
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

Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 5min
The Pay Cut Price of Freedom
Listeners explore taking a pay cut for a lighter workload to achieve financial independence. A couple plans retirement at 55 while upgrading lifestyle. Tim seeks advice on catching up on retirement savings. Matthew considers moving to the Pacific Northwest. The episode covers various financial planning topics and strategies for making life changes.

99 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 20min
Dr. Cal Newport: Achieve More by Doing Less
Discover the practice of slow productivity from Cal Newport, focusing on doing fewer tasks better. Learn how to prioritize quality over quantity, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Explore the benefits of sustainable progress in creative work and efficient communication strategies for effective workload management.

Mar 20, 2024 • 50min
My Husband Makes Double My Income, But Saves Nothing! Should I Be Worried?
Topics include paying off a house at 39, dealing with income differences in a relationship, understanding closed-end funds, and refinancing high-interest rate loans. Listeners also get insights on mortgage strategies and the importance of retirement savings over immediate financial goals.

18 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 60min
Wall Street Secrets, with Your Rich BFF Vivian Tu
Discover Wall Street secrets from Your Rich BFF Vivian Tu, sharing insights on investing, taxes, and money mindset. Hear about her frugal upbringing, weird experiences on Wall Street, and lessons learned. Get ready to change your money mindset with tips from her book and live event!

Mar 7, 2024 • 56min
I’m Earning Extra from my Side Hustle. But Does This Cramp My Chances at Investing?
Explore how individuals tackle financial dilemmas like balancing side hustles with retirement contributions and navigating tax implications. From maximizing contributions to 401k plans to handling student loan repayments and business deductions, this episode provides valuable insights on building financial discipline and investment strategies for a secure future.

5 snips
Mar 1, 2024 • 23min
Why Bitcoin is Back in the News | First Friday
Exploring the resurgence of Bitcoin in the news, its recent price surge near its all-time high, and the factors driving its comeback. Delving into the value, risks, and demand for Bitcoin investments, including SEC approvals for Bitcoin ETFs. Discussing the risks of owning cryptocurrencies, recent price fluctuations, and the trade-offs between crypto investments and traditional index funds. Examining the potential impact of Capital One's acquisition of Discover on swipe fees, credit card rewards, and the consumer credit card landscape.

8 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 20min
Inside the Mind of a Supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg
Learn from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Charles Duhigg about the power of communication in achieving success and happiness. Discover the impact of asking personal questions, dispelling myths about super communicators, effective communication strategies, and the importance of empathy in bridging differences. Explore the significance of forming strong connections for happiness and success.

6 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ask Paula: What to Do with a Six-Figure Windfall?
Discover what to do with a six-figure windfall towards early retirement, navigating 401k fees and investment options. Explore the challenges of funding IVF treatments while maintaining financial stability. Consider the transition from RV living to building an off-grid home and strategic financial planning for long-term goals.

5 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 3min
Gut Instincts and Big Decisions, with Morgan Housel
Morgan Housel, who made a life-saving decision at age 17, discusses the importance of snap verdicts and understanding constant concepts. He explores irrationality, overlooking good things, and the impact on our futures. Housel shares insights from his latest book on human behavior and the market.

Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ask Paula: "Should I Put My Dreams on Hold … and Buy a House Instead?"
Luis's wife's side hustle brings in unexpected income, leading Luis to seek hacks on YouTube. Elizabeth is frustrated with the housing market and considers using her savings for a pottery course. Steve faces a dilemma with borrowing money and selling their house. The episode covers topics such as 529 plans, long-term care savings, prioritizing dreams, and managing risk in financial decisions.