So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

This week on Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh kicks things off with a behind-the-scenes look at a whirlwind week in journalism and media. She shares highlights from her recent interview with Senator Cory Booker about his bold new “Keep Your Pay Act” proposal, which would eliminate federal income tax on the first $75,000 of income, and discusses what that could mean for working Americans. She also reflects on being featured in Kiplinger’s latest issue on the best financial advice experts have ever received, sharing a career lesson that shaped her own path: learning to earn money not just from what you do, but from what you know. Plus, Farnoosh announces her upcoming free webinar on March 26 about how to land a big book deal (register using the link).Then, a quick breakdown of the latest money headlines that matter for your wallet: mortgage rates climbing back above 6% and what that means for today’s “frozen” housing market, the widening K-shaped economy separating households that are thriving from those struggling with rising costs, and early signs that the once-hot job market may be cooling—along with why now is a good time for a financial check-up.In the mailbag, Farnoosh tackles listener questions including: • Should high earners prioritize Roth 401(k) contributions or diversify across other retirement strategies? • What to watch out for when a financial advisor pushes variable universal life insurance instead of traditional investing. • Creative ways families are making childcare and daycare costs more manageable. • How a teenager’s part-time income and assets can affect FAFSA eligibility and college financial aid.

U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey joins us for a wide-ranging conversation recorded in one sitting for both podcasts - The Montclair Pod and So Money.Senator Booker first rose to national prominence as the mayor of Newark, where he built a reputation for hands-on leadership and bold policy ideas. He has now served more than a decade in the U.S. Senate, becoming one of the most prominent voices in the Democratic Party.He’s also entering a new chapter personally: Booker recently married and is expecting his first child—something that clearly shapes how he thinks about issues like childcare, family economics, and investing in America’s future.Our conversation comes as Senator Booker unveils a new proposal called the Keep Your Pay Act—a plan that would eliminate federal income taxes on the first $75,000 of income, a move he says could dramatically increase take-home pay for many middle-class families.In this conversation, we discuss:• The Keep Your Pay Act and how it could affect American households• Why Senator Booker believes the tax system is “rigged” against working families• The rising cost of childcare and early education in America• Immigration reform and the climate of fear many immigrant families feel today• The growing power of big media companies and why independent creators matter• The economic implications of the war in Iran, including rising energy costs• Whether Booker sees a presidential run in his futureCalculate how much Booker's proposed tax act could save your household.

If you’ve ever looked at the FIRE movement — Financial Independence, Retire Early — and thought, that sounds great… but what about kids? — today’s episode is for you.For years, the assumption has been that FIRE works best for people without children: dual-income professionals willing to live extremely frugally in pursuit of early retirement. But what happens when you want both financial independence and a family?My guest today, Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung are some of the pioneers of the modern FIRE movement. The couple retired in their early 30s with over a million dollars invested and inspired thousands of people to rethink the traditional path of working for decades before enjoying life.But even after achieving financial independence, Kristy found herself confronting a new financial question: Could they afford to have a child?In their new book, Parent Like a Millionaire, Kristy and Bryce explore what it really takes to raise a family while maintaining financial freedom. From resisting the pressure to overspend on baby gear, to rethinking housing, childcare, and education, their approach challenges many of the assumptions we’ve been taught about the cost of raising kids.In this conversation, Kristy and Bryce share practical strategies for making your money work harder as a parent — and how thoughtful financial planning can reduce stress and create more freedom for families.We also explore the deeper emotional layer behind financial independence. Kristy grew up in poverty, and her pursuit of FIRE was driven not just by the desire to retire early, but by the need for security and stability. What happens when someone who has worked so hard to escape financial instability decides to raise a child? Can financial independence help break cycles of generational money trauma?

On this week’s Ask Farnoosh, Farnoosh answers listener questions about navigating complicated financial decisions — from inheriting retirement accounts to protecting yourself from tax fraud.First, Farnoosh shares personal reflections on the unfolding war in Iran and how global conflict can ripple into markets, oil prices, and the broader economy.Then she dives into listener questions, including:• What happens when you inherit a 401(k) — and whether you must take distributions • How to prioritize emergency savings vs. retirement investing when your budget can't do both • What to do if your tax return is rejected due to potential identity theft • Is it possible to invest too much when you're feeling cash-strapped?Plus: • Why more Americans are taking hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts • Why Farnoosh is skeptical about MrBeast entering the banking world • And a surprising pop culture reflection on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

Many parents believe college now costs $100,000 a year. But the truth is far more complicated.Today on So Money, I’m joined by Ron Lieber, longtime New York Times “Your Money” columnist and author of the bestselling book The Price You Pay for College. Ron has spent years investigating how college pricing really works—and why the “sticker price” is often not the price families actually pay.In our conversation, Ron explains why the most important question isn’t how to save for college or even how to pay for college.It’s this: What should you actually pay?In this episode, we discuss:• Why the $100,000 college headline can be misleading• How merit aid scholarships really work• Why colleges quietly compete for students with discounts• How families can ask for more aid (without turning the process into a battle)• The surprising story behind the merit-aid “arms race” in higher educationLearn more about Ron's course and get his free checklist: Understanding Merit Aid

For many women, the word “millionaire” can still feel uncomfortable. Not just financially, but culturally. Many of us weren’t raised to imagine ourselves as wealthy, powerful, or building seven-figure net worths.My guest today wants to change that.Bola Sokunbi is the founder and CEO of Clever Girl Finance, one of the largest financial education platforms for women in the U.S. She’s a Certified Financial Education Instructor, a six-time bestselling author, and her newest book is Clever Girl Millionaire.What I appreciate about Bola’s approach is that she doesn’t frame wealth as a quick win or a social-media highlight reel. Instead, she focuses on the real path to building wealth: intentional decisions, consistency, and the courage to think bigger about what’s possible.Bola’s own story is deeply personal. She grew up in a Nigerian immigrant household where resilience and sacrifice were part of everyday life. Her mother left a successful career as an investment banker in Nigeria and came to the U.S. to start over as a nanny so her children could pursue opportunities here.That experience shaped how Bola thinks about money, opportunity, and something we explore deeply in this conversation: legacy.Because wealth isn’t just about reaching a number in your bank account. It’s about asking bigger questions:What do you want your money to represent? Who do you want it to help? What changes because you existed?In this episode, Bola and I discuss:• Why the word “millionaire” still intimidates many women • How to build wealth even if you’re starting from debt or living paycheck to paycheck • The mindset shifts required during uncertain economic times • Navigating family obligations and financial pressure, especially in immigrant households • And why legacy isn’t just about money — it’s about impact.Bola's Website: https://clevergirlfinance.comBola' New book: https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/clever-girl-millionaire/

As promised, I’m re-airing one of the most requested interviews from the archives: my conversation with Nate Berkus, originally recorded in 2015—ten years ago.A lot has changed for Nate since then, but when I listened back, I was struck by how timeless this episode is—especially right now. My mother-in-law and I are huge fans, and for my birthday she gave me Nate’s latest book, Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal. And that’s exactly the theme you’ll hear in today’s conversation: your home should tell your story—and your money should support a life that feels authentic.We talk about money fear versus abundance, building a business, learning when to ask for help, and Nate’s surprisingly great financial habits—including his rule about keeping your wallet organized as a form of respecting money.

Today’s guest is someone who has been shaping the personal finance conversation for nearly two decades — long before money podcasts were mainstream, long before “side hustle” was a buzzword, and long before financial literacy for women was framed around building wealth instead of just clipping coupons.Laura Adams is the host of the wildly successful Money Girl podcast, a show that has been downloaded more than 43 million times and ranks among the top 0.1% most popular podcasts globally. In just about 20 minutes each week, Laura does something that’s incredibly difficult: she makes complex personal finance and small business topics feel approachable, actionable, and even fun.You’ve seen her everywhere — ABC World News, CBS, NBC, Bloomberg, NPR — and today she’s here with us on So Money.In this conversation, we dig into how financial advice for women has evolved over the years — from focusing on saving pennies to thinking about legacy, ownership, and long-term wealth. We talk about solopreneurship and side hustles — what it really takes to build a one-person business that doesn’t just generate income, but supports your life. And with interest rates expected to gradually decline into 2026, Laura breaks down what that could mean for refinancing, home buying, and smart positioning right now.