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November 20, 2017By Paula Pant

#104: Ask Paula – How Can I Learn about Money from the People Around Me?

Ask Paula Pant Afford Anything Episode 104This week, I answer 4 questions about quitting a depressing job, learning how to ask probing questions, saving for a downpayment, and more.

Edward asks:
How can I learn from other people around me? I’m 28, and my wife and I have some money that we’d like to invest. We know people who’ve had both successes and losses in the investing world, but when I ask them questions, they tend to become a little more private and shy away. How can I encourage them to open up, so that we can learn from them?


Sara asks:
For the last 2 years, my husband and I have lived on one income and used the other to pay off our student loans. We also saved $40,000 to make a downpayment on a house.

We need to move to England for 2 years, and we’ll buy a house when we return to the U.S. In the meantime, what should we do with the $40,000 downpayment that we’ve saved?

We’d hate to see the money in a savings account, but it doesn’t seem wise to invest in index funds. What should we do?

Brittany asks:
I’m at a job that I hate. I’d like to start a small business and find other part-time work so that I can quit my job.

I’m planning to move in with my in-laws, so my cost-of-living will be low. Do you recommend that I start a blog as a side hustle, so that I can pay the bills after I quit my job?

A listener in the Midwest asks:
I’m a 37-year-old single woman living in the Midwest. I live in a one-bedroom with my 5-year-old son.

I bring home $3,800 per month. My rent is $1,150 and my son’s preschool is $700 per month. I have $40,000 in retirement savings and a $3,000 emergency fund.

I don’t want to be making rent payments in retirement. Should I take $20,000 from my 401k to make a downpayment on a rental property?


I answer these questions in today’s episode. Enjoy!

Resources Mentioned:

  • Interview with Nick Loper
  • TreasuryDirect.gov


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#105: Living Life as an Experiment - with A.J. Jacobs
Next Newer Episode »
#103: Random Smattering of Lessons on Money, Work and Life — plus A Call for Radical Authenticity
Next Older Episode »

Posted in: Episodes, Personal Finance 101Tagged in: ask paula, blogging, downpayments, financial independence strategies

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Afford Anything

  • Start Here
    • About
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  • Podcast
    • Binge
    • Sponsors
    • Ask a Question
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    • Your First Rental Property
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