So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

What does it really take to be mentally strong right now?

Not in theory. Not in a self-help quote kind of way. But in the real, messy, everyday moments… when your job feels uncertain, your finances feel stretched, and your life doesn’t look the way you thought it would.

My guest today, Amy Morin, has spent her career helping people answer exactly that question. She’s a psychotherapist, mental strength trainer, and host of the Mentally Stronger podcast. You probably know her from her global bestselling series 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, which has sold more than a million copies and been translated into over 50 languages. Her TEDx talk on mental strength has been viewed more than 25 million times. And her newest book, The Mental Strength Playbook, is all about what to do in the moments when you need resilience most—at work, in your finances, and in your life. [Listen to Amy's first visit to So Money]

And yes… she’s joining us from a sailboat in the Florida Keys.

In this conversation, we start there—how she ended up living a life that most people would call unconventional—and what it actually takes, mentally, to make a leap like that. Because as Amy says, you don’t have to feel ready. You just have to be willing to act and trust you’ll figure it out as you go.

From there, we get into the real work:

Why so many of us feel burned out right now—and what’s actually driving that
How to do a “life audit” that aligns your time and money with your values
The small, practical steps that can help you get unstuck, even when change feels impossible
And the mental tools you can use immediately—whether you’re facing anxiety at work, a financial setback, or just that constant background worry that won’t quit

Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Ask Farnoosh Friday, and today we’re tackling one of the most talked-about and misunderstood financial topics right now: “Trump accounts.”

What are they, how do they work, and are they actually worth it? I break down the structure, the limitations, and where these accounts may fall short compared to more established options like 529 plans and custodial brokerage accounts.

I also walk through a strategy that could make these accounts more powerful, especially if you’re thinking long-term about building wealth for your child.
In addition, I share a simple, practical guide to putting together a basic estate plan. If you’ve been putting this off, this episode will help you focus on the most important steps you can take right away.

We also cover several major money headlines, including the impact of AI on jobs, rising concerns about retirement readiness, and how Americans are adjusting their spending habits in response to higher costs.
Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Farnoosh and Heather Boneparthe, author of Money Together, analyze Belle Burden's memoir 'Strangers,' exploring themes of marriage, wealth disparity, financial transparency, and the lessons women can learn from high-profile divorce stories. They discuss red flags, legal strategies, and the importance of financial agency in relationships.

Resources
'Strangers' by Belle Burden
'Money Together' by Heather and Douglas Boneparth
Bell Burden's Podcast 'Financial Tea' with Haley Sacks
Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really cost to chase ambition—and what happens when success starts to blur your sense of self?

In this episode, I sit down with Caroline Palmer, former Vogue editor and author of the buzzworthy novel Workhorse. Drawing from her years inside the high-gloss world of fashion publishing, Caroline takes us beyond the clichés of The Devil Wears Prada to reveal a more complicated—and at times darker—story about ambition, identity, and the quiet trade-offs women make to get ahead.

We talk about the mythology of glamorous careers versus the reality behind the scenes, the difference between “workhorses” and “show horses,” and why Caroline set out to write a female protagonist who doesn’t always make the right choices—and doesn’t apologize for it.
Caroline also opens up about her own career pivot during the pandemic, the moment she walked away from a high-powered job, and how writing this book helped her rebuild confidence and redefine success in midlife.

Plus, we get into:
What it was really like working inside Vogue during a transformative era
The financial realities of starting out in New York on a $25K salary
A negotiation story that led to a major salary leap—and what you can learn from it
Why saying “yes” early in your career can pay off long-term
And the surprising creative discipline behind writing a novel at 4:15am

Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spring break in Los Angeles sounded like a dream…until the bills—and a four-hour flight delay—set in. In this solo episode, Farnoosh recaps her family’s trip (theme parks, travel hiccups, and a surprising airline perk that saved the day) and what it reveals about the rising cost of travel right now.

Then, a look at where retirees are heading next. A new report finds more older Americans choosing cities like New York, Boston, and Seattle—not for the pace, but for the walkability, social connection, and even climate resilience. Is urban retirement the new dream?

Plus, a warning (and opportunity) for families navigating college costs: Students are increasingly turning to social media for scholarships. Farnoosh breaks down how to find legitimate money—from trusted databases to local organizations.

Also in this episode: a powerful read. Farnoosh shares her take on Strangers by Belle Burden—a memoir about a marriage unraveling, but more importantly, a cautionary tale about financial dependence. Despite coming into the relationship with wealth, Burden relinquished control of the finances—only to face devastating consequences when the marriage ended. It’s a story that raises urgent questions about autonomy, trust, and why every partner needs to stay financially informed and empowered.

In the Ask Farnoosh mailbag:
Should you invest in gold right now? (And why it’s more hedge than growth play)
When to book summer airfare—and how to avoid overpaying
Smart ways to rebuild your credit after debt without falling back into old habits

Learn more about Farnoosh's upcoming literary workshop Book to Brand. Early bird registration is now open!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.