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
8 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Hidden Psychology Behind Failed Dreams, with Yale’s Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle
Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, a senior research scientist at Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence, dives into the intriguing world of creativity in retirement planning. She discusses the 'implementation gap'—why great ideas often falter at the starting line. Using a hypothetical couple aiming for an early retirement, she emphasizes that creativity is key in solving ambiguous problems. Pringle reassures that you don’t need full confidence to begin; starting with even a quarter tank can lead to fulfilling and innovative paths in life.
47 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 60min
JL Collins Part 2: What Happens When You Don't Need to Work Anymore?
In this insightful discussion, JL Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth, shares essential strategies for life after financial independence. He emphasizes that spending habits, not just net worth, determine one’s investment approach. Collins discusses his daughter's successful withdrawal strategy and challenges the traditional 4% rule, advocating for higher withdrawal rates based on individual circumstances. He also explores the balance between frugality and the freedom to spend, revealing the deeper meaning of financial independence as a choice driven by passion.
24 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 55min
JL Collins Part 1: The Simple Path vs. The "Optimal" Path
JL Collins, author of 'The Simple Path to Wealth,' dives into the world of investing with an emphasis on simplicity over complexity. He admits that while a four-fund portfolio might mathematically outperform his one-fund strategy, execution is key for most investors. Collins shares why index funds are 'self-cleansing' and discusses his preference for VTSAX versus VTI. His quirky comparison of Tabasco and Cholula showcases how personal tastes can influence investment decisions. This engaging conversation reveals the practical side of investing for everyday people.
39 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 51min
Q&A: “Help! My Mom’s Financial Crisis Is Becoming Mine!”
A listener grapples with her mother's financial irresponsibility, debating the ethics of bailing her out. The discussion emphasizes maintaining personal financial stability while helping parents find solutions. Another caller explores investment opportunities through American Depository Receipts, learning how to navigate foreign stocks on U.S. exchanges. Additionally, strategies for maximizing credit card rewards and understanding credit scores are shared, highlighting the complexities of smart financial management.
10 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 38min
First Friday: Why Americans Are More Pessimistic Than Ever
Americans are feeling a growing sense of pessimism as job growth numbers contrast sharply with private sector cuts. Major changes in student loan caps and tariffs are stirring uncertainty. Learn how the recent signing of a domestic policy bill affects education financing, while new tariffs have varying impacts, particularly for small nations like Lesotho. The decline in consumer confidence and economic unpredictability raises challenges for job seekers and graduates alike, prompting a cautious outlook amidst these turbulent times.
18 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 5min
Q&A: Which Investments Should Go Into Which Accounts?
Listeners dive into the complexities of investing with insights on annuities and opportunity costs. The tension between investment flexibility and long-term security is explored, raising intriguing questions about portfolio management. The discussion highlights the importance of optimizing asset location across different accounts for tax efficiency. Strategies for navigating the efficient frontier add a layer of clarity to investment planning, while the hosts emphasize the need for financial education and thoughtful management of diversified portfolios.
15 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 37min
The Hidden Cost of Replacing You at Work, with “Money with Katie” host Katie Gatti Tassin
Katie Gatti Tassin, host of the Money with Katie Show and author of Rich Girl Nation, unveils the true value of employees beyond their paychecks. She introduces a framework for negotiating worth, highlighting replacement costs that can soar to 200% of an employee’s salary. The conversation reveals how unique skills and relationships contribute to an employee's value, making a compelling case for understanding one's market worth. From retirement savings to mastering salary negotiations, Katie shares vital strategies for achieving financial independence.
9 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
Q&A: My Company Is Going Public and I Have No Idea What to Do – Plus, Should I Fire My Advisor?
Dive into financial management as one listener grapples with switching from a financial advisor to self-management. Discover the ins and outs of Cost Segregation and how it can enhance investment property returns. Another caller preps for a major IPO, discussing the potential ups and downs of the transition. Tips on navigating the complexities of real estate investment and a lighthearted critique of superhero movies add a unique twist to practical finance advice. Get ready for a blend of serious insights and humor!
46 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 17min
How to Retire at 50 While Supporting Aging Parents, with Frank Vasquez
In this discussion, Frank Vasquez, a former attorney and host of Risk Parity Radio, shares his journey to retire by age 50 while supporting his elderly parents. He reveals how traditional financial advice often falls short, particularly regarding cash management and asset allocation. Frank emphasizes the importance of optimizing stock investments and limiting exposure to cash to maximize withdrawal rates. He also addresses the hidden risks of rising property taxes and offers insights into effective portfolio construction that balances growth and safety.
15 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h
Q&A: We Just Had a Baby and Lost Half Our Income
A new parent grapples with the tension of transitioning to a single-income household while managing debt. The discussion dives into financial strategies for saving and investing, particularly navigating sequences of returns risk in retirement. Insights on psychological hurdles in financial decision-making are shared, highlighting the balance between investment choices and personal values. The importance of community support in financial planning also shines through, offering a sense of connection to listeners on their journey to financial independence.
