This week’s Ask Farnoosh mailbag includes timeless questions with a fresh twist: -What should you do after paying off your mortgage? -How to handle running out of tuition money when your child is in their third year of college. -Is it worth opening a second retirement account beyond your 401(k)? -And what’s the real difference between a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k)?
We’re taking you inside the So Money Members Club for an exclusive workshop Farnoosh hosted recently on one of the most urgent financial topics for families: saving for higher education, with a deep dive into the world of 529 college savings plans. This workshop features Patricia Roberts, a leading expert and author on the topic, who brings both professional and personal insight to the conversation. Patricia is the author of the newly updated Route 529. What you’re about to hear is the full work...
Today we’re catching up with the incredible Jannese Torres, host of Yo Quiero Dinero podcast and trust me—she’s had a year. Since her last visit, she’s launched her book Financially Lit, traveled the country on a book tour while secretly pregnant, became a mom, got engaged, and even bought a house. But that’s just the beginning. In this conversation, we dive into how financial independence has reshaped her life as a new parent, her approach to building wealth while growing a family, and—somethin...
In this Ask Farnoosh episode, Farnoosh shares a personal reflection on the growing conflict between Iran and Israel, plus a roundup of headlines you need to know: the S&P 500 hits a record high, credit card APRs climb despite the Fed holding rates steady, and parents are spending more than ever on youth sports. Farnoosh also answers listener questions about negotiating a counteroffer, borrowing from a 401(k), selecting a balance transfer card, and building a beginner’s financial plan. Plus: ...
ADHD and money. It’s a combination that’s often misunderstood—and rarely addressed with the nuance and compassion it deserves. For those living with ADHD, traditional financial advice like “just follow a budget” or “build good habits” can feel like a mismatch, leaving many feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or even ashamed. Joining us today is Nicole Stanley , founder of Arise Financial Coaching and a money coach who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. That diagnosis reshaped her understanding of...
Today’s guest is Barry Ritholtz, co-founder and chief investment officer of Ritholtz Wealth Management, host of the long-running Masters in Business podcast, and the author of the classic Bailout Nation . His new book, How Not to Invest: The Ideas, Numbers, and Behaviors That Destroy Wealth , is a sharp, timely guide to what really derails investors — and how to avoid those traps....
On this week’s Ask Farnoosh , we tackle a fresh round of your money questions, including: Is whole life insurance ever worth it? What are the smartest (and most affordable) ways to invest in your health? How to job-hunt effectively with a PhD in hand and limited prospects. But first, Farnoosh recaps top stories in money news, from Trump’s push to include crypto in 401(k)s, to the surprising rise in early Social Security claims, the falling dollar, and a rare bright spot: more Americans are final...
Our guest needs little introduction if you’ve spent any time in the world of online entrepreneurship. Pat Flynn is one of the most respected thought leaders in digital business and passive income. He’s the creator of Smart Passive Income, host of multiple top-ranked podcasts, a sought-after speaker, and the author of several bestselling books including Will It Fly? and Superfans . Now, Pat is back with a timely and much-needed new book: Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less . In an...
What does it mean to be well-mannered with your money? Today, we’re getting a masterclass in modern etiquette from Daniel Post Senning, the great-great-grandson of Emily Post and co-president of the Emily Post Institute. Daniel joins us to talk about the sticky situations we all face—splitting the bill, tipping in the era of digital checkout screens, handling salary conversations with friends, and navigating the financial asks that come with weddings, parties, and work culture. With AI reshaping...
In this week’s Ask Farnoosh , we’re diving into your money questions and breaking down the big headlines. First up: What the Trump-backed budget bill could mean for your wallet. Farnoosh unpacks the Congressional Budget Office’s $2.4 trillion deficit projection and explains how the proposed tax cuts and spending reductions may impact interest rates, government programs, and your future taxes. Then, in the mailbag: Is the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement right for you? Farnoos...
Today we're exploring how financial literacy changed a person's life. Our guest is Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin — former Wall Street lawyer, leadership consultant, single mom, and founder of The Gaia Leadership Project. From the outside, her life looked picture-perfect: elite career, national media appearances, a thriving business. But behind the scenes, Elizabeth was battling deep financial insecurity, credit card debt, and the emotional weight of divorce and single motherhood — all while runni...
Hannah Cole is back on So Money — and just in time. You may know her as the founder of Sunlight Tax , or from her game-changing workshops that help creatives and freelancers make sense of their money. But today, she's here to share insights from her forthcoming book, Taxes for Humans , which might just be the most approachable — and dare I say, funny — tax book you'll ever read. In this conversation, Hannah and I dive into the emotional baggage so many of us carry around taxes: shame, intimidati...
This week's questions focus on smart budgeting frameworks, earning more outside a 9 to 5, dealing with high annual credit card fees and a pro tip for handling medical debt.
My guest today is one of the most vibrant and necessary voices in personal finance today. Katie Gatti Tassin is the founder of the wildly popular Money with Katie platform and host of the podcast by the same name. She's back on the show with a brand-new book that is as bold as it is brilliant: Rich Girl Nation . This isn't your average money guide. Katie weaves sharp analysis, real-world context, and her signature wit into a manifesto for financial independence — especially for women navigating ...
Have you ever felt uncomfortable splitting a dinner bill with friends or hesitated to join a group vacation because of the cost? Maybe you’ve wondered if your friends view money the way you do. Friendships are one of the most rewarding parts of life, yet they come with their own set of challenges—especially when money enters the picture. Today, we’re diving into this problem with someone who has tackled this topic head-on. Kristin Wong , an award-winning journalist and author, has explored the s...
Today’s show offers financial advice for couples. Plus: How to manage savings versus investments? Download Farnoosh’s free guide to Paris in 4 Days.
We’re joined by Dr. Annie Cole, Ed.D., a money coach and financial educator who specializes in helping women master their finances—from budgeting and debt payoff to investing, building wealth, and retiring early. Dr. Annie's story is a powerful one. In her 20s, she was a burnt-out social worker earning just $26,000 a year. Fast-forward a decade, and she had climbed the ranks to a Vice President role, invested over $380,000, built a $1 million real estate portfolio, and shaved 20 years off her re...
Ever wonder why we take on debt knowing it will cost us — or why flashing a credit card can feel like flashing status? It’s not just poor math or bad habits. It’s biology, psychology, and marketing, all tangled together. In today’s episode, we unpack the psychology of spending with Wright State University professor and author John Dinsmore , whose new book The Marketing of Debt: How They Get You breaks down the subtle — and not-so-subtle — ways marketers capitalize on our optimism, impulsivity, ...
Today’s show: The benefits of credit cards, recommended stock portfolio allocations and resources for helping kids learn about money. Plus: How to execute a rollover or backdoor Roth IRA? (This episode originally aired in 2024)
Menopause used to be a whispered word, something women were expected to endure quietly. But that’s changing—and fast. Women are reclaiming this stage of life, demanding better care, and rewriting the narrative. And leading the charge is my guest today, Emmy-winning journalist and menopause advocate, Tamsen Fadal. With a career spanning over three decades in television news, Tamsen has transitioned her focus towards empowering women navigating midlife changes.Her latest endeavor, the book How to ...
Farnoosh speaks with Dr. Ellen Vora, psychiatrist and author of the book The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response about the root of our anxieties, how they impact our financial wellness and her holistic approach to healing. Her book is now in paperback! More about Dr. Vora: She received her B.A. from Yale University and attended Columbia University medical school. She’s a board-certified psychiatrist, medical acupuncturist, and yoga teacher. Dr. Vora takes a ...
On today's Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh answers audience questions about whether a couple is financially on track, should you put your home in a trust, and the difference between money market accounts and money market funds. Referenced on the show: Episode on All-Things Estate Planning and the So Money Members Club.
We’re diving into the world of real estate investing—not just as a strategy for wealth, but as a movement for women to claim financial independence, build generational wealth, and find community in a traditionally male-dominated space. My guest is Liz Faircloth , co-founder of InvestHer , a global platform and network that helps women invest confidently in real estate, connect with opportunities, and build wealth on their terms. You may know Liz and her partner Andresa from the InvestHer podcast...
Comedian Zarna Garg joins Farnoosh live at Loopwell in Montclair to celebrate the release of her memoir, This American Woman . In this candid and hilarious conversation, Zarna shares how she transformed personal crisis into a comedy career—building a thriving business from scratch after her husband lost his job. She opens up about betting on herself in midlife, using clean comedy as a strategic edge, and how she’s navigated financial stress, immigrant identity, and motherhood with grit and humor...
Download Farnoosh's Free Investing Blueprint to learn how to begin investing for your future. Learn more about her So Money Members Club. In this week’s Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh kicks off with a look at key economic headlines—from McDonald’s reporting a drop in customer traffic to new signs the U.S. economy may be cooling, including a GDP contraction and a spike in jobless claims. She also reflects on a powerful story shared by comedian Zarna Garg about how her family handled job loss during the p...
Today’s episode is a special one, pulled straight from inside the So Money Members Club . This month, we hosted a live workshop all about estate planning — a topic that many of our members requested — and we brought in an expert to guide us: Heather Zack , an attorney and financial planner who leads high-net-worth strategy at Commonwealth Financial Network. Whether you're married or not, have kids or don't, own property or are just starting to build wealth, this conversation with Heather will he...
Today's guest is Rachel Rodgers—a powerhouse entrepreneur, bestselling author, and tireless advocate for wealth building, especially for those historically excluded from financial success. You might remember Rachel from her groundbreaking book, We Should All Be Millionaires. She's back with another insightful and empowering book titled Future Millionaire: A Young Person's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Wealth Inevitable . It's a powerful message for young people, particularly those aged 13 to 25, ...
This Friday: Top financial headlines from changes to student loans to the dismantling of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Plus: The best ways to grow and maintain strong credit. To join Farnoosh with Zarna Garg at Loopwell, reserve your spot here.
How strong and healthy are your relationships? Have you ever considered your relationships as valuable assets—ones that can lead you to a richer, more prosperous life? Today, we're fortunate to be joined by Selena Soo , an acclaimed publicity and marketing expert, and the author of the captivating new book, Rich Relationships . Selena has built an extraordinary career teaching entrepreneurs and leaders the art and science of cultivating authentic relationships that not only stand the test of tim...
This episode aired initially been on Feb 3, 2025. Today, we're diving into the world of travel and points with none other than Brian Kelly, a long-time friend of the show and the founder of The Points Guy . Brian is here to talk about his new book, How to Win at Travel , a guide that helps you unlock all the secrets to mastering the points game, maximizing travel perks, and scoring luxury experiences without luxury price tags. We'll cover: Why Brian calls this era the "platinum age of travel" an...
