So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

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.

In this engaging discussion, Jamie Bossy, a financial planner, author, and mother of four, sheds light on why the tween years are essential for developing sound money habits. Jamie emphasizes introducing investing through relatable brands, like buying shares in Nike, to make it engaging for kids. She advocates for using custodial accounts for real-world experience and stresses the importance of teaching financial basics before diving into investing. Jamie also shares insights on teaching both girls and boys equally about money, encouraging transparency, and making financial discussions age-appropriate.

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, the conversation dives into the dilemma faced by pandemic homebuyers feeling trapped by their low mortgage rates. Gen Z is delaying major life milestones like marriage and careers to afford homes. A new CFPB proposal threatens to weaken crucial lending anti-discrimination protections. Listeners also have pressing questions about home equity loans, utilizing healthcare FSAs, and early retirement withdrawals. Tips include avoiding risks when buying homes for parents and maximizing savings for a secure financial future.

Hannah Cole, founder of Sunlight Tax and author of Taxes for Humans, brings humor and practicality to navigating taxes for the self-employed. She emphasizes the importance of tax education as a form of empowerment, helping freelancers overcome limiting beliefs and shame. Her simple three-system organization for tax documents makes the process accessible. Hannah also demystifies audits, explains how to handle unpaid taxes, and highlights tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs. This conversation transforms tax knowledge into a tool for advocacy and financial security.

Ann Margaret Carrozza is a seasoned asset-protection and elder-law attorney, known for her work supporting women and families in safeguarding their wealth. She emphasizes that legal protection is crucial for building wealth, especially for women facing unique financial challenges. Topics include the importance of financial transparency with partners, the role of prenups in setting financial goals, and practical steps for long-term care planning. Carrozza also discusses trusts as a means to protect your home and avoid probate.