Afford Anything®

  • Start Here
    • About
    • Team Afford Anything
    • Media
    • Questions?
  • Blog
    • Binge
  • Podcast
    • Binge
    • Sponsors
    • Ask a Question
    • Guest Guidelines
  • Community
  • TV
  • Explore
    • Your First Rental Property
    • Travel
    • Start a Blog
    • Earn Extra Income

Tag: student loans

May 1, 2026By Paula Pant

#711: Is a Computer Science Degree Still Worth the Debt?, with Ron Lieber

I sat down with Ron Lieber, the New York Times “Your Money” columnist, to tackle one of the most stressful financial decisions any family faces: the cost of college.

With headlines screaming about AI-driven job market disruptions and tuition hitting record highs, we’re digging into the math and the mindset shifts required to navigate […]

Keep reading...

April 17, 2026By Paula Pant

#707: Q&A: LIVE From Texas A&M Texarkana

Joe and I traveled to the campus of Texas A&M University-Texarkana for a very special live recording.

We were joined by Jay Davis, the Executive Director of Financial and Entrepreneurship Engagement, to answer questions from an incredible audience of students.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to “reset” your habits, this […]

Keep reading...

April 14, 2026By Paula Pant

#706: Q&A: The Case for NOT Paying Off Your Student Loans

What do student loans, early retirement, and Airbnb have in common?

They’re the three questions we’re tackling in today’s episode, and each one forces you to think about uncertainty, flexibility, and whether the “right” financial move on paper is actually the right move for your life.

Joe and I answer three listener questions. KJ […]

Keep reading...

April 3, 2026By Paula Pant

#703: First Friday: Jobs Are Up. So Why Does the Economy Feel Worse?

This month’s jobs report looks strong on the surface, with 178,000 jobs added and unemployment ticking down—but a closer look tells a more complicated story. When I compare it against other data like job openings and layoffs, it still points to a slower, low-hiring environment, raising the question: is this […]

Keep reading...

October 24, 2025By Paula Pant

#654: How to Stop Fighting About Money

Fights about money are common, but they’re rarely about math. They’re about power, shame, vulnerability, and trust. And no amount of data or fancy spreadsheets is going to fix it.

What you need is a better system for fairness, more open communication, and a shared ambition.

In this candid conversation with Heather and Doug Boneparth, […]

Keep reading...

March 7, 2024By Paula Pant

#492: How Does Side Hustle Income Affect Retirement Contributions?

Christine’s business is struggling. She needs more income. If she adds a full-time remote job to her plate, how will her retirement and finances change?

Rob enjoyed a banner year in 2023. He made over $1 million. But the sting of income tax has him making moves that violate his investment strategy. Is his tax tail wagging the dog?

Gena is excited to make the most of business deductions. Can she contribute 100 percent of her wages to a 401k and have the company match that?

Christina is tired of living like a pauper in the name of student loan repayment. Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness the answer?

Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these four questions in today’s episode.

Enjoy!

Keep reading...

August 31, 2023By Paula Pant

#459: Ask Paula | 10-Year-Old Asks: How Do I Save for My First Car?

Andrey is a savvy 10-year-old wondering what’s the best way to save up for his first car.

Ingrid wants to know if her parents’ preference for Retiring on Dividends is a better approach compared to the 4 Percent Rule.

Erica’s part-time work schedule will place her in an unusually low tax bracket this year. Should she take this rare chance to execute a Roth conversion? Or is it better to prioritize debt payoff?

Chloe is worried about the end of student loan forbearance. Should she pull back from making retirement contributions to focus on debt payoff?

Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these four questions in today’s episode.

Enjoy!

Keep reading...

August 16, 2023By Paula Pant

#457: Ask Paula: I Sold All My Stocks Last Year. Now I’m Kicking Myself.

Angie sold all the stocks in her retirement account last year. And now the market’s climbing. What should she do with her $500,000 cash position?

Christina will be graduating with six figures of student debt. Should she refinance out of a federally protected loan to lower her interest rate?

An anonymous caller wonders how Paula and Joe handled their primary residences when they moved out of state.

Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these four questions in today’s episode.

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a question? Leave it here.

Keep reading...

June 4, 2023By Paula Pant

#444: Student Loan Payments Restart Soon: What to Expect

The student loan pause is coming to an end. 

A moratorium on student loan repayments has been in place since the start of the pandemic, but starting Sept. 1st, millions of borrowers will be required to start making payments on their loans again.

What does this mean for borrowers? In this episode, we’ll discuss what borrowers can do to prepare, including an in-depth look at the variety of repayment plan options. 

We’ll also talk (in general terms) about how to handle ANY surprise new monthly bill – whether it’s a medical bill, a family member who needs ongoing financial help, or a student loan repayment that’s about to restart. 

Keep reading...

April 12, 2023By Paula Pant

#436: Ask Paula: How Do I Pay for Grad School?

Jeremy wants to attend graduate school. Should he take student loans or cash out his investment portfolio?

Andy is wondering if the 4 percent rule stands up to high inflation. (There’s a shockingly simple answer!)

Did Rudolfo discover a hack to supercharge his 401k investing?

Nandini is overwhelmed by her investing choices. What accounts should she use? What funds should she pick?

Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these four questions in today’s episode.

Enjoy!

P.S. Got a question? Leave it here.

Keep reading...

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • ›

Most Popular

Inflation, Illustrated
How Much is Enough?
What if We Quit Setting Goals? (Seriously?)
The Incredible Power of 10x Thinking
  • Binge
  • Questions?
  • Contact
Join 70,000+ subscribers who get free email updates.

© 2021 Afford Anything. Designed By Wilnau Design. Built by Zach Swinehart. Disclosure

© Copyright 2011 – 2026 Afford Anything. All Rights Reserved.

Website by Zach Swinehart.

  • Start Here
    • About
    • Team Afford Anything
    • Media
    • Questions?
  • Blog
    • Binge
  • Podcast
    • Binge
    • Sponsors
    • Ask a Question
    • Guest Guidelines
  • Community
  • TV
  • Explore
    • Your First Rental Property
    • Travel
    • Start a Blog
    • Earn Extra Income

Afford Anything®

  • Start Here
    • About
    • Team Afford Anything
    • Media
    • Questions?
  • Blog
    • Binge
  • Podcast
    • Binge
    • Sponsors
    • Ask a Question
    • Guest Guidelines
  • Community
  • TV
  • Explore
    • Your First Rental Property
    • Travel
    • Start a Blog
    • Earn Extra Income