conversation, Bob Pisani, a veteran CNBC correspondent and author of "Shut Up and Keep Talking," shares his insights on market trends and investing. He discusses the recent shift of higher-income Walmart shoppers favoring value, the implications of September's jobs report on the Federal Reserve, and the importance of long-term investing principles. Bob emphasizes avoiding market timing and learning from the great Jack Bogle about index investing, all while sharing memorable experiences from the NYSE floor.

10 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 41min
Q&A: When To Rebalance A Portfolio, Robert's Altcoins, & Weekly Dividends
Austin and Robert tackle portfolio rebalancing, sharing strategies for when to sell winners and boost underperformers. They dive into crypto, highlighting key tokens like HBAR and XLM linked to ISO 2022, and discuss Bitcoin's cycle signals. Practical advice follows for budgeting, emergency funds, and maximizing Roth IRAs. Caution is urged against weekly dividend ETFs due to potential drawbacks, while tips for evaluating covered-call ETFs are also provided. Get ready for actionable insights on managing wealth!


