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
Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 21min
The Dark Experiment That Explains Your Money Problems, with Dr. Brad Klontz and Adrian Brambila
Dr. Brad Klontz, a financial psychologist known for his work on money scripts, joins YouTuber Adrian Brambila, who transitioned from a call center to financial freedom. They discuss a shocking experiment on dogs that illustrates 'learned helplessness' in relation to money beliefs. Key money scripts like Money Avoidance and Money Worship shape financial behaviors. Adrian shares his journey of mentorship and online success, while Dr. Klontz highlights surprising links between meditation and net worth, advocating for automating finances before mindfulness.
14 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
Paul Merriman: The 4-Fund Strategy That Beats the S&P 500
In this discussion, Paul Merriman, a former wealth manager and financial educator, shares his insights on a four-fund investment strategy that has consistently outperformed the S&P 500. He highlights the benefits of international stocks to stabilize returns and emphasizes the power of starting early, illustrating how a dollar a day can lead to millions by retirement. Merriman cautions against common pitfalls like over-relying on bonds and frames investing as a partnership with businesses, urging investors to think long-term.
18 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 13min
Am I Wrong to Worry About Retirement, with $2 Million Saved?
Dive into the complexities of financial stability as listeners question their retirement readiness with varying net worths, including a $2.2 million portfolio. Explore the subjective nature of wealth and the impact of home equity on net worth calculations. Discover the emotional aspects of saving for retirement and the importance of personalized, strategic planning. The conversation also delves into selecting the right financial advisor to navigate these uncertainties, ensuring listeners feel empowered on their financial journeys.
12 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 16min
Is Your Retirement Safe in Today's Economy?, with Dr. Karsten Jeske (Big ERN)
Dr. Karsten Jeske, an economist and early retiree from Wall Street, offers insightful perspectives on today's economic challenges. He breaks down how recent Fed decisions could impact personal finances and critiques traditional views on inflation and unemployment. Drawing on his experiences, Karsten emphasizes the importance of consistent investing and safe withdrawal rates in retirement planning. He also warns against modern monetary theory's pitfalls by referencing historical hyperinflation, all while making complex economic ideas accessible to listeners.
10 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 11min
Ask Paula: “We Have $2 Million at 40 – Now What?”
A couple with a $2 million net worth at 40 grapples with their investment strategy as they consider diversification beyond a one-fund portfolio. Negotiation tips emerge for individuals in union jobs, addressing the challenges of collective bargaining. One caller grapples with overseas properties amid rampant inflation and fears of losing significant investments. The discussion emphasizes adjusting portfolios, mastering everyday negotiation, and understanding personal financial thresholds to navigate these complex financial landscapes.
15 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 28min
The Surprising Economic Proposal Both Candidates Agree On
Explore the recent half-point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and its impacts on mortgages and savings. Discover how economic indicators like the dot plot and R-star influence future economic predictions. Unpack surprising bipartisan proposals regarding housing and taxation as the election approaches. Analyze the latest jobs report and the complexities of the labor market. Emphasize the importance of critical thinking in political discussions and the need for effective policies beyond party lines.
22 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 8min
Retire at 30? The Math Behind Making Work Optional
Get ready for a deep dive into early retirement strategies! A 30-year-old's impressive savings spark conversations about the math of making work optional. The hosts weigh the pros and cons of single-family versus multi-family homes, exploring creative housing solutions. Listeners learn about the importance of planning by decade while avoiding pitfalls like being 'house poor.' With valuable insights on investing in VTSAX and tips for choosing a financial advisor, this discussion is packed with actionable advice for future financial freedom!
Sep 27, 2024 • 42min
How to Face Your Financial Fears
Discover the fascinating world of financial psychology and how it shapes your money decisions. Dive into the three money mindsets: anxious, obsessed, and avoidant, and how they affect your relationship with wealth. Explore the myths surrounding financial success, revealing why mere savings don’t equate to being 'good with money.' Learn to navigate the obstacles of imposter syndrome and understand the balance between time and money. Ultimately, rethink how your beliefs about finances can lead to empowerment or limitation.
16 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 11min
How to Handle 7 Types of Hardball Negotiation Tactics, so You Can Earn More and Spend Less
Learn how to tackle tough negotiation tactics like the infamous 'take it or leave it' offer, illustrated by a software developer's real-life success story. Discover strategies to handle psychological games from clients, and navigate the classic 'good cop, bad cop' routine. Cut through information overload with the FILTER acronym, and master the art of asking for raises while showcasing your true value. Equip yourself with actionable tips to confidently counter aggressive tactics and ensure better financial outcomes.
10 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 37min
Are We All Financial Hypochondriacs? Why We Feel Broke, Even When Our Bank Accounts Are Full
Katie Gatti Tassin, host of Money with Katie, takes a deep dive into the intriguing concept of money dysmorphia—where individuals feel financially inadequate despite having solid bank accounts. She highlights how social and traditional media fuel this anxiety, distorting our understanding of 'normal.' Sharing her own experience with guilt over buying a Porsche, Katie emphasizes the conflict within financial communities. The discussion also touches on pandemic shifts in priorities and the need for balance, encouraging a healthier relationship with money.
