So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

What does it actually mean to be “rich” today? Because if you’re waiting for the old playbook to work—go to school, get a stable job, buy a house, retire comfortably—you may be waiting a long time. The truth is, that version of wealth? It’s outdated. And for a lot of younger earners especially, it feels completely out of reach. So what are the new rules? Today’s guest has built a massive following by calling out the broken advice we’ve inherited—and replacing it with something far more realistic, and frankly, more empowering. Haley Sacks, also known as Mrs. Dow Jones, is back on So Money with her new book, Future Rich Person. And this is not your typical money book. Haley is speaking directly to what she calls the “zillennial” generation—but really, anyone who feels like they’re doing all the right things and still not getting ahead. In our conversation, we talk about why the traditional path to wealth is due for a rewrite, how to actually start building what she calls “action money,” and why your income, your skills, and even your relationship to work need to evolve in an AI-driven economy. We also get into some of the cultural forces shaping how we think about money right now—from the rise of “trad wife” content to the very real temptation to opt out of the financial game altogether. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all say the same thing: I don’t have enough time. Not enough time to work, to parent, to rest, to exercise, to finally do the thing we’ve been putting off for years. But what if that story… isn’t actually true? What if the problem isn’t time itself—but how we think about it, measure it, and ultimately choose to spend it? Today’s guest wants us to completely rethink our relationship with time. Laura Vanderkam has built her career challenging the idea of time scarcity, and in her new book, Big Time, she makes a compelling case that many of us have far more time than we think—we’re just not seeing it clearly. In our conversation, we get into the real data behind how we spend our days, why tracking your time can be a game changer, and how small mindset shifts—especially around your evenings—can unlock what she calls “time abundance.” We also talk about the very real challenges of balancing work, family, and everything in between—and how to negotiate time more effectively, whether that’s with your partner, your boss, or even yourself. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 1 is College Acceptance Day and as many families grapple with the soaring cost of college, Farnoosh shares thoughts on how to decide whether a college education is worth its price tag. Would you spend $100k a year? Plus: Establishing credit for the first time and how to allocate your investments in your 30s. And a crazy story about how one woman’s investments disappeared from her bank’s website. What happened? Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Qe don’t talk about sports a lot on this show. But today, we are—because this is really a story about money. Right now, women’s sports are having a moment. Investment is pouring in, media deals are growing, and athletes are finally starting to see bigger paychecks. But this isn’t just about what’s happening at the professional level. It’s also about what it takes to even get in the game. Youth sports are getting more expensive, access is shrinking, and yet the research shows that girls who play sports are more likely to become leaders, earn more, and build wealth over time. So there’s a bigger question here: What does this moment mean for women—and our financial future? Today, we’re digging into the economics of women’s sports, the controversy around athletes like Eileen Gu making bold financial moves, and why this could be one of the most important—and overlooked—wealth stories right now. My guest is Tess Waresmith, investing educator and former athlete, who’s connecting the dots between sports, opportunity, and financial power. You can follow Tess on her Substack - Wealth with Tess - here. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to be mentally strong right now? Not in theory. Not in a self-help quote kind of way. But in the real, messy, everyday moments… when your job feels uncertain, your finances feel stretched, and your life doesn’t look the way you thought it would. My guest today, Amy Morin, has spent her career helping people answer exactly that question. She’s a psychotherapist, mental strength trainer, and host of the Mentally Stronger podcast. You probably know her from her global bestselling series 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, which has sold more than a million copies and been translated into over 50 languages. Her TEDx talk on mental strength has been viewed more than 25 million times. And her newest book, The Mental Strength Playbook, is all about what to do in the moments when you need resilience most—at work, in your finances, and in your life. [Listen to Amy's first visit to So Money] And yes… she’s joining us from a sailboat in the Florida Keys. In this conversation, we start there—how she ended up living a life that most people would call unconventional—and what it actually takes, mentally, to make a leap like that. Because as Amy says, you don’t have to feel ready. You just have to be willing to act and trust you’ll figure it out as you go. From there, we get into the real work: Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Ask Farnoosh Friday, and today we’re tackling one of the most talked-about and misunderstood financial topics right now: “Trump accounts.” What are they, how do they work, and are they actually worth it? I break down the structure, the limitations, and where these accounts may fall short compared to more established options like 529 plans and custodial brokerage accounts. I also walk through a strategy that could make these accounts more powerful, especially if you’re thinking long-term about building wealth for your child. In addition, I share a simple, practical guide to putting together a basic estate plan. If you’ve been putting this off, this episode will help you focus on the most important steps you can take right away. We also cover several major money headlines, including the impact of AI on jobs, rising concerns about retirement readiness, and how Americans are adjusting their spending habits in response to higher costs. Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Farnoosh and Heather Bonaparthe, author of Money Together, analyze Belle Burden's memoir 'Strangers,' exploring themes of marriage, wealth disparity, financial transparency, and the lessons women can learn from high-profile divorce stories. They discuss red flags, legal strategies, and the importance of financial agency in relationships. Resources 'Strangers' by Belle Burden'Money Together'Bell Burden's Podcast 'Financial Tea' with Haley Sacks Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really cost to chase ambition—and what happens when success starts to blur your sense of self? In this episode, I sit down with Caroline Palmer, former Vogue editor and author of the buzzworthy novel Workhorse. Drawing from her years inside the high-gloss world of fashion publishing, Caroline takes us beyond the clichés of The Devil Wears Prada to reveal a more complicated—and at times darker—story about ambition, identity, and the quiet trade-offs women make to get ahead. We talk about the mythology of glamorous careers versus the reality behind the scenes, the difference between “workhorses” and “show horses,” and why Caroline set out to write a female protagonist who doesn’t always make the right choices—and doesn’t apologize for it. Caroline also opens up about her own career pivot during the pandemic, the moment she walked away from a high-powered job, and how writing this book helped her rebuild confidence and redefine success in midlife. Plus, we get into: Vogue Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spring break in Los Angeles sounded like a dream…until the bills—and a four-hour flight delay—set in. In this solo episode, Farnoosh recaps her family’s trip (theme parks, travel hiccups, and a surprising airline perk that saved the day) and what it reveals about the rising cost of travel right now. Then, a look at where retirees are heading next. A new report finds more older Americans choosing cities like New York, Boston, and Seattle—not for the pace, but for the walkability, social connection, and even climate resilience. Is urban retirement the new dream? Plus, a warning (and opportunity) for families navigating college costs: Students are increasingly turning to social media for scholarships. Farnoosh breaks down how to find legitimate money—from trusted databases to local organizations. Also in this episode: a powerful read. Farnoosh shares her take on Strangers by Belle Burden—a memoir about a marriage unraveling, but more importantly, a cautionary tale about financial dependence. Despite coming into the relationship with wealth, Burden relinquished control of the finances—only to face devastating consequences when the marriage ended. It’s a story that raises urgent questions about autonomy, trust, and why every partner needs to stay financially informed and empowered. In the Ask Farnoosh mailbag: Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Liz Lidgett believes art should be for everyone—not just collectors with deep pockets or insiders who “get it.” She’s the founder of a thriving gallery that champions emerging artists—many of them women—and she’s built a business around making art feel joyful, accessible, and deeply personal. Now, she’s bringing that mission to her new book, Art for Everyone, a practical and empowering guide to finding your style, buying art with confidence, and creating a home that actually reflects you. In this conversation, Liz and I explore why so many of us feel intimidated by the art world, how that’s finally starting to change, and what it really takes—financially and emotionally—to start collecting. We talk about pricing, the myth of art as a guaranteed investment, the rise of artists as entrepreneurs, and even how AI is reshaping what we value in handmade work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re diving into modern dating today—and not the glossy, swipe-right version—but the real, complicated, emotionally loaded landscape so many of you are navigating right now. What happens when you’re financially independent… maybe even out-earning your partner… and the old rules no longer apply? Why are some women opting out altogether, saying “I’m good on my own”… while others are leaning into this rising “tradwife” movement as a kind of antidote to burnout and girlboss culture? And in a world of endless options, dating apps, and shifting power dynamics—how do you actually find a relationship that lasts? My guest today is someone who has spent years studying exactly this. Amy Chan is the author of UNSINGLE: How to Date Smarter and Create Love that Lasts and the bestselling Breakup Bootcamp. Dubbed the "scientific Carrie Bradshaw" by The Observer, she has helped thousands of singles transform their love lives through her world-renowned Breakup Bootcamp and Dating Bootcamps. And in our conversation, we’re getting into everything—from the psychology of attraction and why dating feels so exhausting right now… to how money, ambition, and identity are reshaping relationships in real time… and what it really takes to build love that lasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is brought to us by Louis Jadot, a thoughtful way to elevate date night without overspending. On this week’s Ask Farnoosh, we’re getting real about last-minute tax strategy, including why filing an extension might actually be one of the smartest financial moves you can make. (Hint: if you’re self-employed, it could buy you months of extra time to fund a SEP IRA and lower your tax bill.) We’ll also break down how to think about your tax refund: how to use it wisely, where to prioritize, and why it’s not a bonus… it’s a second chance. And then, we zoom out to something a lot of us are quietly feeling: it’s getting really expensive just to have a social life. Dating. Relationships. Even grabbing dinner with friends. New data from Louis Jadot reveals that 56% of Americans say rising costs are changing how often they go on dates, and more than 1 in 4 have stopped dating altogether to save money. Welcome to the era of loveflation. In this episode, we unpack what that means for your wallet and your relationships, how to stay connected without overspending, how to navigate who pays on a date, and how to align your financial values with your personal life. Plus, at the end: my honest take on who should pay on the first date, and how to handle it without making things awkward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s rare in personal finance that someone comes along and doesn’t just offer advice—but completely rewires how we think about money, work, and what it means to live a good life. My guest today did exactly that. Pete Adeney—better known as Mr. Money Mustache—helped ignite the FIRE movement long before it was trending on TikTok or debated on cable news. His message? Radical, at the time: Spend less, live intentionally, invest wisely—and you might just buy yourself the freedom to walk away from traditional work decades early. And here’s the thing—Pete didn’t just write about it. He lived it. Retiring in his early 30s, raising a family on his own terms, and building a cult-like following of readers who wanted to do the same. I’ve actually had a front-row seat to his journey. We first met more than a decade ago, filming in his backyard in Colorado, when his blog was just beginning to take off. Back then, his ideas felt… almost rebellious. Today? They’re part of the mainstream conversation. But Pete hasn’t stood still—and neither has life. In this episode, we catch up on everything: what early retirement really looks like after a decade, how his thinking on money, family, and even divorce has evolved… and why, despite having “enough,” he’s still rethinking what a rich life actually means. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special bonus episode of So Money is brought to you by TurboTax Experts for Business. And today, we are tackling a topic that so many of you are thinking about right now… taxes. If you are freelancing, consulting, running a side hustle, or fully self-employed, this episode is for you. Because here is the truth. No one really prepares you for this part of entrepreneurship. One minute you are feeling proud of the income you are generating on your own, and the next you are wondering, wait… what does this mean for my taxes? Joining the show is CPA and TurboTax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis, who has more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and small business owners navigate the tax code. She has also been self-employed herself, so she gets it. The overwhelm, the confusion, and yes, the fear of doing something wrong or leaving money on the table. We unpack: How TurboTax Can Support You One of the things I appreciate about TurboTax Experts for Business is that you have options. You can file your taxes working alongside an expert, or you can hand it off to a pro who can do it for you! - either way, you’re matched with an expert that knows your specific industry. That part is key. Whether you are a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner, you can get matched with someone who knows your world. They also offer year-round support, which means you do not have to wait until next April to ask your questions. And with new tools, including AI features, they can help you stay organized and even uncover deductions you might not realize you qualify for. Visit TurboTax.com/Business to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tiffany Aliche—also known as The Budgetnista—has spent over 15 years helping millions of women take control of their money, rebuild after financial setbacks, and create lasting wealth. She’s the founder of the Live Richer Movement, a New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most trusted voices in personal finance—because she doesn’t just teach the theory… she’s lived the comeback. Her book, Get Good With Money, now out in paperback, is a roadmap to what she calls financial wholeness—mastering the ten essential areas of your financial life, from budgeting and saving to investing and estate planning. But in this conversation, we go deeper—and more current. We talk about: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s spring break, and while I’m taking a little time offline with family, I didn’t want to leave you hanging. In this episode of Ask Farnoosh, we’re revisiting some listener questions from earlier this year—straight from the January mailbag—but don’t worry, these topics are just as timely and relevant today. We’re covering: Special Announcement: Registration is now open for Book to Brand, my immersive, in-person event happening October 9 in New York City. Join top publishers, agents, and authors to learn how to build a platform that gets attention—and results. 👉 Early bird tickets are available now at booktobrand.co Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Sahirenys Pierce is a financial educator, speaker, and the creator of The High Five Banking Method—a simple but powerful framework that helps people organize their money with purpose, reduce financial stress, and actually follow through on their goals. In this episode, we talk about: We also get into her personal story—from losing her childhood home… to becoming the financial voice she wished her family had back then. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the biggest threat to your career… isn’t losing your job—but becoming irrelevant before you even get one? Right now, we’re watching something seismic unfold in the workforce. College grads are struggling to land entry-level roles. Companies are hiring more cautiously—or not at all. And quietly, in the background, AI is beginning to reshape not just which jobs exist… but whether entire career paths survive. In fact, a recent survey of 5,000 unemployed Americans found that only 15% would choose a four-year college again knowing what they know now. That’s not just a statistic. That’s a warning. Today, we’re bringing on someone who is not just observing this shift—but actively building solutions inside it. Chieh Huang, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Pelgo, is working at the front lines of what he calls the “intersection” of AI and the job market—helping workers reskill, reposition, and stay in the game. In this conversation, we unpack: creating Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Ask Farnoosh Friday, we’re tackling one of the biggest questions right now: how do you stay financially steady when everything feels uncertain? Joining me is returning guest and trusted voice in personal finance, Georgia Lee Hussey, CFP and founder of Modernist Financial. [Grab her free financial toolkit] Together, we unpack the emotional and practical realities of this moment—from market volatility and recession fears to tax season surprises and the rapidly evolving role of AI in our careers. We start with the money anxiety so many of you are feeling right now. What’s really driving the fear around the markets? And how do you respond without sabotaging your long-term plan? Georgia shares how she coaches clients through uncertainty—and why downturns may actually be opportunities, especially if you’re still in your earning years. Then, we dig into tax refunds. If yours is bigger this year, Georgia explains why it may not be the “win” it seems—and how to think more intentionally about what to do with that money. We also explore the future of work in an AI-driven world—including why skills rooted in the humanities, creativity, and critical thinking may become even more valuable, not less. And finally, we zoom out to what matters most: how to stay grounded, make thoughtful decisions, and build financial resilience in a world that can feel anything but stable. In this episode, we discuss: really Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brooke Taylor is a former Google executive turned researcher and coach who has spent years studying a phenomenon called the success wound —interviewing more than 5,000 women to understand why so many accomplished, capable people still feel like it’s never enough. Her new book, Healing the Success Wound: Align Your Ambition, Find Lasting Career Fulfillment, and End the Cycle of Never Enough, puts language—and solutions—to something I think so many of us have felt but couldn’t quite articulate. In our conversation, we unpack We also talk about Brooke’s own turning point—what she calls her “spiritual awakening breakdown”—and how it led her to rethink everything she thought she knew about work, ambition, and identity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.