
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

9 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 56min
Q&A: The Hidden Tax Drain in Your Investment Strategy
Listeners dive into investment strategies with insights on minimizing capital gains taxes and the nuances of asset management. Job transitions are discussed, particularly how Employee Stock Ownership Plans stack against 401(k)s. The complexities of relocating to Brazil while managing U.S. retirement accounts are explored, highlighting crucial tax implications. Proactive financial measures, like seeking raises, are emphasized as inflation impacts personal finances. The need for tailored financial advice based on individual circumstances is underscored throughout.

138 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 23min
Sahil Bloom: Which of the Five Wealth Types Are You Neglecting?
Sahil Bloom, founder of an early-stage venture fund and author of The Curiosity Chronicle, shares his transformative journey from financial success to a deeper understanding of wealth. He emphasizes the importance of 'time wealth' and genuine relationships, sparked by a poignant conversation about family. Sahil introduces five wealth types, urging listeners to balance financial stability with social, mental, and physical well-being. His insights challenge conventional views on success, inviting everyone to redefine what it means to live a fulfilling life.

19 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 8min
Q&A: Everyone Is Arguing About Roth IRAs And We Have Thoughts
Debates swirl around traditional IRAs versus Roth IRAs, with a focus on the impact of tax rates. Listeners face real-life financial dilemmas, like how to manage company stock options and the right approach to retirement portfolio allocations. Insights emerge on preparing for early retirement with asset conversion strategies. The risks of overconcentration in company stocks are highlighted, alongside the importance of diversification and smart planning. Engaging stories add a personal touch to the financial discussions, making complex topics relatable.

15 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 34min
The Marriage Contract You Never Saw (But Can't Escape), with Harvard Law Alum Aaron Thomas
Aaron Thomas, a Harvard-trained family law attorney and founder of prenups.com, reveals the true value of prenuptial agreements beyond just divorce protection. He discusses how every marriage has a default prenup based on state laws, emphasizing the need for clear financial arrangements to prevent disputes. Highlighting real-life consequences of financial mismanagement in marriages, he advocates for open communication about finances, suggesting regular meetings to align financial goals. Thomas also touches on child custody matters and the strategic benefits of creating prenups to safeguard individual assets.

12 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 58min
When Disaster Hits Home – Literally
An 84-year-old listener grapples with massive mortgage debt and the need to sell a hurricane-damaged Florida condo. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of natural disasters on homeowners, especially regarding property values. The hosts explore strategies for navigating property sales in tough markets and the financial implications of selling after significant damage. Insights on homeownership challenges in disaster-prone areas provide listeners with practical advice and emphasize the importance of clear communication in real estate decisions.

14 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
Treasury Tantrums, Arctic Routes, and McKinley's Ghost
Dive into the intriguing bond market, where rising interest rates signal economic shifts. Explore President McKinley's relevance amid modern economic challenges and the long-lasting impacts of his era's tariffs and imperialism. Discover how melting Arctic ice is reshaping global trade routes and sparking a new wave of competition among nations. Learn about China's ambitions in the Arctic, plus the implications of a global minimum corporate tax in today's economy. Real estate investment strategies are also highlighted for those eager to take the plunge.

10 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 4min
Q&A: Two Weeks Until My Tenants Move In And I Have Nowhere to Go
A real estate crisis unfolds as Todd faces last-minute hurdles before closing on a new home, with just two weeks until his tenants move in. The discussion delves into the emotional and practical challenges of maintaining integrity in real estate transactions. Another listener ponders whether to sell a valuable Bay Area rental or leverage equity. Humor weaves through serious financial topics, highlighting the unpredictability of property investing. The hosts also share strategies for thriving amidst inflation and the importance of smart negotiations.

67 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Hidden Cost of Playing It Safe With Money, with Dr. Margie Warrell
Dr. Margie Warrell, a Fortune 500 leadership advisor and courage expert, dives into the concept of the 'courage gap'—the space between our current life and our potential. She shares a poignant story about her daughter's realization in Hollywood and discusses how fear often blocks personal and financial growth. Dr. Warrell outlines five steps to bridge this gap, emphasizing the importance of focusing on long-term goals, rewriting personal narratives, and embracing discomfort to foster courage and achieve meaningful aspirations.

10 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 3min
Q&A: The Efficient Frontier Was Perfect Until HR Got Involved
Explore the challenges of optimizing 401k investments with limited fund options and learn how to enhance your portfolio performance. Discover the differences between value and growth investing using Amazon as a case study. Delve into the importance of tracking your net worth and managing investment risks, along with practical strategies for asset allocation. The discussion emphasizes the need for regular financial reviews and how tracking both finances and health metrics can lead to greater awareness and accountability for better long-term outcomes.

88 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 25min
The World's Richest People Are Weird by Design, with William Green
William Green, a seasoned author and interviewer of renowned investors, shares fascinating insights from his 25 years of conversations with financial legends. He reveals that the world’s richest individuals often embrace unconventional thinking, with stories of mavericks like Templeton making bold, contrarian bets in crisis. Green emphasizes self-awareness, emotional management, and living below means as keys to success. He also explores the philosophical aspects of wealth, suggesting that true richness lies in contentment and playing to one’s strengths.