#698: Q&A: Should You Pause Retirement to Buy a Bigger Home?
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 goal in about four years while still capturing their TSP match, but they caution against sacrificing the match or assuming a 20% down payment is required. The hosts stress the importance of modeling scenarios, using tools like Monte Carlo simulations, and aligning the couple’s priorities—home ownership versus long‑term retirement security—before making trade‑offs.
Make Your Money Last Forever, and the E-Shaped Economy
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...
How ISA Millionaires Are Investing Their Money
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...
03.11.26 Retirees Returning to Work / Medical Privacy Warning
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...
Healthcare Before Medicare: Retiree Feedback
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...
Retirement Planning With a Defined Benefit Pension: EDU #2610
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...
#696: Q&A: Should Your Emergency Fund Be Invested?
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...
03.09.26 SAVE MORE On Groceries / NEW Airline Credit Card Advice
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...
Lawmakers Warn Student Loan Oversight Is Slipping
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...
War in Iran, Healthcare Resurgence & Isa Changes: The Companies and Markets Show
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,...
86,000 Public Servants Stuck In 3-Year Loan Forgiveness Queue
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: Student Loan Debate
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...
Allowance Vs. Commission: Two Dads Debate the Best Way to Teach Kids Money
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,...
No Bullsh*t Money with Andy Hart
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...
What We Still Don't Know About Trump Accounts, Ep#295
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...
03.02.26 Buy Now, Pay Later Aka Pay-In-4 / Ask Your Pharmacist
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,...
Navient Borrower Compensation Payments Begin In 2026
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...
River Wealth's O'Gorman: 'Time to Take Advantage of What the Market's Offering You'
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....
1949: Nate Berkus on Entrepreneurship, Design, and Financial Confidence
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...
Money Box Life: Working for Longer
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...
Student Loan Borrowers Get Balance Adjustments After SAVE Interest Error
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,...
02.25.26 Buying & Selling Gold / Why Simple Appliances Win
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...
Healthcare Before Medicare: Creating Your Own Action Plan
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...
#692: Q&A: My Brother-in-Law Wants to Buy a Rental in Mexico. Good Idea?
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...
Social Security Cuts: What Young Workers Face
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...
Is It Wise to Gift My Children Money While I'm Alive? Ep#294
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...
Student Loan Debt And Unemployment: Steps To Take For Your Loans
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...
1947: Ask Farnoosh: Tax Season Moves, Optimal Rainy Day Funds, Traditional or Roth IRA?
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...
#690: Q&A: Should My Teen Go to College?
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...
Front-Loading Financial Aid: Watch Out For This Sneaky Trick
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...
02.18.26 Relocating Overseas / Debt Trap Exit Strategies
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...
Healthcare Before Medicare: How to Lower Your Costs
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...
Money Box Live: Do Electric Cars Add Up?
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...
How To Get Student Loans For Community College
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...
1946: The Quiet Money Mistakes High-Earning Women Make
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...
How to Spot a Good or Bad Financial Adviser
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...
Learn the ABCs of Medicare, Ep293
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...
1945: The Truth About Debt, Inequality and Starting Over
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...
02.16.26 Your Relationship With Money / Self-Employed Retirement Planning
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...
1944: Ask Farnooosh: Birthday Money Truths, Market Warnings and Relationship Finance
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...
The State Of Student Loans And What Families Need To Know
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...
The New FIRE? Why Time Freedom Beats Early Retirement
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...
Workforce Pell Grant: Eligibility, Programs, Timeline
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,...
Land Investing for Beginners: The Freedom Multiplier You’re Not Using (Coaching)
In this episode, Mark Podolsky, Scott Bossman, Jon Burnett, and guest Landon Harris explore land investing as a "freedom multiplier" and argue that coaching is the missing link that turns curiosity into consistent results. Drawing on insights from the Dirt...
Parent PLUS Student Loan Alternatives in 2026: Private Vs. Federal
The episode explains the upcoming 2026 reforms to Parent PLUS loans, which will impose a $20,000 annual and $65,000 lifetime borrowing cap and eliminate income‑driven repayment options for new loans. It contrasts these changes with the limited borrowing limits of...
02.11.26 Tax Refunds & Withholding / Clarksplainer: Trump Accounts
In this episode Clark Howard breaks down the tax season landscape, explaining why a large refund often means you over‑paid throughout the year and urging listeners to adjust their withholding to keep more money in their pockets. He offers practical...
Healthcare Before Medicare: Your Options
In this episode of The Retirement Answer Man, Roger Whitney walks listeners through the three primary health‑care options available before Medicare eligibility: COBRA continuation coverage, ACA marketplace plans, and part‑time employer group insurance, while also noting other alternatives like private...
1943: How to Navigate Income Gaps, Shared Accounts, and Spending Differences
In episode 1943, Farnoosh explores the challenges couples face when their incomes differ, covering how to set up shared and individual accounts, allocate spending responsibilities, and communicate about financial priorities. She offers practical frameworks for deciding who pays what, how...
Cash Balance Plans Part 2: EDU #2606
In this episode, hosts Jim Saulnier and Chris Stein field listener questions about cash balance pension plans, focusing on their suitability for self‑employed owners and businesses with fluctuating but potentially large future income, such as farmers. Guest expert Steve explains...
Money Box Live: Inheritance Tax
In this Money Box Live episode, presenter Felicity Hannah and experts Clare Moffat, a pension and tax specialist, and Nina Sperring, a wealth‑protection solicitor, demystify inheritance tax, explaining who must pay it, how the rates are calculated and what thresholds...