Personal Finance Podcasts
Personal Finance Podcasts
The episode breaks down the key differences between prepaid tuition plans and 529 college savings plans, explaining how prepaid plans lock in today’s tuition rates while 529s function as flexible, tax‑advantaged investment accounts. It highlights the pros and cons of each: prepaid plans can suffer actuarial shortfalls and are limited to state residents and public schools, whereas 529s offer broader investment options, higher contribution limits, and can cover a wide range of qualified expenses, including K‑12 tuition and student loans. The host advises most families to favor low‑fee 529 plans, especially those under 1% expense ratios, and to consider switching to a state‑tax‑benefit plan in high school. Practical tips on enrollment timing, beneficiary changes, and FAFSA treatment round out the guidance.
In this episode, Jim Saulnier and Chris Stein continue the Ed Slott IRA quiz, testing their knowledge on IRA rules and nuances. They explain recharacterizing IRA contributions, clarifying that the deadline is October 15 of the year after the contribution,...
In this episode Ryan Morrissey explains how Transfer on Death (TOD) and Payable on Death (POD) beneficiary designations let you bypass probate for bank, brokerage, and other investment accounts. He outlines which assets already have built‑in beneficiary options, the pros...
In this Women and Wealth episode, Val Cipriani and Holly McKechnie break down the UK student loan system—explaining Plans 1, 2 and 5, their interest rates, repayment thresholds and loan terms. They highlight why Plan 2, which carries RPI + 3% interest and a £30k threshold,...
In this episode Clark Howard tackles two everyday cost‑savers: soaring gasoline prices and the outrageous expense of printer ink. He explains how price volatility creates wide gaps between stations, advises listeners to use tools like GasBuddy and to monitor local...
In this episode of Motley Fool Money, host Robert Brokamp and financial planner Matt Frankel discuss a Motley Fool survey that identified the top counties for retirement based on seven weighted factors, with quality of life leading the list. They...
In this episode, host Josh Dattar chats with JB Orecchia, founder and CEO of Savvy Money, about how identifying inefficiencies in lending and insurance creates business opportunities, and how AI can reshape credit scoring and consumer trust. JB shares his...
In this episode, Paula Pant and former financial planner Joe Salcihai dissect a listener’s dilemma about whether to curb retirement savings to fund a larger home purchase. They walk through the math, confirming the couple can meet a $200K down‑payment...
In this episode, Robert Brokamp outlines eight strategies to help retirees avoid outliving their savings, emphasizing realistic withdrawal rates, flexible spending, and the use of tools like Social Security optimizers and annuities. He also examines the current "E-shaped" economy, where...
In this episode of the AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Charlene Young and guests discuss recent market turbulence driven by Middle East conflict and volatile oil prices, as well as sector updates on UK house builders like Persimmon and...
In this episode Clark Howard discusses two major topics: the financial pitfalls that lead many retirees to return to work, and the privacy risks associated with independent medical testing services. He highlights how inadequate retirement planning, gaps in health coverage...
In this episode, host Roger Whitney shares real‑world retiree feedback on navigating health‑care before Medicare, highlighting strategies such as timing the COBRA‑to‑ACA transition to preserve deductibles, leveraging part‑time city jobs or student enrollment for affordable coverage, and uncovering employer‑sponsored extensions...
In this episode, Chris Stein and Jake discuss how to incorporate a defined benefit pension into retirement planning, using a listener’s scenario of a law‑enforcement employee with a non‑covered pension and a spouse’s Roth 401(k) contributions. They explain that the...
In this episode, Paula Pant and former financial planner Joe Salcihai answer a listener’s question about the optimal size and placement of an emergency fund. They explain that the right fund size depends on personal risk tolerance and capacity, such...
In this episode Clark Howard breaks down where to find the cheapest groceries in the U.S., citing Consumer Reports data that shows Walmart as the baseline and highlighting that warehouse clubs like Costco and BJ's, as well as Aldi and...
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley allege that the U.S. Department of Education is obstructing congressional oversight of federal student loan servicers by withholding key performance metrics such as call wait times and borrower satisfaction. Historically, the department published detailed...
The episode examines the fallout from the US‑Israel strike on Iran, with Mike Ferhey explaining how disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on LNG facilities are driving sharp spikes in oil and gas prices, pressuring European energy markets,...
The episode breaks down a federal report showing that over 86,000 public‑service borrowers are stuck in a three‑year backlog for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback applications. It explains how the buyback process works, why the backlog is growing, and...
Money Box Live examines the rising burden of UK student loans, breaking down how tuition and maintenance loans work and the differences between repayment plans, especially the newer Plan 5 versus the older Plan 2. Experts Tom Allingham and Graham Wright explain...
In this episode of Front Row Dads, hosts Eric Farewell and founding member Dave Powders debate the merits of allowance versus commission-based money teaching for kids. Dave outlines his hybrid system: a regular allowance split into purpose‑specific jars (save‑to‑spend, wealth,...
In this episode of Meaningful Money, host Pete talks with long‑time friend and financial‑services veteran Andy Hart about his new book, *No BS Money Advice*. Andy explains that the book focuses on the individual's mindset and behavior rather than technical...
In this episode Ryan Morrissey explains the newly introduced "Trump accounts" (530A accounts) designed to help children build wealth, detailing eligibility, contribution limits, and the $1,000 government seed fund for births between 2025‑2028. He walks through the still‑unclear aspects such...
In this episode Clark Howard warns listeners about the dangers of Buy‑Now‑Pay‑Later (BNPL) schemes, especially the "pay‑in‑four" model that has spread from Australia to the U.S. He explains how the psychology of four easy installments can lead consumers to overspend,...
The episode explains that Navient borrower compensation checks, funded by a $100 million settlement with the CFPB, will start arriving in early 2026 after a lawsuit alleging the servicer steered borrowers into costly forbearances instead of income‑driven repayment plans. Listeners learn...
In this Money Life episode, River Wealth Advisors’ CEO and CIO Ed O’Gorman warns investors that the market’s current concentration of a few mega‑caps inflates perceived risk for passive S&P 500 investors and urges a calm, strategic assessment of portfolio adjustments....
In this episode Farnoosh Torabi revisits her 2015 interview with designer and entrepreneur Nate Berkus, discussing how his design philosophy—making homes tell personal stories—parallels his approach to money. Berkus shares his financial mindset of confronting fear, taking calculated risks, and treating...
The Moneybox Life episode explores the growing trend of people working beyond state pension age, featuring insights from ACAS’s Julie Dennis, Independent Age’s Morgan Vine, and Pensions UK’s Zoe Alexander, alongside real‑life stories from listeners. They discuss why older workers...
The episode explains that borrowers in the SAVE income‑driven repayment plan are finally seeing balance adjustments after a system error mistakenly accrued interest during the program’s administrative forbearance. Federal guidance had paused interest, but many borrowers saw their balances grow,...
In this episode, Clark Howard tackles two hot topics: when and how to buy or sell gold and silver as a hedge, and why simple, non‑brand‑name appliances often offer better value than pricey name‑brand models. He explains that precious metals...
Roger Whitney concludes his four-part series on pre‑Medicare health care by introducing the OODA Loop—observe, orient, decide, act—as a practical decision framework. He walks listeners through building a five‑year cash‑flow plan, estimating MAGI, and assessing ACA subsidy eligibility alongside COBRA...
In this episode, Paula and former financial planner Joe dissect a listener’s question about a brother‑in‑law who wants to buy a three‑unit Airbnb property in Mexico and live in one of the units. They stress the importance of separating personal...
The episode breaks down the looming Social Security shortfall highlighted in the 2025 trustees report, explaining that while the trust fund may be depleted by 2033‑34, benefits would simply be reduced to match payroll tax revenue rather than disappearing. It...
In this episode Ryan Morrissey explores the pros and cons of gifting money or assets to adult children while the parents are still alive. He emphasizes assessing one’s own financial health, long‑term care needs, and the purpose of the gift—whether...
In this 16‑minute episode, Robert Farrington explains how to manage student loans while unemployed, emphasizing that ignoring payments can lead to delinquency and default. He advises listeners to first apply for unemployment benefits, then prioritize income‑driven repayment plans—potentially resulting in...
In this episode Farnoosh answers listener questions about navigating tax season, deciding how much to keep in an emergency fund, and choosing between a Traditional and Roth IRA. She breaks down the timing of tax‑saving moves, explains how to calculate...
In this episode, Joe and Paula examine whether a college degree is a worthwhile investment for a teen, breaking down ROI by field, the non‑financial benefits of higher education, and the growing cultural shift toward alternative pathways. They advise parents...
The episode explains the practice of front‑loading financial aid, where colleges award larger grants to freshmen and then reduce grant amounts or the percentage of recipients for upper‑classmen. Data shows that over 80% of four‑year institutions, especially public schools, cut...
In this episode Clark Howard explores the practicalities of relocating abroad, highlighting countries that offer relocation incentives and essential considerations for a successful move. He then shifts to debt management, offering actionable strategies to accelerate credit‑card payoff, negotiate lower interest...
In this third episode of his four‑part series, Roger Whitney guides listeners through practical ways to lower health‑care costs before Medicare, from daily health habits to smart insurance shopping. He demystifies the ACA premium subsidy system now that the expanded...
In this Money Box Live episode, presenter Felicity Hannah explores the true cost of owning an electric vehicle, from purchase price and charging infrastructure to range anxiety on long trips. Guests Stuart Masson of The Car Expert and Melanie Shufflebotham...
The episode explains how to finance community college attendance, emphasizing that nearly half of students rely on loans despite lower tuition costs. It guides listeners through checking free‑tuition programs, completing the FAFSA to access Pell Grants and federal loans (Direct...
In this episode, Farnoosh explores the subtle financial missteps that high‑earning women often make, such as under‑funding emergency reserves, over‑relying on employer‑sponsored retirement plans, and overlooking tax‑efficient strategies like Roth conversions. She highlights how societal expectations and gender‑based pay gaps...
In this 49‑minute episode, Pete and Roger break down how to differentiate a good financial adviser from a bad one by highlighting red and green flags such as transparent versus evasive fees, evidence‑based advice versus secret "sauce," and calm, fact‑first...
In this episode Ryan Morrissey breaks down the essentials of Medicare for listeners approaching age 65, covering Parts A, B, C, and D, associated costs, and the critical timing of enrollment to avoid penalties. He explains the differences between original...
In episode 1945, Farnoosh Torabi dives into the systemic roots of personal debt and economic inequality, exploring how historical policies and modern financial practices keep many stuck in cycles of hardship. She highlights practical strategies for individuals looking to reset...
In this episode Clark Howard explores how our money mindset shapes financial outcomes, warning against both debt-driven overspending and overly frugal regret. He outlines a balanced approach that blends disciplined saving with purposeful enjoyment, and answers listener questions about practical...
In episode 1944, Farnoosh answers listener questions about birthday money etiquette, market warning signs, and relationship finance. She debunks myths about gifting cash, highlights red flags in the current market such as over‑valuation and rising rates, and offers strategies for...
In this 46‑minute episode, host Chris Redd discusses the current landscape of student loans, focusing on the SAVE repayment plan’s uncertain timeline, the upcoming Navient settlement payouts, and the bottleneck in Public Service Loan Forgiveness. He explains how front‑loading of...
In this episode, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench interview millionaire Brian Herriot, author of *Time Freedom*, to reframe financial independence from early retirement to immediate time control. Brian explains how he grew his portfolio from $1 million to $3 million, shifted...
The episode explains the new Workforce Pell Grant, which extends Pell eligibility to short‑term (8‑15 week) workforce training programs that meet strict outcome, credential, and labor‑market standards. It highlights that applicants must still complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need,...
