How to Afford Anything
Your Money Roadmap for a Volatile World
Explore Paula Pant’s conception of financial independence.
Take an Adaptable Approach to Money
Develop your definition of financial independence. Define what “enough” means to you.
Start with Your Values
Clarify your values. Adjust your financial strategy accordingly.
Mind the Gap
Identify ways to grow your income. Explore options to lower your living costs.
Reduce Friction to Increase Your Savings
Formulate an anti-budget. Build sustainable financial habits.
Improve Your Net Worth
Increase your savings rate. Direct your savings effectively.
Avoid the #1 Money Mistake
Avoid high-interest debt. Use credit cards responsibly.
Make Sense of Investment Tools
Differentiate between account types and asset classes. Take an incremental approach to building financial literacy.
Use a 5-Point Investment Strategy
Diversify your investments effectively. Adopt an even-keeled financial mindset.
Hack Your Employer’s Tax-Advantaged Medical Accounts
Distinguish between Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Maximize medical accounts offered by your employer.
Plan for Volatility and Risk
Distinguish between volatility and risk. Determine your risk profile.
Recognize the 5 Cognitive Biases that Can Hurt Your Financial Future
Identify various cognitive biases. Combat these biases when making financial decisions.
While financial decision-making looks different for everyone, personal finance guru and host of the Afford Anything podcast Paula Pant says one thing remains true: Every choice you make comes with a trade-off. Choose wisely, and you can afford just about anything. But only if you acknowledge that you can’t afford everything.
Learning Objectives
- Clarify your financial priorities.
- Identify ways to increase your earnings and lower your costs.
- Direct your savings effectively.
- Determine your risk profile.
- Guard against bias in financial decision-making.