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
Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 27min
Ask Paula: “I Ran Out of Gas with 85 Cents in My Bank Account”
A gripping personal story unfolds as Joe Saul-Sehy recounts his harrowing past with debt, including running out of gas with just 85 cents in his bank account. The conversation dives into the importance of dedicating oneself to financial accountability and navigating the complexities of debt management. Listeners gain insights on sustainable financial habits and choosing the right financial advisors. With a blend of personal reflections and practical strategies, the discussion highlights the emotional struggles and transformative victories in personal finance.
26 snips
Aug 30, 2024 • 54min
The Psychology of Quitting Your Job, with Dr. Tessa West
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Tessa West, an NYU psychology professor, dives deep into workplace relationships and dissatisfaction. She identifies five key reasons for career disconnection, from crises of identity to feeling underappreciated. Dr. West likens work relationships to romantic ones, revealing how emotional dynamics play a crucial role in job satisfaction. She also shares practical tips on enhancing focus, managing distractions, and understanding one's professional identity, making it a must-listen for anyone pondering a career change.
17 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 44min
Ask Paula: Is Your DIY Investing Strategy Holding You Back?
Join Melissa, who’s gearing up for her prime earning years, as she explores the transition from DIY investing to using a robo-advisor for automated tax-loss harvesting. Hampton sparks a lively discussion on the generational tax benefits of Roth IRAs, while Joe shares key advice on navigating retirement accounts, especially for those inheriting IRAs. Together, they unpack the intricacies of saving for retirement and the emotional stakes involved in financial decision-making.
18 snips
Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 37min
What You Can Learn From the CEO Who Built KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut
David Novak, the co-founder and former CEO of Yum! Brands, shares captivating insights from his impressive career overseeing KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. He discusses the high hopes and ultimate failure of Crystal Pepsi, emphasizing the importance of feedback and adaptability. Growing up in 23 states taught him resilience and the ability to assess situations quickly. Novak reflects on his journey from advertising to operations, revealing how leadership is shaped through both successes and setbacks.
4 snips
Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 6min
Q&A: My Insurance Bill Jumped 60 Percent – Should I Drop It?!
Joining the discussion are Susana, who is making tough choices about her dream home after a necessary relocation, and Joe, a former financial planner with a wealth of knowledge. They tackle the shocking 60% jump in homeowner's insurance costs, debating if self-insurance is a viable alternative. They also explore strategies for managing a significant international gift and the complexities of investing it wisely. Listeners gain valuable insights into rental strategies and the importance of financial preparedness during life changes.
19 snips
Aug 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
How to Get a Bigger Paycheck
Discover the art of negotiation and learn how to ask for a raise effectively. Understand the difference between interests and positions to find win-win solutions. Explore techniques like anchoring and making strategic concessions. Gain insights on managing your emotions and balancing requests during discussions. Tackle tricky personalities such as aggressors and deceivers with confidence. Plus, find out about an exciting new course focused on mastering raise negotiations!
22 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 11min
Mastering the Art of Negotiation, with Jeff Wetzler, Ed.D.
Jeff Wetzler, Ed.D., a negotiation specialist, shares invaluable insights into mastering the art of negotiation. He emphasizes the power of curiosity and listening in discussions, revealing how asking the right questions can peel back layers of information. Wetzler discusses the importance of body language and tone, alongside the need for building trust to achieve win-win outcomes. He provides effective strategies for both single-issue and multi-issue negotiations, advocating for collaboration and empathy to unlock successful deals.
13 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 58min
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 14min
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 • 30min
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.
