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
10 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 9min
James Patterson Shows Why Comfort Can Be a Trap
In this engaging discussion, bestselling author James Patterson, known for his record-breaking book sales, teams up with Dr. Patrick Leddin, a Vanderbilt professor and leadership expert. They explore the fine line between disruption and gradual change, revealing how embracing small, actionable steps can lead to monumental shifts. Patterson shares insights on challenging publishing norms and co-authoring with diverse voices, while Leddin outlines 16 disruptive behaviors that can empower career pivots. Together, they emphasize the importance of values and overcoming fears in personal and professional growth.
16 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 37min
First Friday: When the Gov’t is Closed, Where Do We Find the Numbers?
October saw a dramatic spike in job cuts, marking it the worst month in two decades, juxtaposed with a small rise in private payrolls. The discussion dives into the rise of youth unemployment and how AI is reshaping entry-level job markets. With mortgage rates affecting housing mobility, consumer sentiment is on the decline. Amid all this, good news emerges with significant decreases in prescription drug prices, highlighting recent agreements from major pharma companies. The looming government shutdown is also explored, affecting federal workers and mortgage processes.
28 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 59min
Q&A: Can You Really Beat the Market by Copying Members of Congress?
Exploring the intrigue of ETFs that track U.S. politicians, the discussion reveals their speculative nature and high costs—more for playful bets than serious investing. Home maintenance tips come next, with strategies for budgeting and selecting trustworthy contractors. The conversation ends on starting businesses solely for tax benefits, cautioning against this approach as energy-draining. Instead, they advocate for pursuing passion-driven projects, with a clear distinction between fun money and wealth-building strategies.
5 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 28min
Would You Shock a Stranger? What a 1960s Experiment Reveals About Your Money Decisions
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Sunita Sah, a former physician turned Cornell professor, delves into the psychology of compliance and authority. She reveals how even well-meaning individuals can follow orders that feel wrong, highlighting the infamous Milgram experiment. Dr. Sah shares her own experience with a financial advisor and the pitfalls of conflict disclosure. The conversation also touches on the importance of conscious compliance, the power of the pause in decision-making, and practical strategies for resisting pressure in financial choices.
36 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 14min
Q&A: How to Choose Between Financial Freedom and a First Home
What would you do with $70,000 left over at 23? The hosts explore the tug-of-war between saving for a down payment and stashing cash for retirement. They dive into the complexities of defining a home's true meaning and the unexpected speed of achieving financial independence. Tax-loss harvesting is dissected, weighing its costs against potential benefits. Plus, they challenge the notion that mega-cap dominance spells the end for small-cap investments, reminding listeners of past market disruptions and the value of diversification.
21 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 26min
How to Stop Fighting About Money
Heather Bonaparte, a lawyer and co-author of Money Together, and Doug Bonaparte, financial advisor and founder of Bonafide Wealth, dive into the emotional complexities of financial discussions in relationships. They reveal how early money stories shaped their adult views and what turned their terrifying student loan debt into a partnership opportunity. The couple shares game-changing strategies like 'money dates' and adapting workplace communication tools for home, highlighting the importance of empathy, fairness, and open dialogue in achieving financial harmony.
11 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Radical Transparency in Real Estate Predictions
In this insightful discussion, Scott Trench, CEO of BiggerPockets and expert in housing markets, revisits bold predictions about real estate made back in 2023. He explains the lock-in effect keeping homeowners from selling, while builders adapt with creative incentives. The conversation explores why some markets thrived despite rising mortgage rates and how regional migration influenced supply. Listeners will appreciate Scott's candid analysis of past forecasts, the dynamics of multifamily versus small residential properties, and strategies for navigating upcoming market shifts.
103 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 13min
Why High Earners Stay Broke, with Rose Han
Rose Han, a finance educator and entrepreneur, shares her journey from a six-figure salary to building a seven-figure business. She discusses the 'Cancun moment' that sparked her financial awakening and details how she reframed her relationship with money. Rose explains the three types of income and the importance of mindset shifts from employee to entrepreneur. She introduces her 'Add a Zero' framework for wealth and emphasizes choosing scalable side hustles. Ultimately, she inspires listeners to align their finances with their personal values.
42 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 25min
Everyone Says Don’t Hold Bonds in Taxable Accounts. They’re Wrong
Navigating life as a CoastFI individual raises intriguing questions about asset location, particularly the role of bonds in taxable accounts. The hosts challenge conventional wisdom by discussing the potential benefits of including bonds for stability and income. They also tackle complex family dynamics in home ownership scenarios, suggesting strategies to help aging parents retire while avoiding tension. Lastly, covered-call options are explored as a method to generate income and diversify concentrated stock positions. A wealth of practical advice awaits!
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
How Money Moves Through Markets
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Williamson, former Wellington Management partner and current CEO of FCLTGlobal, unfolds the intricate dynamics of capital flow in markets. She explains how index fund growth alters corporate ownership and how retail trends like those from Reddit traders are reshaping market strategies. Sarah introduces her innovative framework of the 'five solar systems' of investing, revealing the diverse roles of investors and the challenges they face with activist pressures, all while emphasizing the importance of aligning investor and CEO incentives.
