As we enter a new year, many of us are thinking about fresh starts, big goals, and how we can make more meaningful contributions—whether in our personal lives or at work. But what if the key to achieving that isn’t about working harder or chasing success the traditional way? What if the secret lies in something as simple and powerful as kindness?

In today’s episode, we dive deep with James Rhee, an educator, impact investor, CEO, and author of Red Helicopter: A Parable for Our Times. James is best known for his transformative leadership at Ashley Stewart, where he not only revived a struggling retail brand but turned it into a community-driven powerhouse by weaving kindness, empathy, and purpose into every decision. A Harvard Law graduate and former high school teacher, James has a remarkable ability to bridge the worlds of high finance and human-centered leadership.

We discuss how a childhood experience with a red helicopter shaped his lifelong philosophy, his journey from teaching to private equity, and the surprising parallels between math and creativity. James also delves into the role of AI in shaping society and why now, more than ever, leaders must embrace humanity and creativity to drive lasting impact.

This episode originally aired on October 11, 2024. Fresh episodes starting Monday!

Download Farnoosh's Free Investing Blueprint to learn how to begin investing for your future.

Today's show: Is there such a thing as investing "too" much? Can obtaining a home equity loan be helpful when purchasing a second home? How to find a great accountant and more.

Recapping the year's top episodes covering the science of building wealth - proven ways to earn more and have a healthier relationship with money.

For more listening, check out the full episodes with our guests:

• Charles Duhigg, Author of Supercommunicators
• Daniel Crosby, Author of The Soul of Wealth
• Caroline Adams Miller, Author of Big Goals
• Carl Richards, Host of 50 Fires podcast
• Scott Rick, Author of Tightwads and Spendthrifts
• Kate Northrup, Financial Expert and Author

• Vivian Tu
• Giovanna Gonzalez
• Jannese Torres
• Shirin Eskandani
• Vrinda Gupta

This episode originally aired on Friday, September 27.

In this episode, you will learn about creating a financial plan (for beginners), borrowing from your 401(k), selecting a balance transfer card, and more.

Download Farnoosh's FREE Financial Family Planning Guide here.

Check out the new Farnoosh website and grab a free copy of her Investing Blueprint.

Revisiting the best episodes of 2024 with a focus on money and kids. In this episode, we hear from

• Karen Holland, Founder of GiftingSense.org
• Renee Campbell, Head of Youth & Family Banking at Chase Bank
• Peter Bergman, Chase, Executive Director and Head of Starter Segment Banking at Chase Consumer & Community Bank

Revisiting the best interviews of 2024 with a look back at some of the best retirement saving strategies. Featured in this episode:

• Anne Tergesen, WSJ Reporter  
• Jean Smart, founder of Penelope
• Hannah Cole, founder of Sunlight Tax
• Katie and Alan Donegan, Early Retirees

This week: What's the tax impact when you sell Bitcoin? How do you negotiate benefits at work, from retirement to equity to paid time off? Plus: smart ways to invest in your health. To learn more about Farnoosh's book workshop, visit BooktoBrand.co.

Sign up for Farnoosh’s free Investing Blueprint

Follow on Instagram

Join the So Money Members Club

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Order Farnoosh’s new book, A Healthy State of Panic

What happens when you decide to walk away—from burnout, expectations, from a life that looks ‘successful’ on the outside but leaves you feeling hollow inside? My guest today, Faye McCray, has lived that transformation. A high-achieving lawyer turned storyteller, strategist, and wellness advocate, Faye made the bold decision to leave corporate life and redefine success on her terms. We’ll explore what led her to this breaking point, how she navigated the uncertainty of starting over, and how she’s helping others bridge the gap between their personal identities and professional lives.

Faye opens up about her lessons on slowing down, prioritizing health, and finding fulfillment beyond titles and accolades. Plus, we talk about breaking free from ‘hustle culture,’ redefining work-life balance, and why it’s okay to end the year strong—without crossing every item off your to-do list. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or wondering how to make peace with your pace, this episode is for you. And yes, we even revisit the wild story of how our friendship began in the streets of Charlotte.

Join the So Money Members Club.

Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.

Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.

Most couples struggle to get on the same page regarding money and relationships. Less than 40% of married couples discuss their finances in detail—a staggering statistic that often leads to miscommunication, conflict, and, for some, divorce. But today’s guests, Jessica and Brandon Norwood, are trying to change that narrative.

Jessica and Brandon are the dynamic duo behind The Sugar Daddy Podcast, a show dedicated to helping millennials break the stigma around money conversations and build wealth as a team. As a married couple who have navigated everything from student loans to merging their financial lives, they bring a wealth of personal and professional insight. Jessica, a tech professional and the breadwinner in their family, and Brandon, a licensed financial planner, have developed a proven 5-step framework for creating financial harmony in relationships.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The importance of shared values and financial alignment—why dreaming big as a couple is key.
• Tackling financial dealbreakers—and why financial infidelity might be a red flag you can’t ignore.
• What it’s like being a female breadwinner—and how Jessica and Brandon embrace modern parenthood and partnership.
• And a bold take on affording kids—why waiting for financial “readiness” might mean you’ll never leap.

Check out this download to better understand the couple's D.R.E.A.M Framework for navigating money in your relationship.

In this episode of Ask Farnoosh, we tackle some of your most pressing money questions about retirement planning, investing, and managing finances in relationships. First, we dive into the pros and cons of converting a Traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA, discussing how to weigh current tax impacts against long-term growth benefits. Next, we explore strategies for helping a loved one preserve and grow their retirement savings, including balancing accessibility and investment growth for someone relying on Social Security. Lastly, we address the complexities of merging finances as a couple—whether you’re cohabiting, buying a home, or just starting to have those “big” money talks.

References:

Article: What My College Friendships Taught Me About Socioeconomic Status

Article: The Perimenopause Gold Rush 

Join the So Money Members Club.

Download Farnoosh's free investing blueprint.

Hang out with Farnoosh on Instagram.