Afford Anything | Make Smart Money Choices
Paula Pant, Personal Finance Expert | 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
61 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 5min
How to Teach Kids About Money, with Dr. Stephen Day
Dr. Stephen Day, director of the Center for Economic Education and author on kids’ financial learning, explains how a household “mini economy” uses jobs, play money, and a kitchen-table store to teach choices. Short stories show age-based roles, saving versus spending, donating, and how to separate chores, paid work, and service. Practical tips for routines, family meetings, and scaling the system through childhood.
150 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 10min
52 Tiny Improvements in 2026 [GREATEST HITS]
Discover how the British cycling team's focus on tiny improvements transformed them into champions! The podcast explores the concept of 'aggregation of marginal gains' and how similar tweaks can enhance personal finances. Listeners learn to automate savings, declutter unnecessary items, and adopt decision-making catchphrases that highlight trade-offs. Strategies like meal planning, monitoring subscriptions, and preparing for irregular expenses empower individuals to achieve financial success, making the journey enjoyable and rewarding.
55 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 20min
How NOT to Invest, with Barry Ritholtz
Barry Ritholtz, founder of Ritholtz Wealth Management and a respected financial commentator, shares insights from his career, including warnings about common investment pitfalls. He discusses how just 2% of stocks create market value and cautions against blindly following trends. Ritholtz emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of financial statistics and being aware of emotional biases in decision-making. He also highlights the cyclical nature of markets and urges listeners to establish solid investment plans to navigate market turbulence.
51 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 55min
Q&A: I Want to Retire Early Without Selling My Stocks in a Crash
Mia explores using a securities-backed line of credit to avoid selling stocks during market crashes. Jean is contemplating the best way to save for her upcoming three-year sabbatical, weighing options between high-yield accounts and brokerage funds. Jared questions whether pensions truly beat 401(k)s or if nostalgia plays a role. The hosts delve into the trade-offs of these retirement tools, discussing risks, flexibility, and the changing landscape of benefits in today's workforce.
68 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 31min
Why AI Taking Your Job Isn't the Real Problem, with Fmr. OpenAI Exec Zack Kass
In this engaging discussion, Zack Kass, a former OpenAI executive and AI industry veteran, explores the real implications of AI on our identities and work. He flips the narrative on job loss, suggesting that the true crisis stems from losing our sense of purpose. Kass delves into why many embrace automation in certain fields while resisting it in their own jobs. He highlights how AI could enhance financial literacy and break debt cycles, offering insights into the future of work and the need for community connection in an increasingly automated world.
15 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 9min
Q&A: We Want to Save Senior Dogs … But Should We Sell Our Rental to Do It?
A dream of creating a sanctuary for senior dogs sparks a financial debate over selling or refinancing rental properties. The hosts discuss funding options and the heavy demands of running a nonprofit. Meanwhile, another caller grapples with optimizing retirement savings through strategic Roth conversions. With a young adventurer planning an epic hiking year, the hosts navigate tax opportunities and the importance of life's experiences, balancing financial planning with personal fulfillment.
72 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 42min
First Friday: What 2026 Means for Your Money
As 2026 begins, listeners are greeted with mixed financial news. Gas prices have dipped below $3, but health insurance costs are soaring. The economy shows surprising GDP growth against a backdrop of rising unemployment. While the stock market thrives, many feel the pinch at the checkout, highlighting the disparity between wealth and income. The term 'millionaire malaise' encapsulates this reality, where paper assets look great, but life's essentials remain burdensome. Practical financial tips and goals for the year are also shared.
15 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
Q&A: Should You Keep Part of Your Money Outside the U.S.?
Dive into a listener's impressive $1.2 million portfolio as they explore efficient asset allocation and Roth IRA contributions. The hosts discuss whether 100% stocks are appropriate, emphasizing personal risk tolerance. Learn about the complexities of rebalancing without tax implications, alongside tactics for achieving portfolio efficiency. They also tackle the pros and cons of holding assets outside the U.S., weighing the risks of offshore accounts against the geopolitical stability of American investments. Tune in for practical advice and insights!
Dec 26, 2025 • 46min
[E] The Myths We Believed About Startups [GREATEST HITS]
Rand Fishkin, the savvy founder of Moz and SparkToro, dives into the myths surrounding startups and entrepreneurship. He shares his eye-opening experiences with nearly half a million dollars in debt and the stressful impact of debt collectors on his life. Rand highlights the stark differences between service and product businesses, clearing up misconceptions about wealth and growth. He advocates for self-awareness and transparency as key traits for founders, and reflects on the complexities of startup culture that often contradict the glamorous narrative.
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 18min
[R] Remember When Inflation Was High and Rates Were Rising? [GREATEST HITS]
Sunny Rao, a seasoned real estate investor and co-host of Invest Anywhere's First Friday episodes, dives into the intricacies of long-distance real estate investing. He and Paula Pant explore the five challenges investors face when investing far from home, from managing contractors to overcoming fear. They discuss the benefits of entering lower-cost markets, including enhanced competition and the ability to diversify. Sunny also explains creative acquisition strategies and vital tips for maintaining successful remote operations.
