Finerate

Can money actually buy happiness? In this episode, we explore the surprising science behind happier spending, based on insights from the book  Happy Money  by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton. We dive into five key principles—like buying experiences instead of things, making indulgences rare, and investing in others—to help you make financial decisions that actually enhance your well-being. If yo...

In today's digital age, financial misinformation is everywhere, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. In this episode, we're diving into the growing problem of financial misinformation online and how it can seriously impact your financial future.  Join us as we discuss what financial misinformation is, how common it is for people to seek financial advice online,...

What if your biggest financial obstacle isn't your income or expenses, but your mindset? In this re-released episode, we're revisiting one of our most popular conversations. Originally recorded in 2020 as a follow-up to our discussion on having an abundance mentality, this episode explores how your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions around money can directly shape your financial future. Bill and Anas...

Ever thought about leaving your 9-to-5 and building a business of your own? In this episode, we sit down with co-host and seasoned entrepreneur Bill Taber to explore what it really takes to succeed as a small business owner. With over 25 years of experience running a successful Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, Bill shares hard-earned lessons on shifting from employee to entrepreneur, the...

Confused about Roth accounts? You're not alone. In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in retirement planning in the U.S.  We'll walk through the key differences between Roth and Traditional accounts, income limits for Roth contributions, and how Roth 401(k)s compare to Roth IRAs. You'll also learn when it makes sense to contribute to a Roth, how th...

Welcome to our annual AI update! A lot has changed in just a year, and in 2025, artificial intelligence is advancing faster than ever—impacting how we work, live, and interact with the world around us. In this two-part series, we break down the biggest developments in AI, how it's becoming embedded in our everyday lives, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. In Part One, we focused on ho...

Welcome to our annual AI update! A lot has changed in just a year, and in 2025, artificial intelligence is advancing faster than ever—impacting how we work, live, and interact with the world around us. In this two-part series, we break down the biggest developments in AI, how it's becoming embedded in our everyday lives, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. In Part One, we focus on how...

In this episode, we talk about how to take control after a job loss and make smart decisions for your financial future and career. We discuss what to do in the immediate aftermath, including addressing the emotional impact of job loss and what key financial steps to take. You'll also hear practical advice on how to start planning your next move, especially if your industry is evolving or no longer...

In this insightful episode, we tackle one of life's most consequential decisions: "Should I Have Kids?" with the help of our special guest, Ann Davidman—a seasoned marriage and family therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, we delve into the process of choosing or not choosing parenthood, and the role of financial readiness. Whether you're on the fence about starting a family or simpl...

Welcome to a very special episode of our podcast! We're taking a break from our usual deep dives into personal finance to explore a fun, unconventional perspective—through the eyes of Anastasia's toddler daughter (and Bill's granddaughter). We'll skip over the advanced classes in baby finances and jump straight to Baby Finances 401, where we ask the hard and existential questions about money. For...

Welcome back to our March series on well-being, inspired by Yale's renowned  Science of Well-Being  course by Professor Laurie Santos. In our last episode, we debunked common myths about happiness and explored how our brains sometimes lead us astray in our pursuit of joy. In Part Two, we're making it practical by delving into research-backed strategies that can boost your happiness and well-being....

Welcome to our March series on well-being, inspired by Yale's renowned  Science of Well-Being  course by Professor Laurie Santos. In this first episode, we dive into the core misconceptions about happiness and explore how our minds can sometimes trick us into chasing the wrong goals—like believing that a promotion or more money will automatically bring joy. We break down the science behind what tr...

Welcome back to the podcast! In this re-released episode, we revisit one of our most popular discussions—"Regulating Emotions During Jumpy Markets"—with fresh context for 2025. With the U.S. stock market at all-time highs and investment returns in 2023 and 2024 rivaling those of the dot-com boom, our conversation on market volatility has never been more relevant. In this episode, Bill shared his p...

Thinking about getting married? Before saying "I do," it's crucial to have honest conversations about communication, finances, and long-term goals to build a strong foundation for your marriage. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski, senior pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, IA, joins us to share his insights from years of pre-marital counseling experience. We'll discuss...

Tariffs—what are they, and why do they matter to you? In this episode, we break down the basics of tariffs, explaining why governments use them and how they impact everything from the price of everyday goods to job opportunities. If you're wondering whether certain products will get more expensive or how global trade policies affect your financial future, we've got you covered. We'll also dive int...

Start your financial year off right! In this episode, we review how our budgets went in the last year, what we learned, and what we want to focus on in the next year. We'll also explore why focusing on small tweaks—not massive overhauls—is the key to long-term success, and reveal ten simple adjustments you can make to improve your budget and save more money. From tracking hidden expenses to optimi...

Are you ready to take control of your financial future? In this episode, we're breaking down the four levels of wealth—a powerful framework that can help you understand where you stand financially, where you want to go, and how to get there. Whether you're just starting out, working toward financial independence, or dreaming of reaching elite levels of wealth, this conversation is packed with prac...

In this special episode, we're revisiting one of our favorite annual topics: gratitude. It's no secret that practicing gratitude can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life—but did you know it can also play a key role in building wealth? Join us as we reflect on the year 2024, share heartfelt messages of gratitude from our listeners, friends, and family, and discuss why focusing on abundance—ra...

Insurance can be a confusing and often overlooked part of personal finance, but it plays a critical role in safeguarding your financial future. In this episode, we're joined by Michael Silverman, President and CEO of Silver Lining Insurance Agency, Inc., and an independent insurance agent with over 40 years of experience. Together, we break down the essentials of insurance, including the common mi...

In this episode, we're tackling an essential yet often overlooked personal finance topic: estate planning. Whether you're just starting out in your career or well along your wealth-building journey, having an estate plan is critical for protecting your assets and loved ones. Our guest, Olesya Sidorkina, an experienced estate planning attorney, breaks down everything you need to know about wills, t...

Today, we're diving into the second part of a two-part series aimed at reversing some of the doom and gloom that seems so prevalent in American discourse today. Recent polls show that only 25% of Americans are satisfied with how things are going, but is the outlook really so bleak? In part one, we covered the current state of the U.S. economy, Anastasia shared some exciting personal news, and Bill...

Previously, we discussed market volatility leading up to the U.S. election. Today, we're diving into the first part of a two-part series aimed at reversing some of the doom and gloom that seems so prevalent in American discourse today. Recent polls show that only 25% of Americans are satisfied with how things are going, but is the outlook really so bleak? In part one, we'll cover the current state...

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that often seems distant for younger generations: Social Security. Many millennials and Gen Zers might think Social Security won't impact them for decades, but it's crucial to start understanding it now. We begin with a brief history of Social Security and explain how it works in the U.S. We'll explore why Social Security is still important for younger pe...

In today's episode, Anastasia is joined by a special guest--her husband Dean--to explore the intersection of finance and romance. Managing finances in a relationship has its challenges, especially when one partner takes on the role of the "CFO" while the other is more hands-off. We share our personal experiences of navigating money management together. We'll discuss how we decided who would take t...

How do U.S. elections impact the stock market? In this episode, we dive into "election anxiety" and how it affects your investment decisions. We'll explore the historical data on market performance during election years, whether it matters which political party controls the government, and the three common mistakes investors often make during the election season. Plus, we'll share actionable strat...