So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

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 key to personal finance education.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

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 strategies: building a dream calendar and redefining your relationship with time. Also: Why outsourcing isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity for creating space to thrive. Plus, Heather offers profound insights for women navigating the dual roles of professional ambition and domestic responsibility without losing themselves.Grab the So Money Investing Blueprint for FreeJoin the So Money Members ClubRead Heather's book Dying to Be a Good MotherListen to Heather's podcast Emotionally Uncomfortable

If you’re planning to make a big purchase in the next few months, don’t wait. Early holiday sales and year-end discounts are already a smart move—but add the potential for higher tariffs, and shopping is now more convincing. Farnoosh breaks it down in this new episode of Ask Farnoosh. Plus: Which is better, a Roth or Traditional 401(k), and How to Save Money on Buying a Car in December.Grab the So Money Investing Blueprint for FreeJoin the So Money Members ClubRead: What Should You Buy Before the Trump Tariffs - HuffPost

In this episode of So Money, Farnoosh welcomes back bestselling author and marketing legend Seth Godin to discuss his latest book, This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans. Seth dives deep into the essence of strategy and its importance in creating meaningful change in our finances, careers, and lives. He explains the four essential threads of strategy—time, game, empathy, and systems—and how understanding them can help us make better decisions and reduce stress. From navigating money stress to mastering delayed gratification, Seth offers actionable advice for tackling life's challenges with clarity and purpose. He also revisits his thoughts on being "rich" 10 years later, emphasizing the value of choice and contributions over material wealth. Whether you're looking to improve your financial game, stand out at work, or build a better future, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration from one of the most influential thinkers of our time.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

A new study reveals that more people want to quit their jobs now than during the Great Resignation. Whether it’s to find better-paying work to address the rising cost of living or simply to leave their company or industry and start fresh on a professional path they actually enjoy, the big question remains: Will they quit?Our guest today is helping people overcome that hurdle.Goli Kalkhoran is a Master-Certified Life Coach and former attorney who helps unfulfilled professionals create a career (and life) they genuinely enjoy. She hosts the Lessons from a Quitter podcast, where she de-stigmatizes quitting and offers resources and inspiration for individuals looking to pivot in their established careers. In this episode, we discuss why our culture is so afraid of quitting, how to afford to leave — financially and energetically -- and Goli’s journey of quitting her law career and the many pivots that followed.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

This episode originally aired on September 6, 2024.This Friday: Questions regarding adding children to your business payroll, enrolling in a 529 plan when college is just a few years away (good idea?) and how to manage a 401(k) that's being discontinued at work. Join the So Money Members Club for free for one month with the code SoMoneyBF2024. Expires Saturday, November 30.

As we approach Thanksgiving, there’s no better time to reflect on gratitude, personal growth, and turning life’s challenges into opportunities. In this episode of So Money, I’m joined by Christine Hassler, a #1 life coach, bestselling author, and host of the popular podcast Over It and On With It. Christine opens up about hitting rock bottom—leaving a toxic work environment, finding herself in debt, and overcoming heartbreak—all while redefining what success and happiness genuinely mean. She shares how gratitude became a cornerstone of her personal and financial transformation and why self-worth is directly tied to net worth.We also explore her actionable strategies for embracing setbacks, finding purpose, and creating a life rooted in abundance. Whether you’re feeling stuck or simply want to align your values with your goals, Christine’s insights will inspire you and prepare you to take the next step.This episode is a replay.

In this episode of So Money, I’m joined by Michael Schreiber, award-winning journalist, founder of MediaFeed, and long-time friend. Michael began his career as an award-winning journalist, producing acclaimed documentaries and in-depth reporting on topics like the credit card industry. Today, he’s at the forefront of helping businesses and individuals leverage content to grow their brands and connect with audiences.We explore Michael’s transition from journalist to media entrepreneur and the lessons he’s learned about creating impactful content. He shares strategies for building a personal brand on various platforms, from LinkedIn to YouTube, the power of content syndication, and how businesses can own their narrative without relying on traditional advertising. Plus, we dive into how AI tools like ChatGPT can supercharge your content creation process while saving time. Plus: a sneak peek into a collab between Farnoosh and Michael.

In this episode of Ask Farnoosh: How do you balance saving for your kids’ futures while ensuring your own retirement? Is it too late to start investing in your 60s? Plus, Farnoosh shares her thoughts on whether a Trump presidency could crash the stock market and breaks down the financial risks of dismantling the Department of Education. Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

What did the election polling data say, what did it miss, and why were so many people divided on the economy? Guest Farrah Bostic, a brand strategist, researcher, and founder of The Difference Engine, a consultancy that helps entrepreneurs and brands make smarter decisions through deep-dive research and data analysis. She’s also the co-host of In the Demo, a podcast exploring generational differences, and the host of Cross Tabs, which dives into polling and what data can reveal about the decisions we make.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

As the possibility of a second Trump administration looms, 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, Georgia Lee Hussey, CFP and founder of Modernist Financial, joins to discuss building financial resilience in today’s shifting political and economic landscape. Farnoosh and Georgia answer pressing audience questions, offering advice on combining finances in marriage, managing debt while saving for retirement, and optimizing student loan repayment -- all through the lens of a Trump presidency.

Have you ever felt uncomfortable splitting a dinner bill with friends or hesitated to join a group vacation because of the cost? Maybe you’ve wondered if your friends view money the way you do. Friendships are one of the most rewarding parts of life, yet they come with their own set of challenges—especially when money enters the picture. Today, we’re diving into this problem with someone who has tackled this topic head-on. Kristin Wong, an award-winning journalist and author, has explored the subtle, often unspoken ways wealth gaps can impact friendships. Her recent article in The New York Times uncovers the nuances of these situations and how friends navigate the social and emotional dynamics of financial imbalance. Follow Kristin's Substack, "Untranslatable."Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite voices in the world of money and humor—Paul Ollinger. Paul is a comedian and author, and he's here to talk about his latest book of essays, Reasonably Happy, a collection that balances sharp wit with deep reflections on money, purpose, and what it means to live a meaningful life. Follow Pau's SubstackJoin the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

In this episode of So Money, Farnoosh dives into the financial implications of Donald Trump’s recent election victory. Reflecting on her mixed emotions, she draws on wisdom from family and acknowledges the resilience needed to face uncertainty. Farnoosh shares insight on potential economic policies, like proposed tariffs and tax changes, and discusses how these could impact inflation, the stock market, and household finances. She emphasizes the importance of “healthy panic” as a motivator for constructive actions in our financial lives. From boosting cash reserves to staying engaged with long-term investments, she outlines her approach to navigating the coming years. Farnoosh also highlights the importance of community and financial self-reliance, especially for women. Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

In our financial lives, setting goals isn’t just about having aspirations; it’s about understanding how to build sustainable, achievable plans that propel us toward success. Guest Caroline Adams Miller has spent over 30 years pioneering the science behind how we set goals, stay resilient, and achieve meaningful success. Her newest book, Big Goals, is changing the conversation around achieving personal and professional ambitions.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

In today’s episode of So Money, we welcome back Lindsey Stanberry, a seasoned journalist and founder of The Purse. The popular newsletter dives into how money intersects with women's lives, encompassing topics from childcare and family budgeting to the emotional load of managing a household.Lindsey and I discuss some of the issues and topics she explores in The Purse, including the division of labor within households, the influence of societal and economic norms on childcare and household duties, and the shift in childcare dynamics post-pandemic. Plus: How one young Brooklyn couple afforded a $3.5 million townhome.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

This week: Navigating your money amidst election anxiety; how to manage a 401k Inheritance; balancing emergency savings with retirement savings; reacting to identity theft with your taxes.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Jannese Torres is an award-winning Latina money expert. She became an accidental entrepreneur after a job loss inspired her to turn her food blog into a six-figure business. Throughout the years, her passion for entrepreneurship led her to notice a gap in the conversation around money. Her debut book, Financially Lit, offers culturally relevant and relatable personal finance advice to make you feel seen, heard and understood. Whether it’s the guilt you feel from being the first person to “make it” while members of your family are still struggling or the way financial trauma manifests itself in negative and limiting beliefs around money, Torres is here to guide you through it all. Check out Jannese’s first interview on So Money®.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

As election season heats up, understanding the financial lives of our nation’s leaders offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of wealth and power. Guest Megan Gorman, author of All the Presidents’ Money, explains how the financial decisions of U.S. presidents shaped their policies and legacies.From Thomas Jefferson’s surprising debts to JFK’s complex wealth and the Clintons’ post-presidency financial journey, Megan shares fascinating insights that offer a deeper understanding of how personal finances influence leadership at the highest level, a blend of history and finance in unexpected ways.Join the So Money Members Club.Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.