So Money With Farnoosh Torabi

Guest Brittany Wilson started listening to So Money in 2020 when she realized she needed to take charge of her finances. She grew up with little financial literacy and took on high-interest student loans without knowing what she was signing up for. But once she made the decision to educate herself, everything changed.Since then, Brittany has increased her salary by $42,000, fully funded her emergency savings, diversified her investments, started a side business, and—perhaps most importantly—helped her mom open her very first Roth IRA. Last year, she took one of the biggest leaps of her life: quitting her job to run her career coaching business, Career Candor, full-time.In today’s conversation, we discuss Brittany’s financial transformation, how she navigated job loss and used it as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, and her top career coaching advice—including how AI is changing the hiring process. We also talk about the emotional side of money, the power of financial friendships, and why helping others—especia

Farnoosh reflects on turning 45—what’s changing in her mindset around money, career, and personal growth, and the biggest financial lessons she's carrying into this next phase of life. From the mailbag, Farnoosh tackles two important listener questions—one from a 60-year-old attorney wondering how to catch up on retirement savings after prioritizing family caregiving, and another from a listener strategizing their Backdoor Roth IRA while juggling old 401(k accounts.Register for Farnoosh's next Book to Brand workshop.Check out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Today, we’re diving deep into the real barriers that prevent many of us from achieving financial freedom—and spoiler alert, it’s not just about the dollars and cents. My guest is Jessica Moorhouse, financial counselor, speaker, and now author of the highly-anticipated new book, Everything But Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom. In her work, Jessica uncovers how trauma, shame, and our earliest experiences with money shape the way we earn, save, and spend today.Whether it's that nagging sense of guilt when you earn more than your parents or the fear of spending because of a scarcity mindset, these hidden barriers can quietly hold us back for years. Jessica helps us understand where these money blocks come from, how they manifest in our adult lives, and—most importantly—how to start healing from them.

What does it really take to launch a big idea—one that can change your career, business, or even the world? Is being a visionary enough, or is there a hidden formula for success? Guest Jen Kem says it's all about building the right "unicorn team." But here’s the twist: even if you’re a solopreneur or running a small business—like me—this book is still for you. Jen’s framework isn’t about having a massive team; it’s about understanding the roles and energies you bring to your work and how to fill in the gaps to achieve success faster and with less burnout.Jen is a brand strategist, entrepreneur, and author of Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success. With a career working on iconic initiatives for companies like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and Oracle, she’s now revealing how big ideas succeed—not just through visionaries, but through the right mix of leaders who execute and get results.We'll learn how to identify your own leadership type, how even a solo effort

This week on Ask Farnoosh, a listener is grappling with over $100,000 in student loan debt. What is the best way to pay this off fast?We also hear from a longtime listener and how she managed to triple her income, pay down debt and save over $400,000 for retirement while listening to So Money.Check out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

If you're dreaming of your next adventure but worried about the price tag, you've come to the right place! All this week on the podcast, we're diving deep into travel tips, tricks, and money-saving strategies. Earlier, we heard from Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, on how to maximize travel rewards and cut costs on flights and hotels.Today, we're keeping the momentum going with another expert traveler, Matthew Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt. His New York Times bestselling book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, is now in its fourth edition. We talk about everything from affordable travel destinations and hidden local gems to travel logistics, like minimizing ATM and credit card fees abroad.Check out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

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" and how to take full advantage of it.The biggest mistakes travelers make with airline and hotel bookings—and how to avoid them.How to leverage rewards credit cards strategically to score free business-class trips to Europe.The top tech tools to help you find the best award flights and travel deals with minimal effort.Insider tips on travel insurance, packing, and even why you should throw an Apple AirTag into your luggage!Check out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang o

In this Ask Farnoosh episode, Farnoosh tackles your most pressing money questions, including strategies for managing investments in midlife. Also: How to decide what to do with an inherited investment—evaluate options, minimize taxes, and make the most of the windfall. Plus, we explore other listener questions on building financial security for the long haul.In the show:Best 0% APR credit cardsFarnoosh's Bloomberg News segmentReal estate crowdfundingCheck out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

A new survey sponsored by Hult International Business School  finds that a growing number of employers say they’d prefer to automate entry-level jobs rather than hire a recent college graduate. AI is changing the job market faster than any of us imagined—reshaping not just who gets hired, but whether certain jobs even exist in the future.My guest today is Dan Schawbel, a New York Times bestselling author, workplace expert, and managing partner at Workplace Intelligence. Dan has been tracking workplace trends for over a decade, advising companies on the future of work, and in his latest research, the results are terrifying. Not only are companies rethinking the value of a college degree, but some are outright saying they'd rather hire ChatGPT.So what does this mean for workers? Which jobs are actually safe from automation? And if you’re in college right now—or raising kids who might be one day—how do you ensure your education actually pays off?Check out Farnoosh's new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair

Anne-Lyse Ngatta (aka Anne-Lyse Wealth), a personal finance writer, podcaster, and former CP, rejoins the podcast with a very important story to share—her journey of overcoming stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. In this episode, we’ll dive into her experience of self-diagnosing her illness, advocating for herself within the healthcare system, and navigating the challenges of treatment. Anne-Lyse also shares her powerful advice on why securing life insurance is a critical part of protecting yourself and your family, especially when life takes unexpected turns. Beyond her battle with cancer, she opens up about how the experience reshaped her outlook on life—focusing more on living in the moment than planning for the future.Learn more about Anne-Lyse.Check our her article in Forbes about securing life insurance.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Introducing Farnoosh's latest offering in the podcast universe: The Montclair Pod, a hyper local podcast centered on the news, culture and issues within Montclair, New Jersey. In this episode, Farnoosh and co-hosts explore the local implications of President Donald Trump’s second term. With Montclair overwhelmingly voting for Kamala Harris, we examine the town’s political identity and how it contrasts with broader trends, including New Jersey’s rightward shift in the 2024 election.The episode begins with voices from the community with a visit to Tierney’s Tavern on Inauguration Day. The hosts discuss the dynamics of political affiliation in a predominantly liberal town, including insights from Michael D. Byrne, Chairman of the Montclair Republican County Committee. Byrne sheds light on the challenges faced by local Republicans and the aspects of Trump’s leadership that resonate with his supporters.The show also explores the ripple effects of Trump's policy proposals from immigration enforcement to the possibl

Georgia Lee Hussey, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Modernist Financial, joins the program. Learn how to navigate the stock market when analysts predict slower growth over the next 10 years, how to choose the right 529 plan for your child’s education, and a new way to think about the economic value of stay-at-home parenting. Join Farnoosh's free info session for Book to BrandCheck out her new hyperlocal podcast The Montclair PodJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

As we kick off 2025, a year already marked by uncertainty with a new presidential term underway, many of us are feeling a mix of anxiety and hesitation about our financial futures. From proposed tax changes to shifts in education and immigration policies, the ripple effects on our wallets are undeniable.To help us navigate this emotional terrain, we welcome back financial therapist Aja Evans. Aja's new book, Feel Good Finance, is the guide we all need right now, offering practical strategies for untangling our money emotions and building a healthier relationship with our finances. In today’s episode, Aja will help us:Understand how our early experiences shape our financial habits and anxieties.Learn how to address money conflicts in relationships with grace and communication.Avoid rash financial decisions in moments of heightened emotion or uncertainty.Set boundaries around social pressures and financial FOMO—whether from friends or social media.Create practical, personalized systems for organizing and managi

This episode originally aired on November 17, 2024.As we enter a second Trump administration, there’s growing concern over the future of climate policies. With environmental protection on the chopping block, it’s never been more critical for individuals to take action where they can—through their spending, saving, and investing choices. Today’s conversation with financial author Kara Perez couldn’t come at a better time. Kara is the founder of Bravely Go and the author of her debut book, Green Money, where she offers a roadmap for how we can use our money to create meaningful change, even in the face of policy setbacks.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh’s free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

In this episode of So Money, Farnoosh answers a variety of listener questions including how to manage finances during a job transition and prioritize severance pay, Should you ever pause 401(k) contributions? Also: The best time to execute stock options and how to qualify for a mortgage as an entrepreneur. Sign up for Farnoosh’s free Investing BlueprintFollow on InstagramJoin the So Money Members ClubRegister for Book to BrandLeave a review on Apple PodcastsOrder Farnoosh’s new book, A Healthy State of Panic

Today’s episode is for anyone who’s seriously considered packing their bags and leaving the United States. Whether it's for a better quality of life, a slower pace, or political reasons, moving abroad is a dream for many, but it’s also a complex journey.Joining us is Stacy Ennis, bestselling author, writing coach, and expat living in Portugal. Stacy has lived in four countries outside the U.S., and she’s become an unofficial expert on relocating abroad sustainably, not impulsively.In our conversation, we’ll dive into the practical, financial, and emotional realities of moving abroad. What are the biggest challenges? How do you ensure you're making this move for the right reasons? And what misconceptions do Americans often have about living in another country? If you’ve ever dreamed of starting over in a beachside town or exploring a new culture, Stacy’s insights are invaluable.Sign up for Farnoosh’s free Investing BlueprintFollow on InstagramJoin the So Money Members ClubLeave a review on Apple

We explore the power of career pauses with Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids and Come Back Stronger Than Ever. Neha is on a mission to rebrand the title “stay-at-home mom” and shift the narrative around career breaks from one of sacrifice to one of empowerment.We dive into how parents can intentionally plan for a career pause, create financial security, and use this time to grow both personally and professionally. Neha offers practical strategies for navigating societal perceptions, fostering meaningful connections, and eventually returning to work with confidence.Sign up for Farnoosh’s free Investing BlueprintFollow on InstagramJoin the So Money Members ClubLeave a review on Apple PodcastsOrder Farnoosh’s new book, A Healthy State of Panic

Farnoosh celebrates the podcast's 10th anniversary and shares her personal journey from a hectic 2024, emphasizing a more intentional approach to 2025. Farnoosh answers listener questions on maintaining good credit, the impact of paying off car loans early, the pros and cons of canceling a department store credit card, and the cost of investment management fees. She also discusses helpful resources for those affected by California wildfires including:The Red Cross California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund World Central Kitchen Direct Relief United Way of Greater Los Angeles Sign up for Farnoosh’s free Investing BlueprintFollow on InstagramJoin the So Money Members ClubLeave a review on Apple PodcastsOrder Farnoosh’s new book, A Healthy State of Panic

Known for his no-nonsense approach to money and his former role as a Ramsey Solutions personality, guest Anthony O'Neal has helped millions take control of their finances. He has written several books, including his latest, Take Your Seat at the Table, where he empowers readers to create a vision for their lives and build wealth on their terms.In this episode, Anthony shares his remarkable journey from being a 19-year-old drowning in $35,000 of debt to becoming debt-free and building a seven-figure business. He opens up about his time working with Dave Ramsey, how it influenced his financial philosophy, and why he eventually decided to strike out on his own to bring financial education to underserved communities.You’ll learn:The money mistakes Anthony made at 19 and how he turned his life around.The importance of avoiding consumer debt and focusing on building assets.How faith and purpose are pivotal in Anthony’s financial teachings.Why creating a clear vision for your life is the first step to achieving fina

As we enter a new year, many of us are thinking about fresh starts, big goals, and how we can make more meaningful contributions—whether in our personal lives or at work. But what if the key to achieving that isn’t about working harder or chasing success the traditional way? What if the secret lies in something as simple and powerful as kindness?In today’s episode, we dive deep with James Rhee, an educator, impact investor, CEO, and author of Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times. James is best known for his transformative leadership at Ashley Stewart, where he not only revived a struggling retail brand but turned it into a community-driven powerhouse by weaving kindness, empathy, and purpose into every decision. A Harvard Law graduate and former high school teacher, James has a remarkable ability to bridge the worlds of high finance and human-centered leadership.We discuss how a childhood experience with a red helicopter shaped his lifelong philosophy, his journey from teaching to private equity, and the s