So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

Epizode

• 2010: Ask Farnoosh: What Annoys Me Most About Money? (Plus: Disability Insurance and Long-Term Care 101) 17.07.2026 32min

  On this week's Ask Farnoosh Friday, we're tackling five thoughtful listener questions that touch on everything from career transitions and combining finances as a couple to insurance, retirement accounts, and planning for the future.Before we dive into the mailbag, I also share a few headlines that caught my attention this week—including a fascinating new trend in prenups designed to protect stay-at-home parents, California's latest move to make personal finance a graduation requirement, and a New York Times article about the money frustrations that seem uniquely American (plus a few of my own!). And yes...So Money is officially on YouTube.In this episode:Why you shouldn't feel guilty quietly job hunting before you have an offerThe best way to leave an employer professionally while protecting your own careerHow couples can combine finances without sacrificing independenceWhy "fair" doesn't always mean splitting expenses 50/50My favorite three-account system for couplesThe insurance policies every young professional should prioritize—and which ones can probably waitWhy your ability to earn an income may be your greatest financial assetWhen to start thinking seriously about long-term care insuranceHow to prepare for future caregiving conversations with your parentsWhat to do with an old, empty 401(k) account after your employer changes retirement providersWhy cybersecurity deserves a place in every annual financial checkupAlso in the news:A new prenup trend: More couples are adding "leave the workforce" clauses to protect spouses who pause their careers to raise children or provide care, recognizing the real financial cost of unpaid caregiving.Money annoyances in America: Inspired by a New York Times article from Ron Lieber and Tara Siegel Bernard, I share my own biggest financial pet peeves—from managing kids' allowance to credit card surcharges and New Jersey property taxes.Financial literacy gains momentum: California becomes the 26th state to require a standalone personal finance course for high school graduation, signaling a major shift in how we prepare young people for adulthood.Resources & MentionsSo Money is now on YouTubeColumbia Journalism Review's feature on The Montclair PodWall Street Journal reporting on caregiving clauses in prenupsNew York Times article: "6 Things That Drive Us Crazy About Money in America" by Ron Lieber and Tara Siegel BernardHave a question for the show?Send your question for a future Ask Farnoosh Friday! If it's on your mind, chances are thousands of other listeners are wondering the same thing. You can email me, leave a voicemail, or connect with me on Instagram.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. It helps more people discover the show—and build richer, more confident financial lives.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2009: The Midlife Money Reset with Lindsay Goldwert 15.07.2026 39min

  Today's episode is for anyone who has ever stood in the vitamin aisle reading about the exact right creatine dosage for a woman "in this stage of life" and thought... okay but where's the aisle for my retirement savings?I'm right in the thick of this myself. Midlife money is basically all I want to talk about lately, because I think we are the forgotten demo. There's an entire industry telling us how to optimize our sleep, our supplements, our skin. But when it comes to actually managing our money at this stage, when the stakes are higher and the runway to retirement is shorter, the advice mostly dries up.So I'm thrilled to have Lindsay Goldwert here. She's the co-author, with Gabrielle Moss, of The Midlife Plot Twist, and she's spent a lot of time talking to women about the money moment we're in right now: the shame, the catching-up, the marriages where one partner has quietly been steering the ship, the total reinvention some of us are doing in our forties and fifties. Lindsay, welcome to So Money.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2008: Make Extraordinary Wealth with Ordinary Businesses 13.07.2026 31min

  What if the secret to extraordinary wealth isn’t about betting on the next big thing, but buying something tried-and-true—like a plumbing business, a car wash, or a cleaning company? What if the future of entrepreneurship isn’t on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley, but on Main Street—if only we knew how to seize it?My guest today is Codie Sanchez, founder and CEO of Contrarian Thinking, a digital education platform and media company with over 6 million followersIn her new book, Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses, Codie lays out her bold argument: that buying profitable, established, cash-flowing businesses is the most underrated path to building wealth—and that now is the time to act. Why? Because America is facing a generational handoff. Over 40 million Americans are hitting retirement age, and baby boomers—who currently own nearly two-thirds of small businesses with employees—are poised to sell. Codie calls it a “silver tsunami,” and for those who know how to navigate it, it could mean once-in-a-generation opportunity.In our conversation, Codie opens up about her own unlikely journey from journalism to Wall Street to Main Street. We talk about how she made the leap, the psychological hurdles to entrepreneurship, and how she thinks about power, relationships, and the future of work in an AI-driven world.This episode aired originally March 26, 2025Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2007: Ask Farnoosh: Should I Open a Trump Account? Can My Parent Qualify for Medicaid? 10.07.2026 35min

  We're exploring two topics that are at each end of the life spectrum - child savings accounts and Medicaid. First, what is a Trump account? Farnoosh began contributing to her kids' accounts over the weekends. She has pros, cons and even a great hack for making the most of these accounts. Plus, is 20% a good amount for a home downpayment? And how to increase your chances of qualifying for Medicaid?Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2006: Inside Financial Therapy: How to Heal Your Relationship with Money 08.07.2026 42min

  My guest today is someone I've known and admired for a long time — Bobbi Rebell, CFP®, founder of Financial Wellness Strategies and author of Launching Financial Grownups: Live Your Richest Life by Helping Your (Almost) Adult Kids Become Everyday Money Smart, as well as How to be a Financial Grownup. Bobbi was previously a global business news anchor and personal finance columnist at Thomson Reuters, and held positions at CNBC, CNN and PBS, so she's spent decades translating money into plain English for millions of people. But today we're talking about a new chapter: Bobbi just became a Certified Financial Therapist — a credential that sits at the intersection of money and mindset, and one she worked hard for, the long way, no shortcuts. We're going to dig into why she pursued it, what financial therapy actually is, and how understanding our money psychology — from childhood money memories to the algorithms shaping our spending — can change how we feel about our financial choices, even the ones we didn't fully choose.Follow Bobbi on Substack.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2005: Own Your Time, Choices and. Happiness (Actually) with Andy Hill, Founder of Marriage, Kids and Money 06.07.2026 40min

  We spend so much of our lives chasing money—believing that once we earn enough, save enough, and invest enough, happiness and freedom will finally follow.But what if the real goal isn’t more money… it’s more time?Today’s guest is Andy Hill, AFC®, award-winning family finance coach and founder of the platform Marriage, Kids and Money, which has reached millions of families through his podcast, videos, and writing. His new book, Own Your Time, challenges a deeply held belief in personal finance: that wealth alone will solve our problems. Instead, Andy argues that true financial success is about using money intentionally to design a life filled with freedom, family connection, and choice.In this conversation, we explore Andy’s own journey—from a six-figure household income and negative net worth to a life where he and his wife now work part-time by design. We talk about the concept of “coast financial independence,” the surprising middle ground between burnout and early retirement, and the practical financial steps families can take—at any stage—to reclaim their calendars and their priorities.We’ll also get into the emotional side of money and time: how couples navigate unequal incomes, why optionality matters more than status, and how to raise kids who understand wealth not just as dollars, but as freedom and generosity.This episode aired originally on Feb 9, 2026.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2004: How Much Should We Pay For College? (Encore) 04.07.2026 36min

  This episode aired originally on May 1, 2026.May 1 is College Acceptance Day and as many families grapple with the soaring cost of college, Farnoosh shares thoughts on how to decide whether a college education is worth its price tag. Would you spend $100k a year?Plus: Establishing credit for the first time and how to allocate your investments in your 30s. And a crazy story about how one woman’s investments disappeared from her bank’s website. What happened?Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2003: Investing in Your Tween: Navigating Phones, Friendships and Big Feelings 01.07.2026 45min

  What if the most important investment you make in your child's future isn't paying for travel sports, tutoring, or the latest smartphone—but investing in your relationship?Farnoosh sits down with Bridget KerMorris, a Stanford-trained attorney, relational therapist, creator of the Steady + Connected Parenting™ framework, and mom of seven, to discuss why the middle school years may be the most critical—and misunderstood—season of parenting.Together they explore:Why ages 10–13 are a pivotal window for building lifelong trustHow to respond to bullying, friendship drama, and emotional outburstsThe words every middle schooler needs to hear from their parentsHow to repair after conflict instead of striving for perfectionNavigating phones, social media, and the pressure to fit inTeaching kids about money, expensive wants, allowances, and delayed gratificationWhy emotional presence may be the greatest investment parents can makeWhether you're raising a tween now or your child is heading toward middle school, this conversation offers practical tools, reassuring perspective, and a powerful reminder that your relationship—not your perfection—is what matters most.More about Bridget: Bridget KerMorris is a nationally recognized middle school parenting expert, relational therapist, and creator of Steady + Connected Parenting™. She is also the host of the new podcast, Middle Years with Bridget KerMorris.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2002: Rich People Behaving Badly: What the Art World Teaches Us About Wealth and Women 29.06.2026 34min

  The art market is one of the least regulated, most opaque wealth transfer systems on the planet. We're talking billions of dollars moving between billionaires, oligarchs, and heads of state — with almost no oversight. It's where old money hides, new money launders, and powerful families build dynasties that last for generations. And at the center of all of it? Almost always, a man.But behind that man? Almost always, a woman who did the work — and got written out.That's the world at the heart of The Parisian Heist, the new novel from my guest today — and it is juicy. We're talking rich people behaving very badly, the hidden female genius behind one of the most famous artists who ever lived, and what all of it has to do with your money, your financial agency, and why handing over control — even to someone you love and trust — can cost you everything.Jo Piazza is a bestselling author, journalist, and podcast host with fourteen books and 25 million downloads to her nameLearn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2001: Ask Farnoosh: Reflections on 2000 Money Conversations, My Advice for 2026 High School Grads 26.06.2026 30min

  Watch the full commencement speech on YoutubeLearn about and reserve your seat for Book to Brand.Farnoosh reflects on the biggest money lessons from producing 2,000 shows across 11 years. And listen to her speech to the high school graduates in her town. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 2000: FORO,  The Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement 24.06.2026 35min

  Today we're talking about FORO, the fear of running out. According to a new sweeping study from Corebridge Financial, Americans are nine times more likely to say they'd regret running out of money while they're alive than dying with a fortune left unspent.Now, you have probably spent years, maybe decades, doing everything right, putting money away. You're contributing to your 401k, maybe even maxing it, and you're watching the balance grow, and somewhere in the back of your mind you're telling yourself, "When I finally get there, I'm gonna enjoy this."But here's what a new study just uncovered, and it's one of the most surprising findings in retirement research in years: getting there may be considered the hard part, but spending the money once you do is actually harder for millions of Americans.These are people who've worked hard, they saved diligently, they made it to retirement, and now they're not spending. They're hoarding. They're restricting. They're eating out less. They're skipping the trip. They're holding back, not because they can't afford it, but because they're afraid. Afraid if they actually use what they saved, it might run out.To unpack what's driving this and what to do about it, we are joined by Bryan Pinsky, President of Individual Retirement and Life Insurance at Corebridge Financial, one of the nation's largest providers of retirement solutions. And Jean Chatzky, a New York Times bestselling author, personal finance expert, one of the most trusted voices in America when it comes to helping real people make smart decisions with their money. She has partnered with Corebridge to turn these findings into an actionable playbook for retirement.We're gonna walk through what the data shows, why it matters, and what you can do right now, even if retirement is still years away, to make sure you don't fall into this trap.Resources and LinksPress Release: https://investors.corebridgefinancial.com/news/news-details/2026/Only-28-of-Pre-retirees-and-Retirees-are-Comfortable-Drawing-Down-Savings-in-Retirement-But-Having-a-Plan-for-Decumulation-Boosts-Confidence/default.aspxFull Survey Findings: https://apps.tm.celerasystems.com/corebridge/services/viewDocument?itemNbr=M6525DCKJean's Interview Series: https://www.corebridgefinancial.com/insights-education/real-stories-with-jean-chatzkyLearn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1999: Debt: An American True Crime Story 22.06.2026 36min

  What if debt isn't a personal failure—but a symptom of a much bigger problem?For years, we've been told that financial struggles come down to individual choices: spend less, budget better, work harder. But what if the real story is more complicated?My guests today are Jamie Feldman and Rachel Webster, creators and hosts of the award-winning podcast Debt Heads, a groundbreaking series they describe as a "true crime investigation into the murder of our bank accounts." The podcast is now entering season 2.Season one began with Jamie's own experience navigating credit card debt and the shame that came with it. But what started as one woman's debt payoff journey quickly evolved into a deeper investigation into the systems, cultural pressures, and economic realities that leave so many people feeling financially stuck.Jamie is a writer, editor, and storyteller. Rachel is a filmmaker and producer. Together, they've built a fiercely honest, deeply funny, and surprisingly hopeful podcast community around a topic most of us avoid talking about: money.Now, as Debt Heads returns for its second season, they're widening the lens beyond spending and debt to explore work, job security, income instability, and what it means to pursue financial wellbeing in a world that often feels increasingly precarious.In our conversation, we talk about the hidden connections between mental health and money, why so many women tie their self-worth to spending, how shame keeps us isolated, and why financial security is about far more than your net worth.You'll also hear their thoughts on the creator economy, the pressure to monetize every passion project, and why making meaningful work—not just profitable work—can lead to unexpected opportunities.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1998: Ask Farnoosh: Divorce, Toxic Workplaces, and Smart Home Upgrades 19.06.2026 26min

  Join us for Book to Brand on Friday, October 9, in New York City. Early bird tickets are available now at BookToBrand.co.Farnoosh shares a parenting mishap from her book A Healthy State of Panic—accidentally sending her kids to the wrong birthday party—and explains why low-stakes failures can help us build resilience instead of fear.Then, she tackles listener questions about whether to stay in an unhappy marriage for financial reasons, how to navigate a toxic workplace, and what home repairs are worth making before a sale. Plus: advice for Penn State finance freshmen looking to stand out, tips for choosing the right investment platform, and what to know before setting up an S-corporation for your business.This episode aired originally on June 24, 2023.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1997: The Smartest Path to a Book Deal (and a Book That Actually Sells) 17.06.2026 49min

  What does it really take to land a traditional book deal in 2026?In this episode, Farnoosh sits down with book proposal strategist Richelle Fredson, founder of Book Proposal Blueprint, to unpack what publishers, agents, and editors are really looking for today. Together, they explore the role of platform-building, the biggest mistakes aspiring authors make, and the truth about landing a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.Richelle, who helped shape Farnoosh's proposal for A Healthy State of Panic, shares practical insights on crafting a standout proposal, attracting the right publishing partners, and turning a book into a bigger opportunity—from growing your business and audience to securing speaking engagements and building a lasting brand.If you're dreaming of writing a book—or already working on one—this conversation offers a clear roadmap for navigating today's publishing landscape.Want to go deeper? Join us at Book to Brand on October 9 in New York, where we'll connect you with agents, publishers, editors, and successful authors for an immersive day of learning and networking. Early bird pricing ends July 1 at booktobrand.co.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1996: The Postgrad Playbook: How to Land Your First Real Job 15.06.2026 37min

  Today we're talking about one of the most stressful financial moments in a young person's life — that gap between graduation and a real paycheck.My guest is Jahleane Dolné, founder of the Postgrad Playbook, a media platform and community helping Gen Z navigate the years right after college — the job search, the identity shift, the moving back home. All of it.Because here's the thing: we tend to assume young people will figure it out. No mortgage, no kids — they'll be fine. But this transition is one of the most underserved in our culture, and the job market right now is making it even harder. New grads are spending six months, a year, sometimes two years searching. Many end up in jobs that don't require the degree they just paid six figures for.Jahleane has been there. She's a UC Santa Barbara grad, daughter of Haitian immigrants, and she found her way through a sales career, a TikTok community, a $20 LinkedIn course — and eventually, a mission. Today she's sharing the playbook: how to position yourself for work, network without cringing, think about grad school strategically, and why a year in sales might be the best investment a twenty-something can make. More about Jahleane: She is the founder of The PostGrad Playbook, a media company building the definitive guide for life after college and helping young professionals navigate careers, identity shifts, and the moments between milestones that nobody prepares them for.She was named a Future Voice at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and her work has led to partnerships with brands including LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Fide. Her insights have been featured in Ad Age, Business Insider, The New York Times, Essence, AfroTech, and LinkedIn News. Across social media and The PostGrad Playbook newsletter, she has built a community of ambitious professionals seeking practical strategies for creating opportunities in a rapidly changing world.Jahleane's socials  Instagram | TikTok | LinkedInThe PostGrad Playbook: Website | Instagram Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1995: Ask Farnoosh: Managing Your Net Worth in Retirement, Trump Accounts and 401(k) Rollovers 12.06.2026 29min

  This week, Farnoosh answers listener questions about rolling over an old 401(k), managing $100,000 in savings for a 68-year-old on Social Security, and how couples should discuss and merge finances. She highlights a New York Times story on how weak job markets can scar young graduates long-term and a piece in the Wall Street Journal about “Trump accounts,” including unclear eligibility rules and potential state tax differences versus 529 plans, advising caution until IRS guidance arrives. Learn more about her October 9 Book to Brand event. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1994: What Does Childcare Actually Cost? 10.06.2026 31min

  Hey SO MONEY family — something special in your feed today.My friend Lindsey Stanberry is taking over with an episode of Family Money, her new podcast series with Babylist through The Purse. Lindsey has been covering women, work, and money for over a decade, and what she's building here is exactly the kind of honest, practical conversation that parents need and almost nobody is having well.And yes — I'm in this one.The episode is called "What Does Childcare Actually Cost?" and it does exactly what it says. Lindsey talks with economist Corinne Low — Associate Professor at the Wharton School and author of the USA Today bestseller Having It All — who reframes childcare not as a money pit but as an investment in your time, your career, and your family's future. Then I join to walk through the real numbers: daycare centers, nanny shares, au pairs, in-home care, the grandparent option nobody talks about enough — what each one actually costs and how to figure out what's right for your family.We also get into something that drives me crazy: this idea that childcare costs come out of the mother's salary. They don't. They come out of your family's future. And once you see it that way, everything changes.If you're expecting, deep in the daycare years, or just trying to get ahead of it — this episode is for you. Give Family Money a follow wherever you listen. Lindsey is doing incredible work.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1993: The New Rules for Getting a Financial Life with NYT Bestseller Beth Kobliner 08.06.2026 38min

  When Beth Kobliner published Get a Financial Life nearly 30 years ago, the average first-time homebuyer in America was 28 years old.Today? It's 40.That one number captures just how dramatically the financial landscape has changed for young adults. The rules many of us grew up with—go to college, get a good job, buy a home, build wealth—don't seem to work quite the same way anymore.And yet, Beth isn't here to tell us the system is hopeless.In fact, after spending years talking with high school students, college graduates, and young workers across the country, she says she sees something surprising: Gen Z may be one of the most financially aware generations we've ever seen.Today, Beth joins me to discuss the newly updated edition of her classic book, Get a Financial Life, and what young people really need to know about money in 2026. We talk about student debt, housing affordability, retirement, investing, financial influencers, and why some of the most powerful financial advice is also the most boring.If you've ever wondered whether the old money rules still apply—or what new rules have replaced them—this conversation is for you.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1992: Ask Farnoosh: Angel Investing, Saving for a Downpayment and What to Do When She Makes Less 06.06.2026 36min

  This week on Ask Farnoosh, we're tackling some of life's biggest financial decisions—from navigating a major income gap in a relationship to deciding whether a promising restaurant venture is worth the investment. Plus, what should you prioritize when you're trying to save for a home while also preparing for retirement?Farnoosh answers listener questions about maintaining financial independence before marriage, evaluating a potential angel investment opportunity, choosing between a brokerage account and a traditional IRA, finding trustworthy financial advice, and building a down payment fund in a high-cost housing market. She also shares resources for managing healthcare costs and weighs in on whether married couples should file taxes jointly or separatelyBefore the mailbag, Farnoosh breaks down the latest jobs report, explains why a strong labor market may keep the Federal Reserve on hold when it comes to interest rates, celebrates National Donut Day, and sounds off on a teen financial literacy competition that may be testing the wrong skills altogether.Listener questions include:How do we manage money fairly when one partner earns significantly more?Should we invest in a chef friend's new restaurant?Is it better to file taxes jointly or separately?How can I save for a house down payment faster?Should I open a traditional IRA or a brokerage account if I earn too much for a Roth IRA?How do I find a financial advisor I can trust?What resources can help consumers navigate healthcare costs?Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 1991:  The Truth About Queer Money: Myths, Stressors, and the Path Forward (Encore) 03.06.2026 40min

  What does it mean to build wealth when the world hasn’t always made space for your identity? That’s the question at the heart of today’s conversation, and the driving force behind a powerful new book reshaping how LGBTQ+ people think about money, belonging, and the future. On this episode of So Money, I’m joined by Nick Wolny, a longtime personal finance journalist, columnist for OUT Magazine, and now the author of Money Proud: The Queer Guide to Generate Wealth, Slay Debt, and Build Good Habits to Secure Your FutureNick brings a candid, deeply human lens to the financial lives of queer people, from the emotional and cultural realities that shape money choices to the systems and habits that help rebuild stability, confidence, and long-term security. His own story, which he describes not as self-help but as a kind of spiritual reckoning, is woven throughout the book and sets the stage for an honest, energetic, and eye-opening conversation.This episode originally aired on Dec 17, 2025.Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.