So Money with Farnoosh Torabi
1946: The Quiet Money Mistakes High-Earning Women Make
So Money with Farnoosh Torabi
•February 18, 2026•45 min
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So Money with Farnoosh Torabi•Feb 18, 2026
Why It Matters
Understanding these hidden pitfalls is crucial as more women occupy high‑income roles, yet systemic biases often leave them financially vulnerable. By addressing these issues now, listeners can protect their wealth, close the gender wealth gap, and make smarter decisions that align with long‑term financial security.
Key Takeaways
- •Tax breaks shouldn't dictate all financial decisions
- •Diversify account types: pre‑tax, Roth, brokerage for flexibility
- •Understand RSUs and stock options tax impact before exercising
- •Maintain cash liquidity for midlife uncertainties and family needs
- •Include partners in planning to bridge knowledge gaps
Pulse Analysis
In this episode of So Money, host Farnoosh Torabi and financial advisor Maggie Jandro unpack the hidden financial pitfalls that high‑earning women often overlook. Listeners learn why relying solely on tax deductions can steer them away from long‑term goals, and how power dynamics at home and work shape money decisions. The conversation highlights the unique pressure on women who are both primary earners and caretakers, emphasizing the need for clear, collaborative financial planning that goes beyond traditional advice.
A core theme is the danger of over‑concentrating wealth in pre‑tax retirement accounts. While maxing out a 401(k) or SEP IRA offers immediate tax relief, it can trigger massive required minimum distributions (RMDs) later, potentially pushing retirees into higher tax brackets and affecting Medicare premiums. Jandro advises diversifying across account types—pre‑tax, Roth, and taxable brokerage—to create flexibility and mitigate future tax shocks. She stresses evaluating current cash flow and aligning account choices with both short‑term liquidity needs and long‑term legacy goals, especially for women planning generational wealth.
The duo also demystifies equity compensation, explaining how employee stock purchase programs, RSUs, and stock options can generate unexpected tax bills if mishandled. Understanding vesting schedules, discount rates, and the timing of sales is crucial to avoid costly surprises. Jandro recommends setting aside cash reserves before exercising options and involving partners in financial discussions to ensure both spouses understand the strategy. By combining tax‑smart diversification with disciplined handling of stock awards, high‑earning women can protect their earnings, maintain financial confidence, and build sustainable wealth.
Episode Description
Today’s episode is for the woman who’s doing well on paper…earning more, climbing higher, checking the boxes of financial success— and yet still wondering if she’s making the smartest moves with her money. Because here’s the truth: more income doesn’t automatically mean more clarity, more confidence, or even more security.
In fact, high-earning women often face a unique set of financial blind spots—from over-relying on tax strategies to holding too much company stock, to quietly navigating complicated power dynamics at home and at work. And those mistakes can be costly if we don’t name them.
To help us unpack all of this, I’m joined by someone whose passion for empowering women financially is unmistakable the moment you hear her speak—financial advisor Maggie Johndrow who is a partner at Johndrow Wealth.
In this conversation, we talk about the quiet financial mistakes high-earning women make, how taxes can mislead our biggest decisions, what to know about RSUs and stock options before they surprise you with a bill, and the emotional—and practical—realities of being the breadwinner at home.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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