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
16 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 52min
Q&A: How Much Risk Should My Mom Take in Retirement?
A daughter questions if her mother's retirement portfolio is too conservative, sparking a lively discussion on investment strategies for seniors. The use of whole life insurance as savings for children is examined, weighing benefits against other options. Concerns about tax implications when withdrawing from traditional IRAs are addressed. The conversation navigates the balance between risk and emotional responses to market changes, while emphasizing long-term financial planning and wealth transfer strategies for future generations.
38 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 34min
First Friday: The Economic Maze We're Navigating Together
The economy is sending mixed signals with job growth in healthcare but losses in restaurants. Consumer confidence has sharply declined, raising concerns amid rising inflation rates. The Federal Reserve is adopting a cautious stance, holding interest rates steady as they assess the situation. Treasury Secretary's strategy aims to ease energy costs, boosting confidence and consumer spending, which makes up a large portion of the economy. Discussions also include the booming AI sector and its implications for various markets.
11 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
Q&A: Should You Cash Out Your ETFs? The Hidden Consequences of That Decision …
Listeners weigh the pros and cons of cashing out ETFs to buy a home in New York City. The conversation shifts to smart investment strategies for high earners ready for a career change. They explore the concept of the Efficient Frontier, questioning traditional market timing methods. Key financial advice centers on the importance of asset allocation and managing long-term expenses. Personal experiences and resource recommendations provide listeners with practical insights for navigating financial independence.
17 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
Money Doubles Every 10 Years (and Most People Never Notice!), with Scott Yamamura
Scott Yamamura, author of Financial Epiphany, simplifies the confusing world of personal finance. He shares how money acts like a multipliers, emphasizing the power of investing early and how it can double every decade. Scott introduces three frameworks: the Doubling Framework, the Halving Concept, and the importance of understanding your 'why' for financial goals. He encourages beginners to take action without needing to master every concept, using relatable analogies like the Rubik's Cube to illustrate that a simple start is key to building wealth.
9 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 52min
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.
140 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 19min
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 4min
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 30min
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 • 54min
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 • 58min
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.
