
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

23 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 31min
The Surprising Economic Proposal Both Candidates Agree On
Explore the recent half-point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and its impacts on mortgages and savings. Discover how economic indicators like the dot plot and R-star influence future economic predictions. Unpack surprising bipartisan proposals regarding housing and taxation as the election approaches. Analyze the latest jobs report and the complexities of the labor market. Emphasize the importance of critical thinking in political discussions and the need for effective policies beyond party lines.

36 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 11min
Retire at 30? The Math Behind Making Work Optional
Get ready for a deep dive into early retirement strategies! A 30-year-old's impressive savings spark conversations about the math of making work optional. The hosts weigh the pros and cons of single-family versus multi-family homes, exploring creative housing solutions. Listeners learn about the importance of planning by decade while avoiding pitfalls like being 'house poor.' With valuable insights on investing in VTSAX and tips for choosing a financial advisor, this discussion is packed with actionable advice for future financial freedom!

Sep 27, 2024 • 45min
How to Face Your Financial Fears
Discover the fascinating world of financial psychology and how it shapes your money decisions. Dive into the three money mindsets: anxious, obsessed, and avoidant, and how they affect your relationship with wealth. Explore the myths surrounding financial success, revealing why mere savings don’t equate to being 'good with money.' Learn to navigate the obstacles of imposter syndrome and understand the balance between time and money. Ultimately, rethink how your beliefs about finances can lead to empowerment or limitation.

25 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 14min
How to Handle 7 Types of Hardball Negotiation Tactics, so You Can Earn More and Spend Less
Learn how to tackle tough negotiation tactics like the infamous 'take it or leave it' offer, illustrated by a software developer's real-life success story. Discover strategies to handle psychological games from clients, and navigate the classic 'good cop, bad cop' routine. Cut through information overload with the FILTER acronym, and master the art of asking for raises while showcasing your true value. Equip yourself with actionable tips to confidently counter aggressive tactics and ensure better financial outcomes.

19 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 39min
Are We All Financial Hypochondriacs? Why We Feel Broke, Even When Our Bank Accounts Are Full
Katie Gatti Tassin, host of Money with Katie, takes a deep dive into the intriguing concept of money dysmorphia—where individuals feel financially inadequate despite having solid bank accounts. She highlights how social and traditional media fuel this anxiety, distorting our understanding of 'normal.' Sharing her own experience with guilt over buying a Porsche, Katie emphasizes the conflict within financial communities. The discussion also touches on pandemic shifts in priorities and the need for balance, encouraging a healthier relationship with money.

16 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 33min
Your Dream Retirement Might Hinge on This One Choice, featuring Katie Gatti Tassin, host of Money with Katie
Katie Gatti Tassin, host of MorningBrew’s Money with Katie, is a retirement savings expert who dives into the crucial decision between Traditional and Roth 401(k)s. She discusses the complexities of future tax rates and how they impact retirement planning, emphasizing strategies for different income levels. The conversation also touches on Social Security's uncertain future and the unique challenges faced by small business owners. Tassin offers insightful recommendations for optimizing retirement savings while managing taxes effectively.

16 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 1min
GREATEST HITS: The Science of Empathy, with Stanford Professor Jamil Zaki
Stanford psychology professor Jamil Zaki dives into the fascinating world of empathy and its vital role in our professional and personal connections. He argues that empathy is not just an innate trait but a skill that can be cultivated, discussing practical strategies to enhance it in our lives. Zaki examines how digital tools and technologies, including AI and virtual reality, influence empathy today. He also explores how tribalism and broader identities can shape our willingness to connect, making a compelling case for empathy as a driver of business success.

29 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 26min
Secrets to Getting Promoted, from Harvard Business Alum Leslie Zane
Leslie Zane, a Harvard Business alum and branding expert, shares insights on the art of personal branding for career advancement. She emphasizes that securing promotions often hinges on how you make others feel about you. Zane breaks down key strategies: being salient helps people remember you, staying relevant means focusing on your successes, and being distinctive sets you apart. She uses engaging examples, like a dental hygienist’s personal touch and McDonald's effective storytelling, to illustrate the power of emotional connections in branding.

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 4min
Ask Paula: Escaping a $100K Tax Nightmare
#539: An anonymous caller feels trapped. She owes $100,000 in back taxes on earnings she had to give up as a result of a lawsuit with her former business partner. What should she do?Saul and his wife want to retire in Mexico but they don’t want to give up the ability to continue investing in US stocks. Can they buy a primary residence that doubles as a short-term rental?Nina and her partner are eager to start a $500,000 renovation on their home but they’re still three years away from saving enough. How can they bridge the gap without risking too much?Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these three questions in today’s episode.Enjoy!P.S. Got a question? Leave it at https://affordanything.com/voicemailFor more information, visit the show notes at https://affordanything.com/episode539 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 6, 2024 • 38min
Fed Forecasts, Buffett's Birthday, and Selena Gomez's Billion-Dollar Brand
A fresh jobs report reveals disappointing job growth, sparking discussions about potential interest rate cuts. Celebrating Warren Buffett's 94th birthday, the conversation includes his continuous success at Berkshire Hathaway, shattering age-related stereotypes. The spotlight then shifts to Selena Gomez, who has built a billion-dollar empire through her makeup line, illustrating the immense potential of entrepreneurship. Tune in for insights on economics and inspiring stories of success!
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