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
14 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.
15 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 16min
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.
23 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 14min
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.
16 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
Q&A: When Being Good With Money … Isn't Good Enough
Listeners explore the dilemma of purchasing a second home versus saving for retirement. They discuss the impact of long-term disability insurance after a job loss. The challenges of navigating retirement planning with the rising costs of healthcare also take center stage. Personal values play a crucial role in financial decisions, encouraging a focus on what truly matters. The conversation emphasizes understanding the nuances of health insurance options and effective strategies for long-term care planning while maintaining career satisfaction.
8 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Hidden Psychology Behind Failed Dreams, with Yale’s Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle
Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, a senior research scientist at Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence, dives into the intriguing world of creativity in retirement planning. She discusses the 'implementation gap'—why great ideas often falter at the starting line. Using a hypothetical couple aiming for an early retirement, she emphasizes that creativity is key in solving ambiguous problems. Pringle reassures that you don’t need full confidence to begin; starting with even a quarter tank can lead to fulfilling and innovative paths in life.
47 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 4min
JL Collins Part 2: What Happens When You Don't Need to Work Anymore?
In this insightful discussion, JL Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth, shares essential strategies for life after financial independence. He emphasizes that spending habits, not just net worth, determine one’s investment approach. Collins discusses his daughter's successful withdrawal strategy and challenges the traditional 4% rule, advocating for higher withdrawal rates based on individual circumstances. He also explores the balance between frugality and the freedom to spend, revealing the deeper meaning of financial independence as a choice driven by passion.
24 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 59min
JL Collins Part 1: The Simple Path vs. The "Optimal" Path
JL Collins, author of 'The Simple Path to Wealth,' dives into the world of investing with an emphasis on simplicity over complexity. He admits that while a four-fund portfolio might mathematically outperform his one-fund strategy, execution is key for most investors. Collins shares why index funds are 'self-cleansing' and discusses his preference for VTSAX versus VTI. His quirky comparison of Tabasco and Cholula showcases how personal tastes can influence investment decisions. This engaging conversation reveals the practical side of investing for everyday people.
39 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 55min
Q&A: “Help! My Mom’s Financial Crisis Is Becoming Mine!”
A listener grapples with her mother's financial irresponsibility, debating the ethics of bailing her out. The discussion emphasizes maintaining personal financial stability while helping parents find solutions. Another caller explores investment opportunities through American Depository Receipts, learning how to navigate foreign stocks on U.S. exchanges. Additionally, strategies for maximizing credit card rewards and understanding credit scores are shared, highlighting the complexities of smart financial management.
10 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 40min
First Friday: Why Americans Are More Pessimistic Than Ever
Americans are feeling a growing sense of pessimism as job growth numbers contrast sharply with private sector cuts. Major changes in student loan caps and tariffs are stirring uncertainty. Learn how the recent signing of a domestic policy bill affects education financing, while new tariffs have varying impacts, particularly for small nations like Lesotho. The decline in consumer confidence and economic unpredictability raises challenges for job seekers and graduates alike, prompting a cautious outlook amidst these turbulent times.
18 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
Q&A: Which Investments Should Go Into Which Accounts?
Listeners dive into the complexities of investing with insights on annuities and opportunity costs. The tension between investment flexibility and long-term security is explored, raising intriguing questions about portfolio management. The discussion highlights the importance of optimizing asset location across different accounts for tax efficiency. Strategies for navigating the efficient frontier add a layer of clarity to investment planning, while the hosts emphasize the need for financial education and thoughtful management of diversified portfolios.
