11 Podcasts for Anyone Who Wants to Get Smarter About Money in 2017

A new question has crept into my catch-up conversations with friends. Once we get past “What are you watching?” and “What are you reading?”, we’ll lean in and almost whisper: “What podcasts are you listening to?”

And while true-crime stories and heartfelt narrative arcs dominate much of the podcast scene, the beauty of the medium is the variety at your fingertips — most of it absolutely free to consume.

If you have money on your mind, there’s a podcast to help, whether you want education or commiseration.

Next time you’re clipping your coupons and working on your budget, tune your ears to one of these personal finance podcasts.

1. Planet Money

This long-running NPR segment and podcast has a way of turning even the most complex or mind-numbing facets of economics into clear, often fun explanations about how money rules our world. And at just 15 to 30 minutes long, we promise your eyes won’t glaze over during the lessons.

Listen first: Episode 765: “The Holiday Industrial Complex”

2. HerMoney

“Anyone who tells you women don’t need financial advice specifically for them is wrong,” the “HerMoney” intro page warns. With topics ranging from expert tips to discussions on the psychology of money, financial journalist Jean Chatzky’s half-hour interviews dig into money issues with women in mind but without the froufrou lady branding.

Listen first: Episode 48: “I Am My Own Worst Enemy”



Bonus Episode: Episode 61: “Make More Money With the Penny Hoarder’s Kyle Taylor” (founder and CEO of The Penny Hoarder!)

3. Death, Sex and Money

This interview show hosted by Anna Sale covers big, often scary topics with everyone from Oscar-winning actors to prison guards. Money-related conversations tend to come up even if they’re not the focus of the interview. Episodes range from 30 minutes to an hour, but the time will fly.

Listen first: ”The NFL Made Me Rich. Now I Watch It… Sometimes”

4. Bad With Money

Through interviews with experts and personalities, money non-expert Gaby Dunn opens up some of the most personal questions about money — the ones we won’t even talk about with our best friends. While Dunn’s segment introductions sound more like a book report than an intimate performance, she really shines when she talks with her guests. Episodes tend to hit the 45-minutes mark.

Listen first: “Who Can Afford to Have Sex? (AKA Babies)”, which includes an interview with podcasting powerhouse Anna Sale.

5. So Money With Farnoosh Torabi

“Looking for ways to save on gas or double your double coupons? Sorry. You’re in the wrong place,” the intro for “So Money” quips. Instead, this thrice-weekly show with episodes lasting about 30 minutes focuses on how your relationship with money can help you “live a richer, happier life.”

Listen first: Episode 561: Lauren Singer, creator of the blog Trash is for Tossers

Bonus episode: Episode 520: Kyle Taylor

5. Freakonomics Radio

Using everything from soundtracks to careful storytelling tactics, the makers of this hugely popular podcast know how to captivate listeners. Sometimes the topics are big — like the alleged war on sugar — but usually, this weekly show is surprisingly relatable, no econ degree required. Episodes are usually 30 to 40 minutes.

Listen first: ”How Safe is Your Job?”

6. You Need a Budget (YNAB)

Jesse Mecham’s “You Need a Budget” has grown from a blog to a massive budgeting site and system. But before you get overwhelmed, subscribe to the YNAB podcast. Weekly episodes provide quick tips and money reflections in five minutes or less. Listen if you’re familiar with YNAB and want reminders of its concepts.

Listen first: Episode 269: “The Cost of Ownership”

7. Listen Money Matters!

Hosts Andrew Fiebert and Thomas Frank promise “this is not your father’s boring finance show.” “Listen Money Matters!” offers actionable advice for the 99% (that would be you and me). Pour yourself a cold one, and settle in for an irreverent weekly show that’s sometimes as much as an hour long.

Listen first: ”How to Be Lazy and Pay Off Your Debt”

8. Millennial

Megan Tan’s audio journal covers everything from applying for jobs to what happens when your parents sell their house. Basically, everything you never feel prepared for when it happens in your 20s. Even if you don’t identify with the millennial set, this narrative half-hour show that comes out twice monthly will make you feel better about challenges with money and making it in the world.

Listen first: Episode 38: “We Grew Up Here”

9. Who Knew?

Bruce and Jeanne Lubin host this twice-monthly podcast, and we’re not just recommending it because you can sometimes hear Penny Hoarders sharing tips during the episodes. Usually running 15 to 20 minutes, “Who Knew?” packs in hacks for everything from second uses for household goods, to how to make better cookies, to car tips every driver should know.

Listen first: ”Things You Should Never Spend Money On”

10. Millennial Money

Certified financial planner Shannah Compton Game talks about the nitty-gritty of setting yourself up for financial success. The show is instructive and tough love-centric, mixing interview episodes with 20-minute monologues from Game.

Listen first: “10 Money Lessons to Master” Part 1

11. Paychecks and Balances

Don’t let the dulcet tones of hosts Rich and Marcus fool you — these conversations about work and money are upbeat and lighthearted. They say it’s money with a millennial spin, but you don’t have to be a ’90s kid to find yourself nodding along with this show.

Listen first: ”PB50: Rising at Work + Office Friendships ft. Tiffany Southerland”

Lisa Rowan is a writer and producer at The Penny Hoarder.