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This list of podcasts about money features shows by people who have struggled with debt and managing their finances. Sometimes it helps to hear that you're not the only one trying to figure it all out.
I've been planning to write this list of podcasts about money for a couple of weeks. It was going to be called something like, Podcasts About Other People's (Money) Problems, or something cheeky like that.
I've been listening to a great new money podcast, plus catching up on some episodes of older shows I had forgotten all about. This was just another fun, interesting activity for the blog.
And then, I had my own money problems, and it wasn't so funny. [Insert cliche about not counting your chickens, or being on a high horse, or something.]
Here's what happened:
My husband and I miscommunicated about the money going in and the money going out. Maybe we didn't miscommunicate...I think we just failed to communicate.
This isn't usually a problem; we don't typically spend more than we earn, so the bank accounts are usually in good standing.
I knew we were late on a payment going into the checking account, but I ended up sick in bed for three days before I could do anything about it or tell my husband. The bank account never even crossed my mind while I was unwell.
On the first day I was feeling better, I went to deposit some money into the checking account, only to see that it was at $0.00.
OMG. The feeling that physically took over my body was extreme. My husband frantically tried to assure me that we were financially fine and this was just a "snafu". But I already knew that.
Can't Stop The Feeling...
Later, I explained to him that I wasn't worried about the money. I was freaked out because I had been completely unaware of the situation.
Technically, I'm responsible for making sure that the bank accounts have money in them. And my husband has never had to worry about me dropping that ball.
But the moment I saw those numbers on my phone (and the recurring overdraft fees from three days of being overdrawn), I felt like a total failure.
Money can do that to you. How much you have (or have lost, or never had to begin with) can affect your confidence, relationships, and choices in life.
I've been proud of my financial choices for the last several years, but one "snafu", and I felt like I was 29 again, having too much fun and spending too much money.
So, these podcasts - about "other" people's money problems (ahem)- seem so much more relevant to share now. This isn't just another blogging activity; I think these shows are extremely relatable.
If you struggle with money, the psychology around it, or you have trouble understanding why your bestie can't manage her damn paycheck, check out these shows.
5 Podcasts About Money That You Can Probably Relate To
How You $pend Your Days
The host of this podcast lays out his current debt and takes the listener through his journey to start paying it down.
In the process, he discusses how he got into debt, the method(s) he's experimenting with to pay it down, what he spends his money on from day to day, and where he's trying to cut back.
He's not an expert, and I really like that. Because: some of us suck at following strict budgeting plans or proven money-saving strategies. Some of us like DIY solutions, and, sometimes, they work!
I'm a big fan of independent podcasts that are real and raw, and this show is exactly that. It's also well produced; each episode is focused on a specific problem or step in the process.
You can follow the journey through the numbers (posted online), but I don't recommend doing that until you've at least listened to a handful of episodes (unless you like spoilers).
Listen to How You Spend Your Days (start with episode 1 and listen in order)
Bad with Money
Writer and comedian Gaby Dunn confesses that she doesn't understand money or how to manage her finances. She also calls out the people in her life who have contributed to her financial failures.
Throughout the first three seasons of the show (Season 4 is due out sometime this year), Gaby also brings on all sorts of guests - some famous, some not - to explore their problems with money.
I love this podcast so much. Gaby reminds listeners that finances and money are intentionally confusing, so even if your mom and dad taught you proper money management from birth, it's still not completely your fault if you don't understand interest, credit scores, or investing.
Gaby has a straight shooting, fast-talking, sometimes curse-word-dropping personality. If that sounds like your type of podcast host, you'll love Bad with Money.
Listen to Bad with Money (start with Season 1, episodes 1, 2 and 3 to get a full introduction to Gaby and her situation.)
Afford Anything with Paula Pant
The host of this podcast knows a lot about money management, investing, and real estate. But that wasn't always the case, so she, and her podcast guests, explore their pitfalls, epiphanies, and experiences.
There are a lot of podcasts out there about financial independence and the location independent lifestyle. Although those topics are discussed and celebrated in many of Afford Anything's episodes, this podcast is different because you hear a lot about people's emotions and psychological hangups regarding money.
Two (very different) episodes I recommend are:
#173: When a child of financial chaos stumbles into adulthood: this episode goes off the rails a little mid-way through (the guest's story is complicated!). But in the end, Paula wraps it up with some really fantastic takeaways that could have gotten lost in the drama.
#131: How we slashed our costs 70 percent and gained happiness: this episode was really relatable to me, even though my situation is very different from the guest's story. It made me feel "normal", and also like, "if he can do it, I can do it."
[RELATED POST: Podcast Episodes to Help You Make (and Keep) Your New Year’s Resolutions]
Death, Sex & Money
The entire premise of Death, Sex & Money is to talk about the things that we “think about a lot, and need to talk about more.” Some episodes are very focused on money, while others touch on money along the way.
I've written about the podcast's episodes on student debt, which include many relatable stories about confusion and shame surrounding student loans.
Other relatable episodes about money include:
Lena Waithe Says Have a Dream...and a Sponsor: actress and writer Lena Waithe talks about her family's financial status when she was younger, and how she views money now.
Opportunity Costs: The Class Slide After Divorce: a divorced guest named Jaimie reflects on the amount of money she wasted while she was married.
[RELATED POST: Paying for College: 7 Podcast Episodes for Parents & Students]
Millennial
This podcast is no longer in production, but I still keep it as a subscription in my podcast feed. Sometimes I just like to find an episode and re-listen.
One of my favorite episodes of Millennial is episode #5 Men, Moms & Money. In this episode, host Megan Tan (along with her mom and boyfriend) explore what it feels like to be in a relationship with someone who is having greater career and financial success than you.
Episode #20 Haves & Have-Mores also focuses on the comparison game, between the host and her college friend who was born into different financial circumstances.
What I like the most about these episodes (and Millennial in general) is that they don't always portray the host in the best light. Regardless, she shares her feelings, which is cathartic for both her and the listeners.
Your Turn to Recommend
What podcasts about money do you find relatable? Do you find it difficult to listen to podcasts by money "experts" instead of regular people who struggle to make ends meet? Leave a comment below with your podcast recommendations.
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I haven’t listened to any of these but the 1st season of The Pineapple Project was all about managing money for women and was amazing. The second series is about work. The presenter, Claire Hooper, is on the journey with her listeners and is lots of fun.
Hi Lottie! Thanks for the recommendation of The Pineapple Project. Not to be confused with Pineapple Street (the Missing Richard Simmons podcast, and Running From Cops)! I like it when a show does a whole season on one topic, and another season on a different topic…I will absolutely go check this out!
Hey, on Squanderlust (https://www.squanderlustpod.com/) we try to break down the barrier between experts and regular people. In theory we’re both experts (both hosts are qualified financial professionals) but we are honest about our own financial fails. We want to help people ditch the shame and anxiety around money, so they can think more clearly about what they actually have to do to create a better financial future for themselves. Some stand out episodes we’ve done include using money in line with your values; getting rid of money shame; understanding when willpower fails; and avoiding all-or-nothing thinking when it comes to money.
Hi Martha! This is awesome, thank you so much for sharing your podcast and what it’s all about! I love some of those topics, and will definitely check it out!