Science-Backed Financial New Year's Resolutions That Work

Every New Year, the same tired money resolutions rear their heads: “Make a budget,” “Save more,” “Track spending.” While those tips aren’t wrong, they’re also not going to change your financial life unless they’re backed by a strategy that actually works with your brain—not against it. In this episode, Nicole cuts through the noise and shares three New Year’s money resolutions that are rooted in behavioral science, psychology, and real research on human behavior. These aren’t just feel-good goals—they’re practical, proven shifts that will help you create lasting financial change without relying on willpower alone.

Women report doing 64% of the domestic labor in their household and the 73% of the mental labor. Eve Rodsky, author of the book and movement Fair Play, has championed not only this research, but also strategies to level the playing field. Today, Nicole and Eve talk about how to make your relationship more fair— and the financial consequences if you don't. Click here to learn more about Eve's work, click here to find Fair Play resources.

Have you ever wondered how Warren Buffett came up with his investment strategy? Today, Nicole pulls back the curtain. In this episode, Nicole breaks down how the investing pros create their investing theses, how they stress-test their own ideas, and three famous real-world examples that paid off. Then, Nicole will explain how you can create your own strategy— and how to easily execute on it... today. Paid endorsement. Brokerage services provided by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Investing involves risk. Not investment advice. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool by Public Advisors. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. See disclosures at public.com/disclosures/ga. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and investment values may rise or fall. See terms of match program at https://public.com/disclosures/matchprogram. Matched funds must remain in your account for at least 5 years. Match rate and other terms are subject to change at any time.

Today, Nicole unpacks one of her hottest personal finance takes: buying a house is not always an investment. Today, she breaks down the numbers to show when renting makes more sense than buying.

Today, Nicole breaks down all stock market lingo you need to decode investments —like market cap, and P/E ratio—and shows you how they actually work in real-life trading, using a deep dive into a real example of a stock that got... weird. You'll learn how to spot a stock’s highs, lows, and everything in between… plus why relying on just one type of analysis (technical OR fundamental) is like trying to fly a plane with one wing. Check out Nicole's course The Money School and use promo code MONEYREHAB to secure the course for $99

Today Nicole sits down with celebrated journalist Daryn Kagan and her husband, Trent Swanson—though around here, we call him The Miles Husband. Daryn reflects on the highs of her career as a news anchor and what it felt like when CNN didn’t renew her contract. She shares how she navigated that turning point, what it taught her about financial security, and how she redefined success. Daryn also gives her strategy for creating the role you want and shares a message for anyone still waiting on their dream career, relationship, or family. Then, Trent breaks down how a little curiosity about credit card points turned into a full-on travel hacking strategy that now has the couple flying around the world in luxury for next to nothing... and how you can, too! Listen to Daryn’s episode Call Me Friend, and start with the episode where Daryn interviews Nicole Check out more from The Miles Husband

If you leave a job, you're probably focused on your next move, not tracking down that old 401(k). But those old 401(k)s are your money. And if you don’t find them, manage them, or move them where they can grow smarter and harder for you, you’re leaving cash on the table. Today, Nicole walks you through exactly how to track down a lost 401(k) and roll it over into a new retirement account — with all the details, step-by-step, so you don’t make expensive mistakes. Rollover your old 401(k) and earn a 1% boost at public.com/moneyrehab If your old employer went out of business, check the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits and the Department of Labor's Abandoned Plan Search Past Money Rehab episode on the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. As part of the IRA Match Program, Public Investing will fund a 1% match of: (a) all eligible IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers made to a Public IRA; and (b) all eligible contributions made to a Public IRA up to the account’s annual contribution limit. The matched funds must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid an early removal fee. Match rate and other terms of the Match Program are subject to change at any time. See full terms here.

Pattie Ehsaei’s life may look picture-perfect now—she’s a financial exec, lawyer, and author—but it’s been shaped by unimaginable tragedy. Pattie grew up watching her mom depend entirely on her dad financially, a dynamic that turned toxic and ended in unimaginable tragedy. Later, Pattie found herself in a financially abusive relationship of her own, repeating painful patterns until she broke the cycle.  Today, she shares the lessons she’s learned about love, money, and power—wisdom she’s also laid out in her book, Never Date a Broke Dude. Nicole and Pattie talk about why who you choose as a partner is the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make, how stay-at-home parents can protect their financial autonomy, and how to spot the money red flags that don’t always look like red flags. And yes—they also get into why Pattie says you should never date a broke dude. Today’s episode contains descriptions of intimate partner violence and suicide. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, or is struggling with their mental health, here are some resources: Relationship Abuse Hotline: 800.799.SAFE National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255)

Immigration is dominating headlines—but not just for political reasons. Today, Nicole breaks down the economic side of immigration, and the Trump administration’s strategy to monetize the American dream. From the new $100,000 fee for skilled foreign worker visas to the ultra-elite “Trump Gold Card” offering U.S. residency for $1 million, Nicole unpacks the numbers behind the policies. Could these controversial programs really generate $100 billion in revenue? Or are we pricing out the very talent and innovation that made America an economic powerhouse?

Heather Dubrow (Real Housewives of Orange County) is the real deal; she’s built wealth, made mistakes, learned the hard way, and she’s not afraid to talk about any of it. Today, Nicole and Heather dive into the Dubrows' recent real estate wins and failures, how she and her husband divide financial roles, and how they rebuilt trust after being scammed out of $2 million. Plus, because Heather is the most hilarious, Nicole gets Heather's hot takes on viral money stories.