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
12 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h
How to Talk to Your Parents About Money, with Behavioral Economist Etinosa Agbonlahor
Etinosa Agbonlahor, a behavioral economist and CEO of Decision Alpha, shares insights on the complex dynamics of discussing money with parents. She introduces the concept of 'money scripts'—unconscious beliefs that shape financial behaviors. Agbonlahor emphasizes the importance of empathy, curiosity, and cooperation in these conversations, advocating for open communication about sensitive topics like debt, retirement, and long-term care. Her compelling anecdotes highlight how understanding different money mindsets can transform these discussions, making them more productive and less fraught.
28 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 35min
Q&A: Gold vs. Stocks – and Why Inflation Panic Makes You Poor
Join a fascinating discussion on the best investments to combat inflation, including gold and private assets. Listeners share their concerns about differing financial advice, while exploring the importance of informed decision-making and avoiding predatory investment practices. A recent success story about negotiating a raise highlights the skills needed in today's job market. Delve into strategies for navigating investments during economic shifts and the personal growth that comes from learning about finance and community engagement.
18 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 20min
Wharton Professor: The 7 Hidden Types of Entrepreneurs | with Lori Rosenkopf
Lori Rosenkopf, a Wharton management professor and head of Venture Labs, explores the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship. She debunks the myth that successful founders are young college dropouts, revealing that many achieve success in their late 30s and beyond. Rosenkopf outlines seven entrepreneurial archetypes, from disruptors to bootstrappers, showcasing examples like a former banker creating a financial division within Square. She also highlights the rise of social entrepreneurship, emphasizing the blend of innovation and social impact.
48 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 16min
Q&A: How to Spot Investment Scams Before You Lose Everything
This discussion dives into the murky waters of investment scams, offering invaluable tips on due diligence to protect your hard-earned money. Listeners learn the importance of verifying investment firms and the dangers of wire transfers. There's also a deep dive into whether bonds are still vital in an investment portfolio, especially for real estate enthusiasts. Additionally, insights on leveraging business purchases for early retirement provide a fresh perspective on financial independence. Tune in for entertaining anecdotes and practical advice!
98 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 45min
How to Get Everything You Want at Work
In this conversation, Melody Wilding, a therapist and executive coach who authored "Managing Up," shares vital strategies for enhancing workplace dynamics. She discusses ten essential conversations to boost job performance and financial success. Wilding dives into navigating management styles, understanding boss archetypes, and setting boundaries. She emphasizes the importance of proactive communication, tackling proximity bias in remote work, and crafting a personal 'story bank' to showcase achievements effectively. This insightful talk is a roadmap for thriving in complex organizational environments.
64 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 42min
Q&A: Is ChatGPT's Portfolio Better Than VTSAX?
Dive into the world of financial planning as listeners tackle the merits of simplicity versus complexity in investment strategies. Hear about navigating tax efficiency and optimizing asset location for retirement goals. Discover the challenges of using AI tools for portfolio creation and the importance of mindful decision-making. Enjoy humorous anecdotes, including a quirky dart-throwing investment competition, all while highlighting the essential role of asset allocation for long-term growth. Get ready for actionable insights that make finance accessible!
7 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 18min
BONUS First Monday: How Did the BLS Get the Jobs Report So Wrong?
Massive job revisions by the Bureau of Labor Statistics leave experts puzzled, as nearly 90% of gains for May and June were wiped out. Delving into the data collection methods reveals significant challenges, especially with a 560,000 business survey that often lacks timely responses. Inconsistencies arise when comparing BLS data with ADP's payroll insights. These discrepancies have profound implications for understanding the economy and highlight the need for more effective statistical models in rapidly changing conditions.
15 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 52min
First Friday: We Were Wrong About 258,000 Jobs (This Changes Everything)
Discover the latest insights on the housing market, where home sales hit a 30-year low but prices continue to rise. Analyze the job market's resilience as conflicting reports reveal surprising trends in job creation. Explore the volatility of meme stocks and their cultural impact in today’s market. Unpack the Fed's internal tensions amid low inflation and positive GDP growth, while discussing how trade policies and tariffs are reshaping the landscape. This episode tackles the complexities of economic indicators and their implications for future investments.
34 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
Nick Maggiulli: The Wealth Ladder Has Six Rungs (and Most People Never Climb Past Four)
Nick Maggiulli, COO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and author of 'Just Keep Buying', discusses the evolution of financial strategies across six wealth levels. He explains how methods that work at $10,000 net worth won't apply at $1 million. From 'grocery freedom' for the modest earners to 'travel freedom' for the wealthy, he points out that increasing income, not just frugality, is key to climbing the wealth ladder. Maggiulli also delves into negotiation and investment strategies necessary for advancing through the wealth levels.
25 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 10min
Why Nice People Struggle with Money, with Dr. Sandra Matz, Professor at Columbia Business School
Dr. Sandra Matz, a professor at Columbia Business School, dives into the fascinating world of personality and finance. She reveals why agreeable people struggle with saving and how reframing financial goals can lead to better outcomes. By viewing savings as a protective measure for loved ones, agreeable personalities can enhance their financial habits. The discussion also touches on the power of big data and AI in predicting financial behaviors and the ethical dilemmas of these technologies in shaping spending decisions.
