1747: Reasonably Happy: Finding Humor and Meaning in Money

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.

Join Farnoosh's Investing WorkshopJoin Book to Brand 2025This week, Farnoosh shares her top advice for finishing 2024 on a financially solid foot. Whether it's maxing out retirement contributions or finding ways to save on healthcare, now's the perfect time to take a closer look at your finances.

We’re discussing a topic that’s become increasingly relevant as climate disasters become more frequent and unpredictable: financial resilience in the face of devastating events. No matter where you live, you are at risk of being affected by climate change, and it’s changing how you think about your finances, homes, and futures.To bring this conversation to life, I’m joined by artist and creator of Sunlight Tax, Hannah Cole. Hannah recently experienced a Category 4 hurricane in her town of Asheville, NC, which brought unprecedented destruction to their community—flooding homes, destroying businesses, and taking lives. Hannah lost 20 years of her life's work as an artist when her studio was washed away. She shares her firsthand experience of the devastation and how she’s using her financial foundation to navigate this crisis. We’ll hear about her rebuilding efforts, the importance of being financially prepared for the unexpected, and how Asheville is coming together to recover.Because financial preparedness is critical, I’m partnering with Hannah to give one lucky listener free access to her Money Boot Camp, a comprehensive course package designed for freelancers, sole proprietors, and solopreneurs. To enter, head over to my Instagram feed, where you’ll find all the details on how to apply.