So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

Ever wonder why we take on debt knowing it will cost us — or why flashing a credit card can feel like flashing status? It’s not just poor math or bad habits. It’s biology, psychology, and marketing, all tangled together.In today’s episode, we unpack the psychology of spending with Wright State University professor and author John Dinsmore, whose new book The Marketing of Debt: How They Get You breaks down the subtle — and not-so-subtle — ways marketers capitalize on our optimism, impulsivity, and desire for status.We talk about:Why your brain underestimates the pain of future debtHow credit card companies brand products to play on our egosWhy handling money can make us less generousThe hidden costs of “quiet luxury” and keeping up appearancesAnd how Dinsmore’s own research found that just touching $20 bills increased testosterone and reduced charitable giving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s show: The benefits of credit cards, recommended stock portfolio allocations and resources for helping kids learn about money. Plus: How to execute a rollover or backdoor Roth IRA? (This episode originally aired in 2024) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Menopause used to be a whispered word, something women were expected to endure quietly. But that’s changing—and fast. Women are reclaiming this stage of life, demanding better care, and rewriting the narrative. And leading the charge is my guest today, Emmy-winning journalist and menopause advocate, Tamsen Fadal.With a career spanning over three decades in television news, Tamsen has transitioned her focus towards empowering women navigating midlife changes.Her latest endeavor, the book How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better Than Before, serves as a comprehensive guide to help women manage the multifaceted aspects of menopause.Receive Farnoosh’s free Investing BlueprintFollow on InstagramJoin the So Money Members ClubLeave a review on Apple PodcastsOrder Farnoosh’s new book, A Healthy State of PanicThis episode originally aired on March 12, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farnoosh speaks with Dr. Ellen Vora, psychiatrist and author of the book The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response about the root of our anxieties, how they impact our financial wellness and her holistic approach to healing. Her book is now in paperback!More about Dr. Vora: She received her B.A. from Yale University and attended Columbia University medical school. She’s a board-certified psychiatrist, medical acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health–considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root, rather than reflexively prescribing medication. In addition to her private practice and speaking engagements, Dr. Vora consults for healthcare startups.This episode originally aired Feb 21, 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh answers audience questions about whether a couple is financially on track, should you put your home in a trust, and the difference between money market accounts and money market funds. Referenced on the show: Episode on All-Things Estate Planning and the So Money Members Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re diving into the world of real estate investing—not just as a strategy for wealth, but as a movement for women to claim financial independence, build generational wealth, and find community in a traditionally male-dominated space.My guest is Liz Faircloth, co-founder of InvestHer, a global platform and network that helps women invest confidently in real estate, connect with opportunities, and build wealth on their terms. You may know Liz and her partner Andresa from the InvestHer podcast—550 episodes strong—and the growing ecosystem they've built to support women at every stage of their investing journey.And speaking of support, don’t miss InvestHER Con, happening June 1–3 in Orlando. It’s a one-of-a-kind, hands-on real estate conference where the networking is intentional, the knowledge is strategic, and the energy is unmatched. If you’re serious about real estate and want to learn from women who are actively building wealth in this market, this is the room to be in. In this conversation, Liz and I talk about how she found her way into real estate, how to identify the right markets to invest in now, the risks to consider before diving in, and why knowledge alone isn’t enough—you need the right network, too. We also explore short-term vs long-term rentals, co-living models, and how Liz protects her time and energy as an entrepreneur, investor, and mom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zarna Garg, a comedian and writer, shares her inspiring journey as an Indian immigrant mother turned stand-up comedian. She reveals how she transformed personal crises, particularly her husband’s job loss, into a thriving comedy career. Zarna discusses betting on herself in midlife and using clean humor strategically. She also reflects on navigating financial stress, immigrant identity, and balancing motherhood with ambition, all while delivering hilarious anecdotes that highlight resilience and creativity.

Explore the impact of economic shifts on personal finances, from falling customer counts at major chains to evolving job markets. A heartfelt story illustrates the resilience families can cultivate during financial stress. Listeners seek advice on balancing values and salary in cooperative jobs, adjusting 529 college savings plans amid market fluctuations, and overcoming financial overwhelm. Discover practical steps for financial empowerment and the importance of open conversations about money within families.

Heather Zack, an attorney and financial planner specializing in estate planning for all wealth levels, shares crucial insights into estate planning. She demystifies the importance of wills and trusts, highlighting their significance even for those with modest assets. The discussion also tackles common pitfalls, the legitimacy of DIY estate planning websites, and the unique concerns faced by women in securing their families’ futures. Listeners learn about the value of revisiting estate plans during life changes and the power of effective family communication regarding financial matters.

Today's guest is Rachel Rodgers—a powerhouse entrepreneur, bestselling author, and tireless advocate for wealth building, especially for those historically excluded from financial success. You might remember Rachel from her groundbreaking book, We Should All Be Millionaires.She's back with another insightful and empowering book titled Future Millionaire: A Young Person's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Wealth Inevitable. It's a powerful message for young people, particularly those aged 13 to 25, designed to equip them not just with dreams, but with a strategic blueprint for achieving genuine wealth.Rachel's mission is clear: it's time we start teaching our children that wealth is within their reach, no matter their starting point. Today, she joins me to discuss how we can foster a millionaire mindset in our kids, why being rich and famous isn't the goal, and what practical steps parents and young adults can take right now to secure their financial futures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.