
Afford Anything
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.
Latest episodes

13 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Overlooked Power of Stock-Based Compensation, with Brian Feroldi
Brian Feroldi, a financial educator specializing in stock-based compensation, joins to shed light on its often-overlooked importance for employees, especially in large companies. He discusses how stock options and restricted stock units can align employee interests with company performance, offering insights on negotiation tactics during hiring. Feroldi also emphasizes understanding tax implications and the benefits of early exercise of incentive stock options. His practical tips aim to empower listeners to maximize their compensation and financial well-being.

Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 17min
Q&A: The Unintended Consequences of Early Retirement
In this episode, Noelle, a 40-year-old financial planner, discusses her decision to potentially cancel her husband's whole life insurance policy as they approach early retirement. She and her husband are debt-free and have substantial savings, but the complexities of insurance and retirement planning linger. The conversation also touches on the unintended consequences of early retirement, especially how it can impact Social Security benefits. Listeners gain insights into navigating financial choices with long-term implications.

Aug 2, 2024 • 32min
The Stock Market is in Panic Mode and the Unemployment Rate Jumped – But Everything’s Fine
The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady leads to a significant market drop, shaking up the Dow and NASDAQ. With unemployment rising to 4.3%, the Sahm Rule signals potential recession fears, impacting job security and investments. The podcast delves into sector performance, revealing resilience in finance and a boost in gold prices. It also uncovers IPO challenges due to geopolitical tensions, urging listeners to navigate market misconceptions and maintain perspective amid volatility while prioritizing their financial futures.

10 snips
Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 1min
Q&A: Can They Be Financially Independent in Five Years … By Breaking the Rules?
Join Luke, who's exploring unconventional paths to financial independence with his wife, and Christina, a retired homeowner facing rising costs who may need to rethink her living situation. Les shares his confusion over international equity allocations, prompting a lively discussion on investment strategies. The trio dives into the complexities of balancing dreams with finances, explores the pros and cons of renting versus owning during retirement, and challenges traditional views on market investments. Get ready for some eye-opening insights!

Jul 26, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Real Reasons People Make Bad Investment Decisions, with Finance Professor Meir Statman
In this conversation, behavioral finance professor Meir Statman shares insights on how psychological factors shape investment decisions. He contrasts standard finance's rationality with the reality of emotional investing, illustrating why people often prefer dividends to selling shares. Through colorful metaphors like the dinner plate analogy, Statman discusses the need for diversification and the dangers of holding onto losing stocks. Plus, he emphasizes the importance of holistic financial well-being, blending emotional awareness with rational strategies.

Jul 23, 2024 • 1h 43min
Michael Kitces: Is the Economy Worse Than We Think?
Renowned financial advisor Michael Kitces discusses the dominance of tech giants in the stock market and the importance of long-term growth over market timing. He emphasizes the benefits of index investing, proper asset allocation, and focusing on career advancement for financial health. Kitces also talks about the significance of diversification in an unpredictable market and the need to spread investments across different sectors and asset classes for better risk management.

Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 6min
Q&A: Don’t Waste Your Inheritance! Here’s How
Topics include maximizing an inheritance on a primary residence, building a recording studio while balancing personal and business needs, and navigating defined benefit pension options. The discussion also covers decision-making between lump sum and monthly pension payments, managing inheritances wisely for long-term financial stability, and protecting inheritances in divorce settlements. Additionally, the episode explores applying stoicism principles to personal finance.

17 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 50min
The Power of Deep Work, with Google’s Productivity Expert Laura Mae Martin
Google's Executive Productivity Advisor, Laura Mae Martin, shares insights on valuing time, adapting work habits post-pandemic, and maximizing productivity with focused work environments. She discusses redefining productivity, efficient email management strategies, and making small intentional changes for a balanced approach.

14 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 8min
Q&A: Help! I’m STUCK On A Financial Tracking Hamster Wheel
Emily Anne seeks advice on overcoming her financial tracking obsession, while an anonymous caller and partner plan for early retirement through geo-arbitrage. Also, a couple reconsiders their real estate investments. Joe Saul-Sehy provides insights on these financial dilemmas.

11 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 40min
Behind-the-Scenes with Paula and Joe
#521: If you're a longtime listener, you'll enjoy this candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about entrepreneurship and growth between Paula Pant and former financial advisor and Stacking Benjamins host Joe Saul-Sehy.For more information, visit the show notes at https://affordanything.com/episode521 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices