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
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.
Dec 20, 2023 • 58min
Buy the Damn Guac, with Jamila Souffrant
Jamila Souffrant, a financial education instructor and author, discusses the power of understanding our 'why not,' staying motivated on our financial paths, shaping a success-bound mindset, and posing three crucial self-assessment questions for goal alignment. She explores the relationship between guacamole and financial independence, the distinction between financial independence and financial freedom, and the challenges and importance of hiring and reaching financial goals.
12 snips
Dec 13, 2023 • 1h
Ask Paula: Investing for the Future vs. Paying Down the Past
Topics discussed include the benefits of investing vs paying off debt, tax flexibility in investment strategies, merging financial lives in an international marriage, and choosing the right bank for international travel
Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 29min
Astronaut's Guide to Taking YOUR Moonshot, with Mike Massimino from NASA and Big Bang Theory
Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino shares his journey from a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut to overcoming obstacles like failing exams, re-training his eyesight, and learning to swim to join NASA's astronaut candidate program. Topics include bodily functions in space, the importance of teamwork and taking risks, rebuilding trust after a tragic incident, and overcoming misconceptions about success.
Dec 1, 2023 • 24min
Tribute to Charlie Munger, The Man Who Taught Warren Buffett How to Invest
Charlie Munger, an influential investor and author who taught Warren Buffet how to invest, is the focus of this podcast. The podcast pays homage to Munger's life and impact, his partnership with Warren Buffett, and their investing approach. It also discusses contradictory Fed remarks on interest rates and the housing market in Las Vegas and Detroit. The podcast explores the consequences of the Credit Card Competition Act and offers tax updates and a gloomy S&P 500 forecast.
Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 6min
Surviving a $35,000 Credit Card Scam, Job Loss and Foreclosure, with Tiffany Aliche, The Budgetnista
Tiffany Aliche shares her experience of surviving a $35,000 credit card scam, job loss, and foreclosure. She talks about overcoming financial shame and achieving a sense of financial wholeness. The podcast also covers topics such as reframing financial setbacks, learning new skills for side hustles and businesses, and foundational pieces of personal finance.
Nov 24, 2023 • 56min
Ask Paula: How to Pay Off a $8,000 Medical Bill Without Going Broke
Sarah, with $8,000 medical bill, debates whether to pay it off immediately or keep the money for other goals. Strategies for dealing with spam calls from real estate investors are discussed. The chapter also introduces Monarch Money, a personal finance app. Retirement saving options for an independent consultant are covered along with maximizing retirement savings with both W-2 and 1099 income. The double standards faced by women in the personal finance industry are explored, as well as approaches to fighting against wrong.
