So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

This week on Ask Farnoosh, a listener is grappling with over $100,000 in student loan debt. What is the best way to pay this off fast?We also hear from a longtime listener and how she managed to triple her income, pay down debt and save over $400,000 for retirement while listening to So Money.Check out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

If you're dreaming of your next adventure but worried about the price tag, you've come to the right place! All this week on the podcast, we're diving deep into travel tips, tricks, and money-saving strategies. Earlier, we heard from Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, on how to maximize travel rewards and cut costs on flights and hotels.Today, we're keeping the momentum going with another expert traveler, Matthew Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt. His New York Times bestselling book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, is now in its fourth edition. We talk about everything from affordable travel destinations and hidden local gems to travel logistics, like minimizing ATM and credit card fees abroad.Check out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Today, we're diving into the world of travel and points with none other than Brian Kelly, a long-time friend of the show and the founder of The Points Guy. Brian is here to talk about his new book, How to Win at Travel, a guide that helps you unlock all the secrets to mastering the points game, maximizing travel perks, and scoring luxury experiences without luxury price tags. We'll cover:Why Brian calls this era the "platinum age of travel" and how to take full advantage of it.The biggest mistakes travelers make with airline and hotel bookings—and how to avoid them.How to leverage rewards credit cards strategically to score free business-class trips to Europe.The top tech tools to help you find the best award flights and travel deals with minimal effort.Insider tips on travel insurance, packing, and even why you should throw an Apple AirTag into your luggage!Check out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Discover savvy investment strategies for midlife individuals, focused on making impactful financial decisions. Learn how to wisely handle inherited assets, including the intricacies of REITs and minimizing tax implications. Explore the evolving real estate landscape and the challenges posed by rising interest rates. Delve into the implications of tech on education and career paths while emphasizing financial literacy. Plus, gain insights into emotions surrounding inherited wealth and the importance of starting retirement savings at any stage.

Dan Schawbel, a New York Times bestselling author and workplace expert, dives into the alarming trends of AI in the job market. He discusses how companies are leaning towards automation over hiring fresh college grads, potentially diminishing the value of degrees. Schawbel highlights which jobs might withstand the automation wave and the growing appeal of blue-collar work. He also emphasizes essential soft skills and the evolving landscape of education, urging listeners to rethink their strategies for job security in this changing world.

Anne-Lyse Ngatta (aka Anne-Lyse Wealth), a personal finance writer, podcaster, and former CP, rejoins the podcast with a very important story to share—her journey of overcoming stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. In this episode, we’ll dive into her experience of self-diagnosing her illness, advocating for herself within the healthcare system, and navigating the challenges of treatment. Anne-Lyse also shares her powerful advice on why securing life insurance is a critical part of protecting yourself and your family, especially when life takes unexpected turns. Beyond her battle with cancer, she opens up about how the experience reshaped her outlook on life—focusing more on living in the moment than planning for the future.Learn more about Anne-Lyse.Check our her article in Forbes about securing life insurance.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Introducing Farnoosh's latest offering in the podcast universe: The Montclair Pod, a hyper local podcast centered on the news, culture and issues within Montclair, New Jersey. In this episode, Farnoosh and co-hosts explore the local implications of President Donald Trump’s second term. With Montclair overwhelmingly voting for Kamala Harris, we examine the town’s political identity and how it contrasts with broader trends, including New Jersey’s rightward shift in the 2024 election.The episode begins with voices from the community with a visit to Tierney’s Tavern on Inauguration Day. The hosts discuss the dynamics of political affiliation in a predominantly liberal town, including insights from Michael D. Byrne, Chairman of the Montclair Republican County Committee. Byrne sheds light on the challenges faced by local Republicans and the aspects of Trump’s leadership that resonate with his supporters.The show also explores the ripple effects of Trump's policy proposals from immigration enforcement to the possible dismantling of the Department of Education. Guests, include Dr. Jackie Vimo, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Law and Montclair State University and Montclair Board of Education member Jada Roman.Finally, the episode spotlights Gabriela Tutalo, owner of the boutique Solano. She shares her concerns about tariffs on imported goods, offering a glimpse into the resilience and creativity of small business owners adapting to economic challenges.**Subscribe, leave a review, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram. Email us at Hello@MontclairPod.com**

Georgia Lee Hussey, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Modernist Financial, joins the program. Learn how to navigate the stock market when analysts predict slower growth over the next 10 years, how to choose the right 529 plan for your child’s education, and a new way to think about the economic value of stay-at-home parenting. Join Farnoosh's free info session for Book to BrandCheck out her new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

As we kick off 2025, a year already marked by uncertainty with a new presidential term underway, many of us are feeling a mix of anxiety and hesitation about our financial futures. From proposed tax changes to shifts in education and immigration policies, the ripple effects on our wallets are undeniable.To help us navigate this emotional terrain, we welcome back financial therapist Aja Evans. Aja's new book, Feel Good Finance, is the guide we all need right now, offering practical strategies for untangling our money emotions and building a healthier relationship with our finances. In today’s episode, Aja will help us:Understand how our early experiences shape our financial habits and anxieties.Learn how to address money conflicts in relationships with grace and communication.Avoid rash financial decisions in moments of heightened emotion or uncertainty.Set boundaries around social pressures and financial FOMO—whether from friends or social media.Create practical, personalized systems for organizing and managing money that actually work for you.

This episode originally aired on November 17, 2024.As we enter a second Trump administration, there’s growing concern over the future of climate policies. With environmental protection on the chopping block, it’s never been more critical for individuals to take action where they can—through their spending, saving, and investing choices. Today’s conversation with financial author Kara Perez couldn’t come at a better time. Kara is the founder of Bravely Go and the author of her debut book, Green Money, where she offers a roadmap for how we can use our money to create meaningful change, even in the face of policy setbacks.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.