Afford Anything
Paula Pant | Cumulus Podcast Network
You can afford anything, but not everything. We make daily decisions about how to spend money, time, energy, focus and attention – and ultimately, our life.How do we make smarter decisions? How do we think from first principles?On the surface, Afford Anything seems like a podcast about money and investing.But under the hood, this is a show about how to think critically, recognize our behavioral blind spots, and make smarter choices. We’re into the psychology of money, and we love metacognition: thinking about how to think.In some episodes, we interview world-class experts: professors, researchers, scientists, authors. In other episodes, we answer your questions, talking through decision-making frameworks and mental models.Want to learn more? Download our free book, Escape, at http://affordanything.com/escape. Hosted by Paula Pant.
Episodes
Mentioned books
31 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 55min
Q&A: I Want to Retire Early Without Selling My Stocks in a Crash
Mia explores using a securities-backed line of credit to avoid selling stocks during market crashes. Jean is contemplating the best way to save for her upcoming three-year sabbatical, weighing options between high-yield accounts and brokerage funds. Jared questions whether pensions truly beat 401(k)s or if nostalgia plays a role. The hosts delve into the trade-offs of these retirement tools, discussing risks, flexibility, and the changing landscape of benefits in today's workforce.
34 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 31min
Why AI Taking Your Job Isn't the Real Problem, with Fmr. OpenAI Exec Zack Kass
In this engaging discussion, Zack Kass, a former OpenAI executive and AI industry veteran, explores the real implications of AI on our identities and work. He flips the narrative on job loss, suggesting that the true crisis stems from losing our sense of purpose. Kass delves into why many embrace automation in certain fields while resisting it in their own jobs. He highlights how AI could enhance financial literacy and break debt cycles, offering insights into the future of work and the need for community connection in an increasingly automated world.
15 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 9min
Q&A: We Want to Save Senior Dogs … But Should We Sell Our Rental to Do It?
A dream of creating a sanctuary for senior dogs sparks a financial debate over selling or refinancing rental properties. The hosts discuss funding options and the heavy demands of running a nonprofit. Meanwhile, another caller grapples with optimizing retirement savings through strategic Roth conversions. With a young adventurer planning an epic hiking year, the hosts navigate tax opportunities and the importance of life's experiences, balancing financial planning with personal fulfillment.
69 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 42min
First Friday: What 2026 Means for Your Money
As 2026 begins, listeners are greeted with mixed financial news. Gas prices have dipped below $3, but health insurance costs are soaring. The economy shows surprising GDP growth against a backdrop of rising unemployment. While the stock market thrives, many feel the pinch at the checkout, highlighting the disparity between wealth and income. The term 'millionaire malaise' encapsulates this reality, where paper assets look great, but life's essentials remain burdensome. Practical financial tips and goals for the year are also shared.
15 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
Q&A: Should You Keep Part of Your Money Outside the U.S.?
Dive into a listener's impressive $1.2 million portfolio as they explore efficient asset allocation and Roth IRA contributions. The hosts discuss whether 100% stocks are appropriate, emphasizing personal risk tolerance. Learn about the complexities of rebalancing without tax implications, alongside tactics for achieving portfolio efficiency. They also tackle the pros and cons of holding assets outside the U.S., weighing the risks of offshore accounts against the geopolitical stability of American investments. Tune in for practical advice and insights!
Dec 26, 2025 • 46min
[E] The Myths We Believed About Startups [GREATEST HITS]
Rand Fishkin, the savvy founder of Moz and SparkToro, dives into the myths surrounding startups and entrepreneurship. He shares his eye-opening experiences with nearly half a million dollars in debt and the stressful impact of debt collectors on his life. Rand highlights the stark differences between service and product businesses, clearing up misconceptions about wealth and growth. He advocates for self-awareness and transparency as key traits for founders, and reflects on the complexities of startup culture that often contradict the glamorous narrative.
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 18min
[R] Remember When Inflation Was High and Rates Were Rising? [GREATEST HITS]
Sunny Rao, a seasoned real estate investor and co-host of Invest Anywhere's First Friday episodes, dives into the intricacies of long-distance real estate investing. He and Paula Pant explore the five challenges investors face when investing far from home, from managing contractors to overcoming fear. They discuss the benefits of entering lower-cost markets, including enhanced competition and the ability to diversify. Sunny also explains creative acquisition strategies and vital tips for maintaining successful remote operations.
Dec 24, 2025 • 47min
[I] Why Young Investors Focus on the Wrong Things [GREATEST HITS]
Nick Maggiulli, a data scientist and author of Of Dollars And Data, discusses why young investors often get sidetracked by the wrong metrics. He shares his invaluable Save-Invest Continuum, highlighting that contributions to savings often outweigh small investment returns in early stages. He explains how to strategically balance saving and investing throughout life, the importance of investing in income-producing assets, and practical advice like saving half of any future raises. Nick's insights can help redefine financial priorities for young investors.
26 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
[I] The Hidden Information That's Costing You Money [GREATEST HITS]
Jeff Wetzler, an author and negotiation expert with a background in education, dives into the nuances of information withholding. He discusses why people avoid sharing feedback, revealing four key types of hidden information. The fascinating 'smudge experiment' illustrates our reluctance to point out issues, even when noticing them. Wetzler emphasizes the power of curiosity in negotiations, advocating for better questions to unlock value. He also explores how AI can enhance our questioning skills, making the art of asking more effective than ever.
13 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 46min
[F] Why Your Brain Sabotages Your Money [GREATEST HITS]
Dr. Daniel Crosby, a clinical psychologist and behavioral finance expert, discusses how our brains often sabotage our financial decisions. He reveals that physiological states like hunger and needing to urinate can drastically alter risk assessments and investment choices. Crosby highlights four behavioral risks that can derail wealth: ego, conservatism, attention, and emotion, while emphasizing that awareness and community support are key to improving financial well-being. He urges listeners to take actionable steps to better manage their money and reduce stress.
