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
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.
22 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h
Are Credit Card Rewards Really Worth It in 2026?
In this engaging discussion, Chris Hutchins, founder of All the Hacks and a travel rewards guru, reveals the evolving landscape of credit card rewards as we approach 2026. He emphasizes the importance of welcome bonuses over minor point optimizations while sharing new award search tools that enhance travel flexibility. Chris offers tips on valuing card credits realistically and suggests experimenting with cash back for simplicity. He also presents a savvy strategy of buying points directly, providing listeners with fresh insights to refine their credit card approach.
9 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 56min
44 Years Old, $2 Million Saved – Why They're Still Hesitant to Downshift
Slade contemplates a career downshift while managing a $685K brokerage account. He's looking for guidance on asset allocation and withdrawals for a smooth transition. Meanwhile, David grapples with the best strategy for funding his son's college education, debating between a $60K 529 plan and a $200K 457(b). Graham introduces a savvy asset-swap strategy to avoid capital gains while rebalancing investments. The hosts dive deep into tax implications and behavioral aspects of financial planning, highlighting the importance of strategic flexibility.
25 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 54min
Why Taking a Year Off Might Be Your Smartest Money Move, with David Bach
David Bach, bestselling author of The Automatic Millionaire, shares insights on money and mini-retirements. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying life now rather than waiting for retirement, discussing his own year off that sparked profound changes. The conversation covers rethinking retirement withdrawals and advocating for early Social Security benefits. Bach also introduces the concept of the 'latte factor' to illustrate how small savings can lead to significant wealth. His practical advice on automating finances encourages listeners to build a life they love.
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 4min
Should You Ever Get a 50 Year Mortgage? — with Dr. Karsten Jeske
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Karsten Jeske, a former Federal Reserve economist and finance blogger, dives into the controversial topic of 50-year mortgages. He highlights when these loans might benefit sophisticated investors looking to manage cash flow instead of traditional homeowners. The conversation also reveals how ultra-long mortgages could inflate home prices, impacting future buyers and generational wealth. Delve into the complex math of equity growth and the risks involved, providing listeners insights on long-term financial strategies.
45 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 43min
First Friday: The Strange Economics of Feeling Poor While Spending More Description:
Explore the curious contradiction of soaring retail spending alongside waning consumer confidence. Discover how small businesses are struggling while discount chains thrive in a K-shaped recovery. Learn about shifting shopping behaviors, from early holiday sales to AI-driven deals and buy-now-pay-later options. Dive into essential financial strategies for year-end, including tax-loss harvesting and retirement contributions. Unpack the disconnect between economic growth and everyday feelings of financial strain.
12 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 54min
Q&A: How Much Insurance Is Enough When You’re Protecting Your Wealth
Explore the nuances of liability and umbrella insurance costs while protecting a growing net worth. Discover strategies to mitigate risks, especially with teenage drivers in the household. Learn about the balance of Roth versus pre-tax contributions when facing varying tax rates. Consider how to consolidate IRAs for potential backdoor Roth contributions while weighing investment choices. This engaging discussion sheds light on long-term financial planning and the evolving landscape of insurance and tax strategies.
21 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Psychology of Sales, Discounts and Deals [GREATEST HITS]
Join Jeff Kreisler, a behavioral economist and co-author of Dollars and Sense, as he uncovers the emotional drivers behind financial decisions. He reveals how sales strategies exploit our biases, from the relativity principle to the JCPenney pricing experiment. Delve into the ethics of marketing nudges and learn effective techniques to manage spending. Jeff shares practical solutions like automatic transfers and visual savings tools to conquer financial pitfalls. Get ready to reshape your relationship with money!
