By Paula Pant
In this Q&A episode, we tackle three questions that sit right at the intersection of money, time freedom, and life design. We start with a listener who’s planning a self‑funded sabbatical and needs to decide how much risk to take with savings earmarked for a very specific timeline.
From there, the conversation widens into […]
By Paula Pant
They’ve done everything right on paper. Mid-40s, nearly $2 million saved, clear spending numbers, and a realistic plan to downshift work within the next five to seven years. And yet, the hesitation is real.
In this Q&A episode, we unpack the hesitation that shows up right before a major financial transition, even when the numbers […]
By Paula Pant
Many who reach CoastFI find themselves in a strange in-between: financially independent enough to stop saving, but not ready to fully retire. When you’re living off a taxable brokerage for decades, does the “never hold bonds in taxable” rule still apply?
This episode explores how traditional asset location advice meets real-life spending. We unpack how […]
By Paula Pant
What if you didn’t have to choose between grinding full-time until retirement or quitting work altogether?
By 40, Andy Hill and his wife had built a $500,000 portfolio and paid off their home. Instead of racing toward early retirement, they chose a third way: scaling back to part time work, becoming equal partners in […]
By Paula Pant
What happens when you spend three decades talking to retirement experts? You learn that most of what people think they know about retirement planning is oversimplified or wrong.
Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning at Morningstar, joins us on the Afford Anything podcast to share what she’s discovered after 31 years of […]
By Paula Pant
Economist Dr. Karsten Jeske talks with us about the current economic landscape. Karsten, who retired at 44, breaks down the Fed’s recent decisions and how they might affect our finances.
He explains how markets often anticipate interest rate changes before they happen. Karsten challenges traditional views on inflation and unemployment, telling us that textbook models don’t always match reality.
Karsten shares his personal investing experiences, covering both market highs and lows. He emphasizes the value of consistent investing regardless of market conditions.
For those eyeing retirement, Karsten dives into safe withdrawal rates. He advises paying close attention to current market valuations when planning. On the topic of mortgages, he offers clear guidance on when refinancing makes sense.
We also touch on economic history, discussing the Weimar Republic’s hyperinflation. Karsten uses this to critique modern monetary theory, expressing skepticism about unrestricted money printing.
Throughout our conversation, Karsten explains complex economic concepts in accessible terms. He draws on his background as both an academic and a Wall Street professional to provide well-rounded insights.
Karsten, also known as Big ERN, is the author of EarlyRetirementNow.com, where he writes about safe withdrawal rates and personal finance while enjoying his retirement.
By Paula Pant
Ever feel like you’re never doing enough with your money, even when your finances look good on paper?
You’re not alone.
Katie Gatti Tassin, host of the Money with Katie podcast, dives into a phenomenon called “money dysmorphia” in today’s interview.
She shares how she got flooded with responses when she asked her listeners about money dysmorphia. Folks with hefty savings and investments still worry they’re not doing enough. It’s like they’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Where does this come from? Katie points to a few culprits. Social media is an obvious scapegoat. But traditional media plays a role too. Think about all those TV shows where “normal” families live in massive houses and drive fancy cars. It skews our perception of what’s average.
Location matters too. Katie talks about how moving from Dallas to Fort Collins changed her spending habits. Different cities have different vibes and social norms around money.
The conversation takes an interesting turn when Katie shares her own experience buying a Porsche. She felt conflicted, worried her FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community would judge her. It highlights how even personal finance experts grapple with these issues.
They also touch on how the pandemic shook up financial priorities. When faced with uncertainty, some people realized saving for a far-off future might not be the only goal worth pursuing.
Katie and Paula discuss the importance of balance. It’s good to save, but not at the expense of living your life now. They suggest seeking out voices in the personal finance world to get a more rounded perspective.
Travel comes up as a way to gain financial perspective. Seeing how people live in other parts of the world can make you appreciate what you have or show you where your own country could improve.
Katie and Paula offer food for thought on how to navigate our complex relationship with money. It’s a conversation that might make you think differently about your own financial mindset.
By Paula Pant
Today’s guest, Brandon Ganch, also known as the MadFientist, reached Financial Independence (FI) and quit his job as a software developer at 34. But then he faced a vexing question: what should he do with the rest of his life?
In this episode, Brandon shares his journey with FI, revealing the gap between the ideal life you envision on spreadsheets and the reality that unfolds. He talks about reaching FI sooner than planned, having more money than anticipated, and the adjustments he had to make to his lifestyle. It’s a refreshingly honest look at FI that goes beyond the numbers.
We also dive into the changing landscape of work and the impact of automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Brandon talks about what he would do differently if he were in his 20’s, and shares valuable insights on tools you can use to stay relevant and future-proof your career.
You’ll enjoy this if:
— You’re on the FI path and want to ensure your plans are flexible enough for life’s surprises.
— You’re curious about the unexpected realities of achieving FI.
— You’re concerned about automation impacting your job security.
By Paula Pant
Lindsay’s husband struggles with a mental disability. She’s worried about the impact on her family’s finances. How does she maintain harmony in her marriage and protect her kids’ future?
An anonymous caller is stoked about her young nephew’s interest in saving for retirement. What’s Paula and Joe’s advice for a teenage saver?
Following up on […]
Written By Paula Pant
Hey Gen Z friends,
Welcome to adulting and the world of personal finance! As Generation Z, you have the incredible advantage of time on your side when it comes to investing and reaching financial independence.
Leverage your youth as a time of opportunity and learning, thinking boldly about how to create the financial future you […]
