Be Smart by Jared Dillian

If you're going to spend money, spend money on quality stuff—not junk that's destined to end up in the landfill in 12 months. Jared discusses buying items that last, ways to spend money on experiences that won't break the bank, and certain types of irresponsible purchases to avoid.

The little stuff does not matter. If you want to buy the fancy name-brand Ziploc bags, buy the Ziploc bags. The accumulation of small decisions does not add up to a meaningful amount of money. It's not going to change your life. Remember, it's not the million little things that matter. It's the major expenses—the house, the car, and the student loans—that require vigilance.

Spending money to try new things and experience new places is priceless. But people won't do it. They get stuck on the number in their bank account, which causes them to miss out on a lot of life. While excessive or frivolous purchases can be regrettable, a lot of the time you will regret not spending money on stuff.

What role does gambling play in personal finance? Are you allowed to gamble if you want to lead a stress-free financial life? Jared answers these questions and more as he recaps his recent trip to Las Vegas.

Seems like every time you turn around, there's something you have to pay for. In this episode, Jared discusses the unforeseen expenses you're never ready for, how they cause stress in your finances, and how to prepare for the unexpected.

The UConn Huskies dominating March Madness, weight gain, business updates, and more. Jared and long-time guest David Mannen discuss life, work, and hitting the gym.

Is it worth it to be paranoid with your money? Jared discusses the difference between spreading your money out and diversifying your assets, and shares how to avoid the grip of financial paranoia.

Who is next after Silicon Valley Bank? After an unintentional hiatus, Jared is back, explaining what happened, trying to figure out which banks have exposure, and discussing how to avoid collapse.

How do you get the job you really want? There is nothing more powerful than a personal connection. Jared talks about navigating the intricacies of the hiring process and how to draw on your industry contacts.

Before going back to teaching at Coastal Carolina University this fall, Jared talks campus life, frat guys, professors DJing at college parties, turning 21, and making a statement vs. showing up clean cut for interviews with Logan Miller, intern and the man behind the magic at The Daily Dirtnap newsletter.

Jared has the real estate financial experience, and realtor and friend David Mannen has the boots on the ground experience. They discuss the importance of the number seven when buying or selling a house, the ups and downs of the real estate market, and the playoffs for football and baseball.

If you're being forced to choose between fixing the car and going on vacation, you've got a problem. In this episode, Jared talks about what it means to truly be financially comfortable in life.

Is this the year to take risks in the financial market? Jared discusses what you should do in 2023 to prepare for 2024 and saving college students from bankruptcy with personal finance.

What are your investing goals for the new year? Jared talks about the realities of financial goals, avoiding big mistakes, and dealing with the unknown.

People end up in credit card debt because they don't want to have hard conversations. Jared discusses the quality and impact of truly meaningful gifts.

Jared and realtor David Manning talk about the profitability of Jared's dream club, the evolution of reality TV, football career lengths, and more.

Fair warning: The IRS is now targeting third-party payment apps such as Venmo and PayPal, emphasizing the need to report income on transactions exceeding $600. Jared explains the importance of reporting your earnings, whether it be through part-time work, a side gig, or cashed-out winnings.

Life insurance doesn't make any sense. Jared talks about the dichotomy of needing but not wanting life insurance.

Gold is finally turning around. Jared takes a deep dive into the best way to invest in gold and how to buy physical gold.

Any one of the problems we face—energy prices, housing, inflation—by itself wouldn't break our back, says John Mauldin, co-founder of Mauldin Economics and one of the most brilliant minds in macroeconomics. But all of them coming together could create a serious crisis. Show host Ed D'Agostino and John discuss what the looming global debt crisis could mean for your portfolio... the disconnect betwe...

The pandemic caused ripple effects still sloshing through the economy, including inflation, but it's going to end. Jared takes a look in the crystal ball at the next six months and the psychological effect of inflation's inevitable downturn.

People in the financial world are panicking, but people in the real world have the right perspective. Jared discusses the wealth effect and the invaluable hope of "normal people."

The changes in the housing market all come down to this rate phenomenon. Jared gives his predictions on where the housing market is going and how inflation affects it.

The bear market is getting old, and it's time to get greedy while others are still paralyzed with fear. Jared reflects on the past year in the market and gives hope for the future.

It's a disadvantage to be an introvert in this world. Jared shares how he broke out of being an introvert and what being "lucky" requires from you.