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
4 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 42min
First Friday: The Government Shuts Down -- But Bitcoin is at an All-Time High?!?
The U.S. government is shutting down, raising questions about its market impact, while Bitcoin hits record highs amid inflation fears. Explore the new jobs report and its implications for federal interest rates, as well as the resilience seen in the labor market. Discover why emotional investing can lead to costly mistakes during uncertain times and the dynamics of housing and retirement age shifts. Dive into the reasons behind the surge in Bitcoin and gold, with advice on maintaining discipline in your investment strategy.
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
Q&A: How Do You Maximize a Mini-Retirement?
Considering a mini-retirement? Discover essential tips on health insurance options so you can take that break without stress. Learn how to make the most of your time off by embracing curiosity and focusing on personal growth. Explore flexible strategies for leftover 529 funds, including potential rollovers into IRAs. Celebrate success stories like landing a remote job with a significant raise, and get insights on navigating tax amendments after disasters. It’s all about planning for a fulfilling financial future!
44 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Third Option Between Working and Retiring
In a fascinating discussion, Andy Hill, an author and podcaster, shares his journey to a Coast FIRE lifestyle where both he and his wife work part-time. He elaborates on his 10-step framework for achieving this balance, emphasizing the importance of financial freedom and family time. Topics include the impact of part-time schedules on parenting, the concept of Coast FIRE, and practical steps for achieving debt freedom. Andy’s insights inspire a rethinking of work-life priorities, encouraging families to dream big and live meaningfully.
15 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 17min
Q&A: My Friend Won’t Invest - How Can I Help?
Mike shares his journey toward financial independence while helping a friend whose spouse resists investing. Michael discusses tracking his net worth and the moment investment returns will eclipse savings. Alvaro contemplates whether to finance an ADU for rental income or expand his family home. Jonathan questions the shift in investment strategies, weighing the efficient frontier against a simpler approach. Insightful discussions unfold as Paula and Joe provide guidance and tackle these real-life financial dilemmas.
88 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Hidden Psychology Behind Every Financial Decision You Make with Dr. Daniel Crosby
In this discussion, Dr. Daniel Crosby, a behavioral finance expert and bestselling author, delves into how our psychology influences financial decisions. He reveals that money acts as a mirror, reflecting our true values beyond what we state. Dr. Crosby emphasizes that increasing income is more crucial for long-term wealth than mere frugality. He also warns against the dangers of short-term comforts, like panic-selling, which can threaten our financial health. Expect insights into how personality traits shape our spending and investment habits.
25 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 3min
LIVESTREAM: A Former Fed Economist Reveals What's Really Happening, with Karsten Jeske (“Big ERN”)
Karsten Jeske, a former Federal Reserve economist and founder of Early Retirement Now, offers a riveting insider's view on the economy. He shares anecdotes from his time at the Fed and explains the upcoming interest rate cuts despite rising inflation. Jeske reveals how high rates can paradoxically lead to housing inflation, urging listeners to act quickly if considering real estate moves. He also discusses the concept of 'procrastisaving' and highlights the importance of understanding economic indicators in navigating personal finance.
10 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 26min
BONUS: Stagflation, Stocks & Social Security - What’s Next for Your Money? with Rob Berger
Rob Berger, a former lawyer and financial expert known for his insights on personal finance, joins Paula Pant to tackle pressing economic questions. They discuss whether the American Dream is still achievable for Gen Z and if another market crash is looming. Rob offers strategies for investing in an overpriced stock market and assesses the future of Social Security amidst rising inflation. With candid advice on asset allocation and retirement planning, this conversation is packed with practical insights for all ages.
10 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 29min
The Case for Investing in Individual Stocks, with Co-Founder of the Motley Fool, David Gardner
David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool and author of Rule Breaker Investing, dives into individual stock picking and contrarian strategies. He discusses the six defining traits of 'Rule Breaker' stocks, emphasizing the importance of qualitative analysis over just numbers. Listeners will learn why unconventional picks can yield unique opportunities and how skills from stock evaluation can enhance business acumen. Gardner also draws parallels between investing and sports fandom, encouraging a personalized approach to investing that aligns with one's values.
16 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 58min
Q&A: ChatGPT Built Her $1.2M Portfolio … But Should You Trust It?
Cristina discusses her $1.2 million portfolio and explores the role of AI in financial planning. The panel critiques investment strategies, focusing on diversification and asset allocation. They tackle retirement planning for listeners with extensive rental properties and share insights on efficient income management. The conversation includes advice on managing educational savings with 529 plans, emphasizing early contributions and tax benefits. As a fun highlight, they promote a community half marathon event, fostering listener engagement along the way.
16 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 18min
First Friday: Jerome Powell's Remarks at Jackson Hole
August's jobs report reveals a sobering addition of only 22,000 new jobs and a rise in unemployment to 4.3%. Experts dive into the tension between private sector optimism and federal data. The impact of fluctuating mortgage rates on homebuyers and sellers sparks a discussion on market dynamics. Key remarks from Jerome Powell at Jackson Hole highlight a shift in the Fed's approach to inflation and employment, signaling potential interest rate cuts ahead. What do these changes mean for the economy? Tune in to find out!
