So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

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

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

Amina AlTai, executive coach and author of The Ambition Trap, shares her transformative journey from a near-fatal health crisis prompted by relentless ambition. She discusses the distinction between painful ambition, linked to past wounds, and purposeful ambition, driven by authenticity. Amina reveals how societal expectations affect women and people of color in the workplace. With practical steps for healthier ambition, she advocates for a holistic approach that includes community involvement and personal well-being, challenging traditional hustle culture.

Cameron Normand, a certified stepfamily coach and founder of Stepfamily Solutions, shares insights on the intricate world of blended family finances. She highlights the unique emotional and financial challenges faced by stepparents, including the insider-outsider dynamic and the societal biases against stepmoms. Cameron emphasizes the importance of setting practical financial boundaries, addressing college costs, and recognizing the emotional labor that stepmoms often shoulder. Her 10 Essential Stepmom Scripts offer valuable support for navigating these complex dynamics.

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

Daniel Post Senning, great-great-grandson of Emily Post and co-president of the Emily Post Institute, shares wisdom on modern financial etiquette. He delves into tricky topics like splitting bills, tipping, and discussing salaries among friends. The discussion highlights how AI and remote work are reshaping communication norms, making it crucial to be mindful of how we approach money matters. Whether it's navigating wedding costs or post-pandemic workplace interactions, Senning emphasizes the power of good manners in ensuring respectful financial conversations.

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

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

Financial journalist Beth Pinsker, author of *My Mother's Money*, shares her journey into managing her aging mother's finances after a health crisis. She discusses crucial first steps to take, emphasizing the importance of having a power of attorney. Beth reveals the frustrations she faced with banks and insurers and offers strategies for overcoming institutional barriers. The conversation touches on the emotional toll of financial caregiving and the complexities of long-term care insurance. Insights from her mother also highlight the need for careful financial planning.

Pat Flynn, a titan in digital business and the mastermind behind Smart Passive Income, discusses his latest book on 'Lean Learning.' He reveals how to master skills efficiently in our information-saturated world and shares the '20% itch rule' for effective experimentation. The conversation highlights the importance of focusing on relevant information to validate business ideas and emphasizes the balance between comfort, inspiration, and embracing change in a dynamic landscape driven by AI. Tune in for insights on maximizing productivity without burnout!