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
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 46min
How Hackers Are Stealing Your Retirement $50 at a Time, with former CIA hacker Dr. Eric Cole
In this engaging discussion, cybersecurity expert Dr. Eric Cole, a former CIA hacker and advisor to elite clients, sheds light on the shocking risks everyday people face from cybercriminals. He shares a harrowing story of a family scammed out of $1.3 million during a real estate transaction, illustrating the prevalence of seemingly harmless cyber threats. Cole discusses why small amounts of stolen money add up, emphasizing the need for everyone, not just big corporations, to adopt stronger security measures to safeguard their finances from increasingly sophisticated scams.
11 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 8min
Q&A: We Saved $1.2 Million But We’re Still Renting. Should We Buy?
A couple debates whether to buy their first home after saving $1.2 million, weighing the financial implications of homeownership against their journey to independence. Listeners explore real estate dilemmas, from the challenges of being a landlord to the potential of distressed versus move-in ready properties. On the retirement front, strategies for effective tax-efficient withdrawals are discussed, ensuring a smooth transition into retirement. The conversation also touches on consumerism and its societal impacts, adding depth to the financial dialogue.
13 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 53min
First Friday: The Dollar Is Weak, Bonds Are Expensive, and We Owe WWII-Level Debt
The job market added 139,000 jobs in May, but the bond market is where the real drama unfolds, with yields spiking and the dollar weakening, raising inflation concerns. Tariff tensions linger as court rulings complicate trade dynamics, especially for the whiskey industry. On a regulatory front, potential changes to accredited investor rules could democratize access to private markets. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency news shines as the SEC steps back from treating most crypto as securities, signaling a more favorable environment for digital assets.
7 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 33min
Rachel Rodgers: This Multimillionaire Started With $330,000 in Debt and a $41,000 Salary
Rachel Rodgers, Founder and CEO of Hello7, transformed her life from $330,000 in debt to multimillionaire by focusing on income growth rather than expense cuts. She shares her journey of launching a successful virtual law practice during the recession, revealing practical strategies for scaling a business. Rodgers emphasizes the importance of understanding company dynamics when negotiating raises and encourages a mindset of being an asset in any role. Her insights on teaching financial responsibility to the next generation provide a fresh perspective on fostering independence.
5 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h 14min
How to Know If You're Cut Out for Entrepreneurship Before You Risk Everything, with Grant Sabatier
Grant Sabatier, a serial entrepreneur and author, dives into his unexpected journey of opening Clintonville Books without prior retail experience. He discusses the four essential stages of entrepreneurship, from experimenting with ideas to sustainable growth. Sabatier highlights the role of technology in streamlining processes, warns against rapid scaling, and emphasizes community engagement. Listeners will appreciate his insights on authentically connecting with customers and the importance of building a supportive network as they navigate their own entrepreneurial paths.
17 snips
May 27, 2025 • 1h 5min
Q&A: Is It REALLY Different This Time?
Explore the intriguing theme of existential threats, from the Y2K bug to climate change, and how past fears influence today's mindset. Delve into human psychology's response to market fluctuations and the importance of embracing uncertainty for growth. Unravel the complexities of credit scores, debunking myths and offering practical tips for effective management. Enjoy a humorous take on financial decisions while discovering real estate investment strategies focused on cash flow and smart debt management.
May 23, 2025 • 1h 31min
Your Goals Might Be Killing You (Literally), with Sebastien Page
Sebastien Page, Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price and author of The Psychology of Leadership, shares transformative insights after a near-fatal infection. He challenges conventional goal-setting, revealing how it often leads to 'goal-induced blindness.' Page highlights that true happiness stems from meaningful relationships rather than financial success. Drawing from research, he emphasizes the complex link between money and well-being, advocating for a shift in focus from ambition to fulfillment. His journey underscores the importance of balance in life and relationships for lasting joy.
43 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 15min
Q&A: How Not To Screw Up Retirement Spending
Eva seeks guidance on making a smooth financial transition into retirement without jeopardizing her funds. The conversation dives into mastering retirement withdrawal strategies and the significance of pre-retirement planning. Listeners learn about key concepts like the sequence of returns risk and the importance of asset allocation. The hosts introduce innovative models, including a four-bucket strategy for rebalancing investments, all while stressing the psychological aspects of managing finances to enhance life experiences.
21 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 21min
The Stoic Path to Wealth, with Billionaire Investor and Philanthropist Robert Rosenkrantz
Robert Rosenkrantz, a billionaire investor and philanthropist, shares his journey from financial struggle to wealth, drawing on his experiences with stoic philosophy. He discusses the critical importance of negotiation, revealing how a bold risk led to his first big win. Rosenkrantz emphasizes emotional control and rational thinking in decision-making, exploring the challenges of investing and risk management. He also advocates for lifelong creativity and the enduring relevance of stoicism in both business and personal life, offering insights for future success.
21 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 21min
Q&A: Remember When Money Advice Came From Just One Book at the Library?
A worried baby boomer wonders if today's financial landscape overwhelms younger generations. Renting might be more financially sensible than buying, sparking a fascinating debate. The pitfalls of relying on social media for financial advice are exposed, emphasizing the need for critical thinking. Strategies for navigating market volatility are shared, including a unique 'barbell allocation' approach. The episode also dives into how social media algorithms shape our financial choices, urging listeners to think independently.
