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
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.
Feb 2, 2024 • 54min
Stocks are Hot. Jobs are Hotter. What’s Next?
The podcast discusses the current state of the economy, including the bull market, low unemployment rates, and decreasing inflation. It also covers topics like real estate drama, increasing insurance costs, and the rising costs of new construction homes. The podcast highlights the massive lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors and the reasons behind the rising cost of car insurance.
Jan 31, 2024 • 1h 23min
How to Start a Business in One Weekend, with Noah Kagan
Noah Kagan, entrepreneur and business strategist, shares valuable insights on starting a business in one weekend. He discusses the power of asking in business, the simplicity of starting a business online, and the importance of testing ideas and embracing failure. Noah also provides guidance on improving asking skills, finding quality candidates quickly, and the challenges of scaling a business. Additionally, he emphasizes the value of hiring elite advisors, finding advisors, setting financial goals, and shares three key takeaways for starting a business.
5 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 7min
Ask Paula: The Hidden Cost of Student Loan Forgiveness
The podcast covers topics such as the trustworthiness of financial advisors, the hidden cost of student loan forgiveness, considerations for bond investments, and the impact of job satisfaction on various aspects of life.
11 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 49min
Thriving in a High-Pressure World, with Jennifer Breheny Wallace
Jennifer Breheny Wallace, author of the New York Times Best Seller “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture..." discusses the negative consequences of obsession with success and offers practical solutions to manage it. Topics include finding purpose, the power of connection, pressure to achieve in adolescence, challenges in retirement, and coping mechanisms for good financial health.
7 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ask Paula: Should We Drain Our Brokerage to Make a HUGE Down Payment?
In this podcast, Paula and Joe discuss whether it's wise to liquidate stocks for a larger down payment in a high-interest rate environment. They also explore the risks of putting most of one's net worth into real estate and using home equity to accelerate retirement goals. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding mortgage terms, aligning debt with long-term goals, and evaluating risks in personal finance. They also touch on the need for pre-validation and playtesting when starting a podcast or business, and the significance of financial priorities and a profit-first mentality for entrepreneurs.
Jan 5, 2024 • 34min
What’s In Store for 2024? Bitcoin, Home Buying, and Kiyosaki’s $1.2 billion in debt
This podcast episode discusses the predictions for the economy in 2024, including the surge in Bitcoin prices and the expected SEC approval of a Bitcoin ETF. It explores the impact of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates on home buying and analyzes Robert Kiyosaki's $1.2 billion debt. The episode also talks about black swan events and election year abnormalities that might affect the flow of money.
18 snips
Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 12min
Your Blueprint for Life's Toughest Challenges, with Hal Elrod
Guest Hal Elrod, a survivor of tough challenges including the death of a sibling, being declared dead after a head-on collision, suffering financially during the Great Recession, and battling cancer, talks about his popular morning routine called the Miracle Morning. The routine, consisting of silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and writing, can be modified to fit anyone's schedule. Hal also discusses his documentary, "The Miracle Morning," where he copes with his leukemia diagnosis in real time.
10 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ask Paula: Is Mom Getting Ripped Off by Her Investment Advisor?!
Nicole worries about her mom's investments; Paul wants to lower his income for financial aid; Nick considers long-term care insurance rates. Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and Paula tackle these topics in today's episode.
