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
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.
19 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
Q&A: Should You Buy a House Now or Invest Your Down Payment Instead?
Many first-time homebuyers are torn between the fear of missing out and the reality of high prices. The hosts explore the psychological impact of the buy-now-or-wait dilemma and the trade-offs of long commutes versus affordability. Clarifying investment concepts, they break down total return versus personal rate of return. Listeners also learn about the value of umbrella insurance and what essential financial lessons teens should grasp. This conversation aligns personal finance decisions with overall life goals.
21 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.
18 snips
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!
50 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.
