So Money With Farnoosh Torabi

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

This episode originally aired on October 11, 2024. Fresh episodes starting Monday!Download Farnoosh's Free Investing Blueprint to learn how to begin investing for your future.Today's show: Is there such a thing as investing "too" much? Can obtaining a home equity loan be helpful when purchasing a second home? How to find a great accountant and more.

Recapping the year's top episodes covering the science of building wealth - proven ways to earn more and have a healthier relationship with money.For more listening, check out the full episodes with our guests:Charles Duhigg, Author of SupercommunicatorsDaniel Crosby, Author of The Soul of WealthCaroline Adams Miller, Author of Big GoalsCarl Richards, Host of 50 Fires podcastScott Rick, Author of Tightwads and SpendthriftsKate Northrup, Financial Expert and Author

Reviewing the best episodes of 2024 to finish the year. In this episode, we hear again from successful first-gen money experts and their insights on navigating money as the children of immigrants. We hear from:Vivian Tu Giovanna Gonzalez Jannese Torres Shirin Eskandani Vrinda Gupta

This episode originally aired on Friday, September 27.In this episode, you will learn about creating a financial plan (for beginners), borrowing from your 401(k), selecting a balance transfer card, and more.Download Farnoosh's FREE Financial Family Planning Guide here.Check out the new Farnoosh website and grab a free copy of her Investing Blueprint.

Revisiting the best episodes of 2024 with a focus on money and kids. In this episode, we hear fromKaren Holland, Founder of GiftingSense.orgRenee Campbell, Head of Youth & Family Banking at Chase BankPeter Bergman, Chase, Executive Director and Head of Starter Segment Banking at Chase Consumer & Community Bank

Revisiting the best interviews of 2024 with a look back at some of the best retirement saving strategies. Featured in this episode:Anne Tergesen, WSJ Reporter  Jean Smart, founder of PenelopeHannah Cole, founder of Sunlight TaxKatie and Alan Donegan, Early Retirees

This week: What's the tax impact when you sell Bitcoin? How do you negotiate benefits at work, from retirement to equity to paid time off? Plus: smart ways to invest in your health. To learn more about Farnoosh's book workshop, visit BooktoBrand.co.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

What happens when you decide to walk away—from burnout, expectations, from a life that looks ‘successful’ on the outside but leaves you feeling hollow inside? My guest today, Faye McCray, has lived that transformation. A high-achieving lawyer turned storyteller, strategist, and wellness advocate, Faye made the bold decision to leave corporate life and redefine success on her terms. We’ll explore what led her to this breaking point, how she navigated the uncertainty of starting over, and how she’s helping others bridge the gap between their personal identities and professional lives.Faye opens up about her lessons on slowing down, prioritizing health, and finding fulfillment beyond titles and accolades. Plus, we talk about breaking free from ‘hustle culture,’ redefining work-life balance, and why it’s okay to end the year strong—without crossing every item off your to-do list. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or wondering how to make peace with your pace, this episode is for you. And yes, we even revisit t

Most couples struggle to get on the same page regarding money and relationships. Less than 40% of married couples discuss their finances in detail—a staggering statistic that often leads to miscommunication, conflict, and, for some, divorce. But today’s guests, Jessica and Brandon Norwood, are trying to change that narrative.Jessica and Brandon are the dynamic duo behind The Sugar Daddy Podcast, a show dedicated to helping millennials break the stigma around money conversations and build wealth as a team. As a married couple who have navigated everything from student loans to merging their financial lives, they bring a wealth of personal and professional insight. Jessica, a tech professional and the breadwinner in their family, and Brandon, a licensed financial planner, have developed a proven 5-step framework for creating financial harmony in relationships.In this episode, we dive into:The importance of shared values and financial alignment—why dreaming big as a couple is key.Tackling financial dealbreakers—

In this episode of Ask Farnoosh, we tackle some of your most pressing money questions about retirement planning, investing, and managing finances in relationships. First, we dive into the pros and cons of converting a Traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA, discussing how to weigh current tax impacts against long-term growth benefits. Next, we explore strategies for helping a loved one preserve and grow their retirement savings, including balancing accessibility and investment growth for someone relying on Social Security. Lastly, we address the complexities of merging finances as a couple—whether you’re cohabiting, buying a home, or just starting to have those “big” money talks.References: Article: What My College Friendships Taught Me About Socioeconomic StatusArticle: The Perimenopause Gold Rush Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Today's episode of So Money is a full-circle moment. I’m thrilled to welcome Jodi Smith, the creator of the blog Abundance of Jo and a rising star in the personal finance world. But before she became a go-to resource for money advice, she was just like so many of you—Googling 'personal finance help' and landing on So Money.Jodi’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From moving to Canada for her MBA, taking on and paying off $50,000 in debt in just six years, to creating a financial plan that balances debt repayment, saving, and even treating herself, she has been organized and intentional every step. Along the way, she turned her financial wins into a platform to help others.In our conversation, Jodi shares how she found motivation through the podcast nearly a decade ago, the strategies she used to climb out of debt while building wealth, and how her blog empowers people worldwide to live their best financial lives. We also dive into her philosophy on making money, negotiation tips, and why compassion is k

Today’s conversation will change your thoughts about time—our most precious and often overlooked currency. Returning to the show is Heather Chauvin, a dynamic speaker, coach, and author whose wisdom on time management is nothing short of transformative. Heather’s journey began in a crucible of crisis—a stage-four cancer diagnosis. Still, from that challenging moment, she built a revolutionary approach to owning and investing time to live richly and intentionally.In this episode, Heather and I dive into her signature concept of "energetic time management," where time isn’t just about productivity or calendars; it’s about aligning your energy, values, and desires to create a life that feels as good as it looks. She shares the origin of this system, the profound realizations she had while juggling motherhood and a career, and why most of us are in what she calls "time debt." Heather explains how to break free, set boundaries, and treat time like money—because every moment matters.We’ll also talk about practical