You can see how far they’ve drifted from useful with the swirl around the Efficient Frontier discussion. People will ask clear, specific practical questions about the challenges of this approach, and Joe dismisses them, calls them lazy, and insists it will only take 15 minutes a year to follow his plan. But then he ignores what they’re actually saying — but that would be 36 separate transactions across our family’s accounts every time I’m rebalancing?? He ignores the challenge of — do you rebalance by individual account or by total sum across all accounts? He wants so badly for his preferred approach to be seen as simple and obvious that he gets lost in his own smugness and is no longer helping people find clarity and take action. The fact that this has come up over and over in the questions shows it is not a simple approach and he needs to let go of wanting to present it as such and admit it’s much more complex to do on your own. The whole point of VTSAX and chill was to free people of analysis paralysis and he just ignores that over and over and insults people who want a simple financial management approach as lazy. It’s not a 15 minute / year activity Joe. You can’t even explain the steps in 15 minutes after trying 8 times. It doesn’t have to be simple to be good so just be honest with people instead of sniping at your listeners who are asking for help! I used to listen and look forward to every episode of this show and really appreciated how thoughtful the interviews and Q&As were. Then they doubled their episode cadence, making it impossible to keep up with all the episodes on a normal listening schedule. And it turns out once I have to choose *which* of the deluge of episodes I want to actually listen to… the answer became none of them. It’s funny, I probably would have listened to one episode a week forever, but now that I got behind on podcasts for a couple weeks and have a wall of missed episodes on this show — I’m not going to catch up. I’m just cutting it out.

Been listening for a few years and the quality of this show just keeps going up. It’s refreshing to hear someone so level headed about so many things, and curious and brings up so many distinct and unique subjects and guests. Clearly Paula has a bias toward real estate investment, which i think has become unrealistic for most Americans since 2021 or 2022 ish to now (2025) and that is my only mild critique of her show. However, she readily admits her bias, and I don’t remember any episodes focused on real estate (aside from answering personal questions that were submitted) in a very long time — maybe over a year (which is appropriate).

Amazing information always

Good adaptation.

Are these real people? This sounds like two bots reading a script. Not worth your time, search for real humans

I have been listening to Afford Anything podcasts for a couple of years and really enjoy the smart content, common sense, great advice and just listening to Paula in general. This is my first podcast review. I didn’t know if I could leave a review or how to do it…. Watched a YT video to learn how to leave a review.

Does a great job of asking thoughtful questions. Pretty good Q&A episodes as well. Has a habit of saying “exactly” a lot. 10 or more times per episode.

I discovered Afford Anything when I was looking for personal finance podcasts last year and it is by far the most valuable and insightful one I’ve found! I’ve learned so much, particularly from the Q+A episodes. After listening to the show, I have made a number of positive financial shifts in my life that are setting me up for future retirement and financial flexibility. Paula and Joe have a great dynamic and they make complex financial topics a lot easier to understand! Thanks for all the excellent advice!

Paula Pant is an independent voice in the finance niche. She follows her curiosity wherever it leads in a refreshingly honest way. She trusts herself and seems to be learning right along with us. A+⭐️🍎

Been listening for years but the show is becoming a little too hopped up on itself, ie a little too excited about itself. I’m going to unfollow for a while in the new year for other shows that are less self important.

I have been listening to this podcast for about 2 years. What a great find! Paula you're so impressive and I love all of your sound advice. I have great respect for those that give advice and options even if it's not something that fits for them. I look forward to hearing the Q&A episodes which are now my favorites. I also enjoy the economic insight as well as the great interviews. Here's a brutally honest take, for the first 3-4 months I was like, who is this Joe guy? I always disagreed with him and his opinions and it seemed like it was always against what Paula would say. I was thinking, get him off the podcast asap! LOL Joe, you have grown on me as now I understand where you're coming from and I enjoy and respect your opinion so much now. Awesome podcast and great people as well!

this is a great podcast that feels like a refreshing departure from the classic personal finance podcasts that mostly cover budgeting and debt payoff stories. I like it a lot!

Marinova Pompliano : fantastic interview. Unbelievable how much is packed into episode!

I have been listening for some time now and I love Paula and all the great information she provides. I learn so much from this show and truly appreciate the fact based knowledge she shares. Love the episodes with Joe as well. Fantastic!

I’ve always gone with the logic of if you don’t understand it don’t invest in it. After listening to this podcast I don’t understand crypto. What’s backing it? Someone telling me it’s the next big thing that’s all I took away.

Paula and Joe have a bias towards Roth vs. Traditional 401k contributions that are fundamentally based off of flawed math. Contributing to a trad. 401k if you’re making a high income now, but intend to live at a much lower income level in retirement (when you withdraw those contributions at a lower tax rate than what you would’ve paid if you chose the Roth option), is a very simple strategy anyone with a calculator can understand. This may not be everyone’s financial trajectory, but this is an extremely common reason many people strategically choose a trad 401k vs. a Roth 401k in their highest income earning years. Really basic stuff that neither of them seem to get.

I love the Q&A episodes for this podcast. I like to play along and think “what advice would I give?” and then see if it matches the experts. I have also had a few of my questions answered — what a blessing to have received free financial advice! Excellent podcast.

Civet coffee production is abusive. Paula and Joe please google and see the conditions the civet cats are kept in and forced to eat coffee beans. I am disappointed.

I have listened to a ton of podcasts on personal finance and this podcast is, by far, my favorite. Paula Pant is incredibly knowledgeable and well spoken. The question and answer podcasts are particular good with clear, well developed answers that address the concerns of the caller but also apply to a wider audience. Highly recommend.

Paula is incredibly impressive when it comes to providing sound financial advice. I've been listening to this show for a while, and she has truly become an expert voice in the FIIRE community. Episode #541, where a listener called in to verify advice from another podcast influencer, really highlighted this. Paula not only brought that podcaster onto her show to discuss their views, but she also made strong, well-reasoned points on the spot. I've applied Paula's advice many times, even when my own financial advisor's recommendations seemed subpar. In the end, my advisor often agrees that Paula's advice is the best route to take. Thank you, Paula, for the great work you do! You’ve changed my life and the lives of so many others. You are truly special!

Enjoy the podcast but sometimes veers off into different directions with guests that seem to have little to do with personal finance. That being said, very informative and I’ve certainly learned a lot.

I've been a regular listener to Paula Pant and its SO much more than just a personal finance podcast. She provides sound advice on how to live. I really enjoyed the most recent one with Andrew Hallam covering the importance of relationships, health and purpose along with money. The podcast offers practical tips and insights that we can all use to live a better more fulfilling life. Paula you rock!

Paula, thanks for hosting an episode on RSU’s. I just accepted a promotion within my company that has a heavy RSU component to it. Your episode’s timing was perfect. I’ve been a listener since 2019!

By far my favorite podcast. Highly recommend. Smart, funny and positive. I learn so much in every episode.

Paula, I started listening to your podcast about three years ago. Since then my husband and I have purchased one rental and we are closing on another this month. Both are single family 3/2 brick homes in Savannah, GA. (Unincorporated area of Chatham County) no city taxes and no flood insurance. You’re advise has been pivotal in our growth as small investors. My husband and I both came from extremely humble backgrounds and continue to live well below our means. We have good “blue collar” careers and two children but thanks to your advice, we finally see an opportunity for generational wealth. Thank you so much for all you do! And as always, eagerly awaiting the next episode! Stephanie A.

Paula I am a superfan of your podcast, especially the interviews. Most recently, I am grateful for your discussion with author Jon Acuff on his new book Soundtracks about Overthinking. This really resonates with me and will likely change a presently stuck portion of my life. The quality of your work as an inflencer is of the highest order. You make a real difference in people’s lives. Thank you.

This podcast has a great variety of guest interview that provide real life and actionable recommendations. I enjoy Paula and Joe answering listener questions. Highly recommend this podcast to my friends and family!

I think Joe’s answers are incomplete at best and wrong at worst. He likes to use buzz words like modern portfolio theory and Sharpe ratio. How is this actionable advice? I really think he is just trying to get you to buy his book. The Q&As are getting ridiculously long winded. Paula and Joe manage to turn a trivial answer into a diatribe and spend so much time in the minutia. They do this under the guise of creating a framework, but it’s really just to hear themselves talk. Answer the question and move on already!

I listen only to the Q&A episodes but it takes forever for them to answer a single question. Also spending 5 minutes to pick an anonymous caller’s name and having to have a back story for each one is a waste of time. There is some good info here but I don’t need a podcast I keep fast forwarding through.

I always appreciate the perspective I get from Paula in each and every podcast. I particularly enjoy the Q&A podcasts with Joe Saul-Sehy — the banter and sometimes opposing ideas are both entertaining AND educational. I’ve listened (and still do) listen to a number of financial podcasts with well known experts, but I find Paula’s podcasts are well balanced, exploratory and explanatory — the best I listen to weekly!

I’m def not a financial person and I first saw Paula Pant on a Netflix documentary on how to better save $ and she’s upbeat and informative and seems to genuinely care about imparting how to be better at financially planning for the future w concrete how to’s that aren’t intimidating

Paula is a wonderful source of personal finance information. The Afford Anything podcast is a pleasure to listen to. If you want to learn how to level up your money management, definitely subscribe!

Afford Anything has changed the trajectory of my life over the last 5 years through the sound financial knowledge shared on the show. I’m super grateful to have found the show and love learning more from it every week!

In a world that is all about influencers and quick sound bites, Paula takes the time to interview people who possess deep knowledge of their field. If you want to listen to people who have built 7-figure businesses and understand how personal finance works, listen to Paula.

Paula and Joe episodes are great. Paula solo not so much.

Just listed to Paula on Stacking Benjamin’s and heard her rant with Len Penzo. Was not impressed with her conversation skills and attitude during the exchange. Have been a listener to Paula’s podcast for years and decided to call it quits after hearing this.

Liked the show better in the past. Interview episodes are too long. I’ve sensed a change since Paula went to graduate school that hasn’t been great. Paula’s attack on Len Penzo on the Stacking Benjamin’s show was so far out of touch. On the positive side, I like the shows where Paula and Joe team up to answer questions. They are a good team. Paula is great but it seems her ego has gotten a bit inflated.

I’ve been listening to Afford Anything for a few years and the lessons and knowledge shared by Paula and her guest speakers sparks curiosity and gives me confidence to live a life that is on my terms. My husband and I just put an offer on our first home and we used the frameworks provided on this podcast to get us through the tough questions. What do we really want and what trade offs are we willing to make. I just listen to rerun episode with Vicki Robin and so many fears of the unknown were turned into curiosity about the future and life I want to build and contribute to. Thank you Paula! Looking forward to episode 500!

I used to love this podcast but am finding that Paula is becoming entrenched in her worldview and transparently impatient with those who disagree. I feel this affects the quality and objectivity of her advice

I love the show, but I love the bonus shows even more.

Fun and practical love the entertainment while learning. Grateful for the podcast

Thank you for making this podcast! It is the first one I have found that I can understand. I really appreciate that you are willing to break down even the most seemingly simple things for people like me who were not raised with any kind of financial intelligence. I can listen to your show without feeling bad about myself for not already knowing these things.

Afford Anything is an exceptional podcast that effortlessly combines, knowledge, authenticity, and trustworthiness to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. Hosted by a diligent and well-prepared host, this show stands out as an invaluable resource for those seeking insightful discussions and commentary on various topics. When it addresses finances, it is at its best.

I can’t thank you enough for producing such great content. I found this podcast searching for money and investing content but this is SO MUCH MORE!! There have been some interviews that I originally thought would have been of no value to me initially but Paula quickly captured my attention when she asked such great questions. If anyone reading this review wants a good sampling of the interview content then you should check out episode 426 as Paula highlights golden nuggets from the previous year! Great episode with valuable content!! Keep up the good work Afford Anything team!

Caught a few episodes and just thought it didn’t have great actionable advice. Some of the guests seemed super unrealistic too, like the dude who spends $20k/month on expenses.

Paula, I love your input and commentary. Please consider doing more solo episodes of the “Ask Paula” segments. You have so much considerate and thoughtful advice to offer listeners. If I wanted to listen to Joe, I would subscribe to his show. His comments add very little value, and he frequently makes comments that make me cringe. I end up trying to skip through much of the episode. I know you are friends, but please consider doing at least some “Ask Paula” segments solo or with a different guest.

So I enjoy Paula for entertainment value but beware to callers seeking advice as it’s pretty basic. On Feb 21, 2024 episode a caller asked about a large lump sum and mortgage options - Paula and co host treated it so simply - refinance or brokerage - never in there did they guide the caller who was interested in more cash flow the recast option where you can apply a lump sum, keep your interest rate and term AND lower your monthly payment. Paola claims to own real estate - how did she just think of refinance and not recasting? Its basic knowledge.

This is an amazing podcast on personal finance, financial independence, and life optimization with an optional side of real estate investing. As a speaker and as an interviewer, Paula is incredibly eloquent, mature, and intelligent. She has a wide variety of guests with a lot of different perspectives, both self-made bloggers as well as professionals, and her interviews are truly first-rate and worth listening to. I also have to credit her for sparking interest in real estate for me, something I was never previously interested in. I have taken away a lot of knowledge on real estate, as well as some insight into behavioral psychology in finance as well as productivity and mindfulness. The only thing that would make the podcast a little bit better in my opinion is if it catered a bit more to people with young children, single parents or anyone else who does not have as much personal freedom to simply travel or spend time investigating real eatate markets at a whim. That said, her tagline that you can afford anything but not everything, and that every choice you make has an opportunity cost is a universal truth, and her podcast truly helps you find real ways to align your life to your values. Edit 4/2020: Paula’s COVID-19 infection and her podcasts around that period gave me a whole other appreciation for it because I am a physician currently dealing with the outbreak. She made wonderful podcasts on how to be a fiercely compassionate and socially responsible citizen with all the economic suffering; then she gave the best PSA I’ve ever seen from a medical layperson on the need to social distance not just to protect oneself but to protect the most vulnerable people in our society. Then she tacked on brilliant content on how to be an intelligent investor during the huge market downturn, especially valuable to younger investors who don’t remember 2008. Intelligence, compassion and responsibility all while being financially savvy - this is now my favorite podcast.

So glad someone recommended this show to me. I’m loving every episode from learning about the world of finance to business building strategies, really well done. Thanks Paula!

I really like the ask Paula episodes that have Paula and Joe on them.