Money Unplugged with Chris Hill

Brian Feroldi grew up in Rhode Island as a born saver — the kind of kid who hoarded his lunch money candy rather than eating it, just to watch his collection grow. His dad was a CFO. His mom raised money for the ALS Association. Nobody sat him down and explained how investing worked. That part he had to figure out on his own. A financial educator, YouTuber, and author of the book Why Does the Stock Market Go Up?, Brian joins Chris Hill to talk about the long road from money-illiterate college graduate to one of the most-followed investing educators on the internet. He shares: - Why he chose his college major purely to save $5,000 a year in tuition — and why the classroom demographics sealed the deal - How 40,000 miles a year on the road became an unlikely PhD in business and investing, while his coworkers listened to Howard Stern - What Charlie Munger understood about incentives that most investors still get wrong — and why stock-based compensation at most public companies is completely broken - Why he regrets his MBA (and it’s not because of the money it cost) What is something you bought that makes you happy? Tell us at [email protected]. Find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis! Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged Opening clip – “Neal Brennan: 3 Mics”

Jason Hall grew up in rural Georgia watching his dad treat money the way most people treat a hot potato — get it and spend it as fast as you can. Nobody talked about saving. Nobody talked about investing. The plan, such as it was, was to fix up a beat-up old truck his grandfather gave him, pulling parts from the junkyard ten miles down the road, and figure the rest out later. Co-host of the Investing Unscripted podcast and a contributor to The Motley Fool for over a decade, Jason joins Chris Hill to talk about the long, expensive road from that junkyard to genuine financial clarity. He shares: - Why dropping out of college to sell electronics at Circuit City felt like the smart move — and how money locked him into a career path he never planned on - The moment his girlfriend's savings account and an unauthorized speaker purchase nearly ended their relationship before it really began - How he cashed out his 401(k) to pay for a round of golf with two guys whose names he can't remember — and what that decision is worth in today's dollars - The conversation he had with his wife before walking away from a six-figure sales job to write about investing for half the pay What's the last thing you splurged on? Tell us at [email protected] Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10%. Opening clip – “Nate Bargatze: Hello World”

Tyler Gardner grew up eating Cheerios from a bag on a Vermont ski slope while other kids bought hot chocolate. That early lesson about money — absorbed more than taught — sent him on one of the more unconventional paths in personal finance: from stealing grocery money as a kid, to Andover on financial aid, to teaching English at prep schools for a decade, to becoming a financial advisor who thinks most people are asking the wrong question about wealth. The right question, Gardner argues, isn't how much can I accumulate — it's what do I actually want money to buy? For him, knowing the answer changed everything. Chris Hill talks with Tyler about: - Growing up in a household where money was never discussed — and the ski slope memory that first made him realize it mattered - Attending Andover on financial aid and getting his first glimpse of generational wealth on a spring break trip to Palm Beach - How a disastrous retirement fund presentation pushed him out of the classroom and into financial advising - The one thing he wishes he'd understood at 15 that he still has to explain to 60-year-olds today What's the last thing you splurged on? [email protected]. Brew Markets is the best wrap-up of the day on Wall Street. Sign up for free at BrewMarkets.com/money Opening clip – “Landman”

Andy Hill hit a million-dollar net worth — and the first thing he did was sell part of his brokerage account and buy a Ford Mustang. It's the kind of decision that makes more sense once you understand how he got there. The host of the “Marriage Kids and Money” podcast and the author of Own Your Time, Hill grew up in Michigan learning early lessons about saving, investing, and building wealth. Guided by a mother who emphasized frugality and a father who built a career from the ground up, he developed a strong financial foundation — even as investing mistakes and market swings tested his path to financial independence. Chris Hill (no relation) talks with Andy about: - Buying a house at 22 with money he'd saved and invested — and why breaking even a decade later still stings - Falling in and out of love with investing, from tech mutual funds to a WWF stock purchase he'd rather forget - What he and his wife got wrong about money early in their marriage — and how 16 years later they're still figuring it out - The one investing move he wishes he'd made earlier — and why it requires almost no skill to pull off What's the last thing you splurged on? [email protected]. Want to instantly improve your cooking? Go to dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order.  Opening clip – “Grand Canyon”

Getting burned on a bad investment early in life can do one of two things: swear you off investing forever, or teach you exactly what kind of investor you want to become. For Laura Adams, it did the latter. Host of the Money Girl podcast — one of the longest-running personal finance podcasts in the world, with more than 1,000 episodes — Adams  grew up in Charleston, SC, in a household where money was never discussed. That silence may be exactly why she became obsessed with it. Her earliest money memory involves sorting coins into paper wrappers for her father's business. Her first checking account came at age 12, when she begged her mother for one just so she could balance it. Chris Hill talks with Laura about: - How falling for a Ponzi scheme in her twenties turned her into a committed index investor who doesn't look back - Buying a struggling flooring business with her husband knowing nothing about flooring — and selling it four years later at a profit - The 2-year plan she and her husband made to eliminate their credit card debt as newlyweds, and why paying it off felt better than she expected - Why the money rules that help you build wealth can actually work against you when it's time to spend it What is something you bought that makes you happy? Tell us at [email protected]. Want to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged Opening clip - "Succession"

The best job is one you love. The second best? One you hate. Organizational psychologist Alison Fragale learned this the hard way — trading a McKinsey consulting career she couldn't stand for a Stanford PhD and a calling she never would have found otherwise. A professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and author of the bestseller Likeable Badass, Fragale grew up in Pittsburgh shaped by a father who made sure his daughter never had to think twice about what she put in the grocery cart. That early imprint on money followed her through Dartmouth, into consulting, and eventually into a career spent studying how people earn power, status, and influence. She talks with Chris Hill about: - Why the people most stuck in their careers are neither miserable nor happy — and what to do about it - A financial concept she didn't encounter until her late thirties that completely changed how she thinks about giving - Why she bought the car she'd wanted for decades, immediately regretted it, and refuses to get rid of it anyway - The one habit she believes is both the most generous thing you can do for others AND the most strategic thing you can do for yourself Check out Alison's book Likeable Badass at alisonfragale.com. What's the last thing you splurged on? Tell us at [email protected]. Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10%. Opening clip – “Heist”

Dividend stocks don’t get the hype of high-growth tech names — but they’ve quietly delivered some of the market’s best long-term returns. Investor Matt Argersinger joins Chris Hill to break down why dividend-paying companies can outperform, why younger investors shouldn’t ignore them, and how the stigma around dividends began to fade. They discuss: - The myth that dividend stocks are “for retirees” - Losing his first $500 investing in a failed computer company - The shift in investor thinking after companies like Apple embraced dividends - When growth stocks make sense — and when they don’t Brew Markets is the best wrap-up of the day on Wall Street. Sign up for free at BrewMarkets.com/money   What's the last thing you splurged on? Tell us [email protected] Opening clip - "Chinatown"

What's it like to start over in a new city on the day the financial world begins to fall apart? Douglas Boneparth flew into JFK in October 2008 with four boxes and a mattress to buy — and landed in the middle of the Great Financial Crisis. He didn't go home. Boneparth is a CFP, president of Bone Fide Wealth, and co-author with his wife Heather of Money Together. His path to New York started in the retirement communities of Boca Raton, where as a teenager he and his brother ran a computer repair business charging $30 an hour to teach elderly neighbors how to use AOL. It ended (or began, depending on how you look at it) with him telling his father he wasn't joining the family financial planning firm and buying a one-way ticket north. Chris Hill talks with Douglas about: - Growing up the son of a financial advisor who taught him the business of wealth management but assumed the rest would take care of itself - Why walking away from a family succession plan was the hardest financial decision he ever made — and why he'd make it again - How he and Heather approached $200,000 in law school debt not as a crisis but as a problem two capable people could solve together - Why the most reliable path to financial success is almost always the most boring one Check out Money Together, the best-selling book Douglas wrote with his wife Heather.  What’s a purchase you still regret? Tell us at [email protected] Opening clip - "Succession"

Tim Hanson didn’t set out to become a capital allocator. Today he’s the President and CIO at Permanent Equity, helping steward long-term investments in private companies built to last. But his path to investing included playwriting, early stock picks, and lessons about money that started in childhood. Chris Hill talks with Tim about what separates investing from allocating capital — and why the distinction matters, as well as: - The first stock Tim ever bought (and what he learned from it) - How Permanent Equity thinks about holding businesses for decades - Raising kids who understand ownership - A surprising purchase that says more about capital discipline than you’d think Looking for the best wrap-up of the day on Wall Street? Sign up for the free daily Brew Markets email at BrewMarkets.com/money   What’s the last thing you splurged on? Share your story at [email protected] Opening clip - "Glengarry Glen Ross"

Personal finance isn’t just math—it’s memory, emotion, and lived experience. Chris Hill talks with MarketWatch columnist Beth Pinsker about why money decisions feel so hard, especially during life’s biggest transitions. Drawing from her work as a journalist and financial planner, Beth breaks down caregiving, taxes, and end-of-life planning in ways that actually make sense. They discuss: - How childhood money experiences shape adult behavior - What financial planners can—and can’t—help with during crises - Why “bad choices” are sometimes the only choices - What she learned about profit, inventory, and responsibility while illegally selling soft drinks on the beaches of Atlantic City Opening clip – “The Princess Bride” Beth’s new book, My Mother’s Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving, can be found at BethPinsker.com. What’s the last thing you splurged on? Got a purchase you regret and still think about?  Share your story at [email protected]

Denise Coursey didn’t grow up talking about investing—but she did grow up learning respect for money. Raised in a blue-collar, union household, Denise became a first-generation college student, took early career risks as a writer and editor, and eventually became a small business owner. Along the way, she developed strong views on scarcity, financial independence, and why “having enough” doesn’t always quiet the money noise in your head. Chris Hill talks with Denise about: •Why karate became a lifelong practice—and eventually a business •Taking creative and career risks without a financial safety net •How separate bank accounts reduced money stress in her marriage •Redefining “splurging” as time, not dollars Opening clip – “Tom Papa: What A Day!” Want to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged More info about Denise's business at VirginiaDojo.com Send your questions and comments to [email protected]

Money anxiety often starts long before our first paycheck. For Carl Richards, it showed up as “static in the air” growing up around unspoken financial stress—and it shaped everything that came after. In this candid conversation, Carl reflects on how early experiences with money quietly influence our beliefs about risk, security, and success. From diving for golf balls as a kid to accidentally landing a job in finance, he shares the moments that taught him why money is never just about numbers—and why comparison keeps so many of us from ever feeling like we have enough. Chris and Carl explore: •Why money stress is often felt before it’s ever discussed •How childhood experiences shape our financial behavior as adults •Why hitting a financial “number” rarely brings peace of mind •Carl’s belief that money’s natural state is flow, not accumulation •How he now thinks about purpose, profit, and permission in his work Opening clip – “John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid” Check out Carl’s new book Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in 101 Simple Sketches Send your questions and comments to [email protected] Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off the best chili garlic crunch in America!

Why does so much financial advice feel urgent—yet miss what actually matters? Chris Hill talks with Cullen Roche, investor, author, and founder of Discipline Funds, about why the financial industry continues to misunderstand time, incentives, and risk—and how that confusion shapes the advice people receive. In this conversation, they discuss: - How growing up in a large family influenced his views on ownership and responsibility - Early investing losses that reshaped Cullen’s view of risk - The role financial media plays in distorting expectations - Why many families avoid open conversations about money—and the cost of that silence Opening clip – “F1” Check out Cullen’s new book Your Perfect Portfolio: The ultimate guide to using the world's most powerful investing strategies. Want to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged Send your questions and comments to [email protected]

Why do smart, capable people still avoid looking at their finances? Chris Hill talks with Nick Wolny, personal finance writer and author of Money Proud, about the emotional side of money—why avoidance is so common, how early experiences shape financial behavior, and what actually helps people face their finances without shame. They also discuss Nick’s initial career path in music, following where "money is moving", as well as: Closing the Wealth Gap - Why certain communities fall behind on savings and how "service journalism" can spark better financial habits. The Pivot - How to identify where the money is moving in the economy and adapt your skillset to higher-paying industries. Business Acumen vs. Marketing Hype - Lessons learned from the "dangling carrot" of expensive online courses and how to avoid being “in the red" in your first year of business. Illegal Money - The thrilling documentary TV series (currently streaming on YouTube) that looks at money through the lens of organized crime.  Opening clip – “Jim Gaffigan: Comedy Monster” Send your questions and comments to [email protected] Want to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged 

We’re kicking off the new year with one of our most popular episodes of 2025. When Dan Pink was growing up in Ohio, money issues in his home were like a cloud that caused “an endless drizzle” over his family. Despite having written a string of #1 New York Times bestsellers, his earliest encounters with finance still play a big role in Dan’s conservative approach to money. Sitting down at his kitchen table in Washington DC, he shares: - Taking a VC approach to lemonade stands - The economic reason behind his decision to attend law school - Why a poor financial decision helps him sleep better at night - An “absolute waste of time” he finally got rid of Looking to fuel your workouts AND save money? Go to Pacers and get 10% off your order when you use the promo code “MONEY”. Email the show! [email protected] 

Chris Hill shares some holiday wishes before handing the show over to the late, great Louis Armstrong for his reading of Clement Moore’s classic poem, A Visit From St. Nicholas. Opening clip – “Scrooged” Email us [email protected]

We’re back with more holiday-themed conversations on topics only loosely connected to money! Motley Fool senior analyst Bill Barker and Bill Mann, Chief Investment Strategist at Motley Fool Asset Management, share: - Regrettable holiday purchases - Songs we enjoy despite popular opinion - Our individual Mt. Rushmores of holiday movies - The legend of the Sourtoe Cocktail (Yes, really) Opening clip – “Elf” Looking for a last-minute gift for the book lover in your life? Order a copy of Oh, Christmas Tree today! Enjoy awesome holiday music you WON’T hear on your local radio station. Email us [email protected]

Santa has run his company for centuries. It’s arguably the most admirable business in the world. But is it profitable? Motley Fool senior analyst Bill Barker and Bill Mann, Chief Investment Strategist at Motley Fool Asset Management, break down the company’s revenue streams and discuss: - Why KGE’s logistics are “state of the art” - The relative negotiating power of Santa's elves - How cryptocurrency may be boosting the bottom line - Mismatched holiday-themed buddy cop pairings (Yes, really.) Opening clip – “Money Train”   You can find behind-the-scenes info about the show at www.moneyunpluggedpod.com.    Email us [email protected]  

You don’t start your own newspaper business when you’re in grade school unless you have entrepreneurship running through your veins. Fortunately for David Simnick, he had parents who indulged his ventures from an early age. Now the co-founder and CEO of Soapbox Soaps (one of the fastest-growing companies in America), David shares: - The military career he came close to pursuing - Early business ventures that failed - How “money is a fuel to go after what really matters” - Why he unabashedly loves his Shop-Vac Opening clip – “Billions” Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your limited-edition Holiday Gift Pack! Use the promo code “MoneyUnplugged25” to get 25% off anything you order at Soapboxsoaps.com. Send your questions and comments to [email protected]

Happy Thanksgiving! Need a little break from your family & friends? Take a walk or go for a drive as Chris Hill reveals how a listener email led him to spend an entire day in Atlanta with the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia. Plus, he shares: - 3 big Thanksgiving traditions in the U.S. - How two approaches to charitable giving (that have come up on the podcast) tie in to one of his favorite organizations, the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen - Tina Fey’s opinion of the only true reward in life Opening clip – “Wall Street” Email [email protected] w/ your questions, suggestions, and more.

Long before he was a regular panelist on NPR’s popular show "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" and his writing was nominated for primetime Emmy Awards, Adam Felber was a Long Island kid with a voracious appetite for reading. Attending Tufts University he found his interest in writing, while outside the classroom he discovered a new love of comedy performance as one of the youngest members of ImprovBoston. Over a career that includes acting, creating television series, writing comic books (as well as regular books), Adam shares: - His dad being great at his job but bad at money - The incredible stock tip he gave his parents (but not himself) - How the tv series Succession works better as a comedy - Why it’s so important to “find your bliss” Opening clip – “Kathleen Madigan: Gone Madigan” Send your questions and comments to [email protected] Want to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged

In middle school, Matt Koppenheffer figured out which neighbors would pay the most and which driveways were easiest to shovel — and planned his snow routes accordingly. That early instinct for value served him well. What came next served as a master class in learning things the hard way. A UPenn economics grad, Matt lined up interviews at Goldman Sachs, Bear Stearns, and Credit Suisse — and walked into them knowing almost nothing about investment banking. At Credit Suisse, analysts who'd seen it all sniffed him out immediately and tore him apart. At Goldman Sachs, he told the interviewers he'd need to be placed in their West Coast office — because he wasn't going to leave the woman he loved. They looked at him like he'd lost his mind. He followed her to San Francisco anyway, landed at a boutique firm, and eventually found his way to the forefront of the AI revolution. Now a writer and advisor covering AI and investing, Matt joins Chris Hill to talk about: - Why the family that stiffed him on a blizzard-day shoveling job taught him more about negotiation than any class he took at Penn - The stock market game that high school teachers love — and why it teaches young investors exactly the wrong lessons - Why the AI financing world is "really incestuous" right now, and what that tells you about where we are in the cycle - The unlikely movie that best captures how he thinks about money — and why both the character chasing wealth and the one rejecting it end up miserable Want to find the best stocks and speed up your investing analysis? Try TIKR for free at tikr.com/unplugged To get Matt’s latest insights on AI and more, go to MattKoppenheffer.com Opening clip – “Good Fortune”

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries—but what does it mean for long-term investors? In this episode, veteran investor and portfolio manager at Bastion Fiduciary, John Rotonti joins Chris Hill to talk about investing in AI through a disciplined, long-term lens. Rather than chasing hype, John explains how investors can think clearly about innovation, competitive advantage, and risk when evaluating fast-moving technologies. They discuss: - How to approach AI investing without speculation - What long-term investors should look for beyond headlines - The risks of hype-driven decision-making - Why patience still matters—even in rapidly changing markets Spice up your Thanksgiving with recipes from Dizzy Pig! Go to DizzyPigBBQ.com to get holiday recipes and 10% off when you use the promo code “money”. Send your questions and comments to [email protected] Opening clip - "Succession"

Heather Boneparth's financial journey didn't start with a spreadsheet. It started with a fight with her grandfather at age 8 — and a lesson about money that took decades to unlearn. The last thing her grandfather ever said to her was that all that matters in the world is your blood and your money. Growing up as the only child and grandchild on both sides of her family, Heather internalized early that money meant love — and that withholding it meant you weren't enough. Those messages followed her from South Jersey to the University of Florida, through law school, and into a career she chose not out of passion but out of a fierce need to never have to ask anyone for anything again. The director of business and legal affairs at Bone Fide Wealth — and co-author of the new book Money Together, written with her husband Douglas — Heather talks with Chris Hill about: - Why she chose law school over journalism, and what the 2008 financial crisis did to that plan - Carrying more than $200,000 in student loan debt into a new relationship — with a man who happened to be a financial advisor — and the shame that came with it - How the pandemic quietly rewrote the power dynamics in her marriage, and why money conversations are never a straight line - What she wishes someone had told her earlier: that time is a greater currency than money Check out Heather's new book Money Together. TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors. Try it for free at tikr.com/unplugged Opening clip - "Your Friend, Nate Bargatze"

Decades before he started KNA Capital, a boutique investment firm, Todd Wenning got an up-close look at the homes of the rich and famous as he cleaned their swimming pools. He takes a break from teaching finance at the University of Dayton to discuss:  - Why his love of history resulted in a college degree from St. Joseph’s University but not a career  - Getting a job at The Vanguard Group  - Making his students study corporate fraud by reading “The Smartest Guys In The Room”  - The movie scene he uses to teach his students about bank solvency Opening clip – “The House” TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors. Try it for free at tikr.com/unplugged Check out Todd's blog Flyover Stocks!

Growing up with five siblings, Paul Ollinger vividly recalls the lengths to which his "frugal" parents would go to avoid spending money. While getting his MBA at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, he discovered his love of stand-up comedy after he’d taken out $80,000 in student loans. Now busy with his comedy career and hosting the podcast "Reasonably Happy", Paul shares: - How he ended up as an executive at Yahoo and Facebook - Why the opposite of broke is not rich - An expensive item he bought that his friends just didn’t notice - The 1 thing about money that “never stops” Opening clip – “Wall Street” Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order of the best chili garlic crunch in the world!  Question or comment for the show? Email [email protected]

Some people come to investing later in life. But when Bryan Hinmon was a teenager, he was determined to make it his career. In choosing a college, he picked one of the few in the country that had a student-managed fund so he could get experience as quickly as possible. Now the Chief Investment Officer at Maridea Wealth Management, Bryan discusses: - Why you don’t want to challenge him to a contest bagging groceries - The 1st thing he looks for in an annual report - Balancing money in his personal life - What the hit comedy show “Arrested Development” can teach people about money Opening clip – “Sinners” TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors. Try it for free at tikr.com/unplugged. --------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The Lawyers Asked Us To Include This episode features Bryan Hinmon, Chief Investment Officer of Maridea who is also an equity owner of the firm, an investment advisor representative providing investment advice to clients, and has the ability to execute transactions in the same securities for both himself personally and for his clients. These affiliations and circumstances create a conflict of interest, as Bryan Hinmon has a financial interest in the success of Maridea, his personal investment accounts, and may benefit from this podcast. As such, listeners should not construe his statements as impartial or unbiased. Prospective clients should consult with their own financial, legal, and tax advisors prior to making any investment decision. Maridea wealth Management, LLC (“Maridea’) is an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training. For additional information and important disclosures, please visit www.marideawealth.com.

Bestselling author Morgan Housel’s latest book, “The Art Of Spending Money” will hit stores on October 7. So, it seems like a good time to revisit the conversation we had with him nearly a year ago. As an added bonus, we’ve got a sneak preview of the opening chapter of his new book! Morgan discusses:  - His teenage dream of becoming an investment banker  - The inspiration he found in an interest payment of $0.03  - A restaurant job that made him feel rich  - His (very) brief career as a stock picker  Plus, we share the opening 5 minutes of Chapter 1 of his brand new book! Opening clip – “Boiler Room" TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors. Try it for free at tikr.com/unplugged.

When she was in high school Sara Rathner knew she wanted to be a journalist. But it wasn’t until after she graduated from Northwestern University and working at The Washington Post that the “money light” flipped on for her. (It helped that her mother was sending her books written by personal finance expert Suze Orman.)  Now a senior writer, credit card expert, and spokesperson for Nerdwallet, Sara shares:   - How growing up in Miami is not what most people think   - The rationale behind her 20 credit cards   - Why “money TOTALLY buys happiness”   - An underrated 1980’s finance film she loves the most Opening clip – “Casablanca” Make your food taste better with Dizzy Pig! Use the promo code “money” at DizzyPigBBQ.com to get 10% off your 1st order. Got a question or comment for the show? Email [email protected] to contact us. 

Because he was a self-described “lazy bum” as a teenager, David Gardner’s mother got him a job near their home. In 1980, mowing lawns in the DC summer heat was no picnic and the job didn’t pay well. But it led to surprising mentorship that fed his interest in a relatively new technology: home computers. David shares some important themes from his new book, Rule Breaker Investing: How to Pick the Best Stocks of the Future and Build Lasting Wealth, and discusses:   - How he followed his father’s career advice   - What’s behind his above-average comfort level with risk   - Board games vs. VR headsets    - His “mediocre” track record in one type of investing Opening clip – “Moneyball” TIKR can help you find the best stocks and follow top investors. Try it for free at tikr.com/unplugged.

When he entered Stanford University in the fall of 2008, Nick Maggiulli didn’t realize he would be studying economics while having a front-row seat at the start of the Great Financial Crisis. As the Chief Operating Officer at Ritholtz Wealth Management and author of the recent New York Times bestseller The Wealth Ladder, Nick opens up about: - How the Tooth Fairy made him skeptical about money - The financial word his father never says - A cost-effective charitable cause he supports - 2 investing movies he loves Opening clip – “Margin Call” Find the best stocks and follow top investors for free! Go to tikr.com/unplugged

Somewhere along the way, Jill Schlesinger discovered that she didn’t like making money as much as she thought she would. An award-winning business analyst for CBS News, author, Certified Financial Planner, and host of the popular “Jill On Money” podcast and radio show, Jill has pretty much done and seen it all in her career. In this conversation she discusses:  - Her experiences on the trading floor  - Why she sees financial planning as a 50/50 proposition  - Homer Simpson’s insight on sports betting  - 1 money question everyone should ask Opening clip – “We’re The Millers” Make your tastebuds happy! Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order of the best chili garlic crunch in the universe!  Got a question or comment for the show? Email [email protected]

We’re wrapping up the summer with a sneak preview of upcoming guests and Chris Hill sharing three behind-the-scenes stories from episodes earlier this year, including: - What David Brancaccio neglected to share about his 1st job in radio - An item Dan Pink wished he could have splurged on  - The time Clark Howard cut into Uber’s business in Atlanta Opening clip - “Back To School” Got a favorite story or quote from the show?  Drop an email to [email protected] Are you a music fan? Find your favorite artist here: https://masscommons.wordpress.com/category/music/

Which musical artists are genuinely smart about money?  We explore that question with Ross Anderson and Dan Messeca, co-founders of Craftwork Capital and co-hosts of the hit financial podcast “Check Your Balances”, and discuss: - Songs with bad financial advice - The funniest lyrics about money - Documentaries and feature films we love about the music industry - Highlights from musical artists including 2 Chainz, Katy Perry, Hall & Oates, Ludacris, Robert Palmer, Taylor Swift, Jimmy Buffett, David Bowie, Dan Aykroyd and more! Opening clip – “Almost Famous” Email [email protected] to share your favorite song about money! 

Of all the different entertainment industries, is the business of music the most…crooked?  We explore that question with Ross Anderson and Dan Messeca, co-founders of Craftwork Capital and co-hosts of the hit financial podcast “Check Your Balances”, and discuss:  - Our favorite songs about money - Behind-the-scenes stories about money in the music industry - Songs that feature smart financial advice - Highlights from musical artists including Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Queen, Zac Brown Band, Barenaked Ladies, Macklemore, Dr. Dre, and more! Opening clip – “Ray” What’s your favorite song about money? Email [email protected] to let us know. 

How do movie studios create (and dispose of) fake money? Find out in part two of our roundtable discussion about money in movies! Senior counsel Chris Harris and Motley Fool senior analyst and advisor Bill Barker discuss movies that have under-the-radar financial plots, as well as their favorite movie quotes about money. Plus, they share:  - The profitable world of horror films - Movies with amazing ROI  - Highlights from classic films including The Big Lebowski, Jaws, Aliens, The Dark Knight, Rocky, Mad Max, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, Glengarry Glen Ross and more! Opening clip – “The Third Man” What’s your favorite movie about money? Email us @[email protected]

We’re kicking off August with a roundtable discussion about money in movies! Senior counsel Chris Harris and Motley Fool senior analyst and advisor Bill Barker discuss how box office receipts and money have become part of the everyday conversation about movies. Plus, they share:  - 1st movie they saw that involved money in a big way - Which fictional business from a movie they would invest in - Their favorite heist movies - Highlights from Trading Places, Ghostbusters, WALL*E, The Hudsucker Proxy, Batman Begins, Monsters Inc., Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, The Sting, Inside Man and much more Opening clip – “Grand Canyon” For behind-the-scenes information about the show go to www.moneyunpluggedpod.com. 

An award-winning journalist and longtime Marketplace Radio veteran, Tess Vigeland faced two very different career paths when she was thinking about college. But for someone who earned acclaim for hosting a show about money, it turns out the topic was less compelling to her than finding the best way to tell stories about money. From her home in Portland, Oregon, Tess shares: - Growing up in a home where money was never discussed - The story behind her best-selling book Leap - Why she has 12 credit cards - Her unabashed fandom of “Shark Tank” Opening clip – “All The President’s Men” Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY”, get 10% off your 1st order, and make your tastebuds happy!  Question or comment for the show?  Email us: [email protected]

Before he was a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, before he was the author of bestselling books like The Power of Habit and Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, Charles Duhigg learned about money at the dinner table with his nine siblings. In this conversation he shares: - The creative ways his father, an attorney, would impart lessons about valuation - Why he believes everyone should plan for success - How he took advantage of a big sale on airplane tickets (only to have it backfire) - His favorite movie quote about money Opening clip – “Chris Rock: Never Scared” Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. #FoodIsLove Find highlights and more information about the show at www.moneyunpluggedpod.com. 

When he was in grade school, Malcolm Ethridge created a business with great economics: Buy a box of Fruit Roll-Ups for $5 and sell them individually to his classmates for $2 apiece. While the school’s administrators disapproved, it turned out to be an early sign of the work ethic he would carry throughout his life. Now a certified financial planner, founder of the Capital Area Planning Group, and a regular contributor on CNBC, Malcolm takes a break during his work day to discuss:   - Buying a house when he was 19 so he could save money on college tuition   - The motivation behind his book Financial Independence Doesn’t Happen By Accident   - Two TV series about money he has watched multiple times   - Why there is an above-average amount of footwear in his home Opening clip – “Up In The Air” Who’s been your favorite guest so far? Email [email protected] to let us know! Want to save money on workout gear? Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order.

We’re celebrating July 4th with three of our favorite stories from guests about financial freedom and independence, including:  - Clark Howard on how smart financial habits can “create freedom in your life” - Linda Rottenberg on setting up bank accounts with your significant other - David Brancaccio on what he wished he’d known earlier in life about money Opening clip - “Heist” Got a favorite story or quote from the show?  Drop an email to [email protected]

“I submitted a fraudulent birth certificate to McDonald's so I could work there.” Just because Robert Brokamp was studying to become a priest doesn’t mean he didn’t bend the occasional rule when he was younger. Now recognized as one of the top personal finance experts in America, he’s written or co-authored thousands of articles and several books on the topic of money. In this conversation Robert discusses:   - Having a reputation as “a spendthrift” when he was young  - The coworker who changed his mind about becoming a priest  - A radio show and a website that got him interested in investing  - Kermit the Frog, CEO Opening clip – “Smokey & The Bandit” Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY”, get 10% off your 1st order, and start grilling! Question or comment for the show?  Email us: [email protected]

“Talking about money was analogous to talking about religion. You just didn't do it.” Growing up in Ireland, Emmet Savage learned about investing from his father. While he would go on to become the co-founder and Chief Investor at MyWallSt, and co-creator of the investment conference Investicon, his early career was in a completely different industry. In this candid conversation Emmet shares: - His first trip to the bank when he was a child coinciding with a robbery - Establishing “the rules of engagement” regarding money in a relationship - The 3 types of charities (and which one he prioritizes) - Which item he purchased from the estate of Freddy Mercury Opening clip - “The Wolf of Wall Street”   Go to ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. #FoodIsLove For more details on Investicon 2025 go to investicon.ie

”It's great to save, it's great to be putting things aside. But make sure that so long as you're hitting those savings goals that you're treating yourself at some point.” For as far back as he can remember, Joe Magyer was interested in investing. Encouraged and taught by his grandfather, he studied business and finance before stepping into a career in the investing world. Taking a quick break from his role as managing director of Seaplane Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm, and host of the podcast “Investing In Startups”, Joe shares:   - A behind-the-scenes look at his 1st business   - Why investment banking wasn’t for him   - What he thinks Berkshire-Hathaway will look like when Warren Buffett is gone   - The “3-2-1” approach he swears by Opening clip – “The Gambler”   Question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected] Want to save money on workout gear? Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order.

“The original plan was always for me to go to school and live that typical life. But it didn't work out, so I had to make my own plan.” Before the age of 20, Greg Haygood spent a number of years in what he calls “survival mode”. How did he go from living on his own as a teenager in a homeless shelter to a successful career as a finance executive? Perseverance. From his office in Washington, DC, Greg discusses:   - His creative approach to joining the United States Marine Corps  - Why he “almost exclusively” reads books about finance (and three that he thinks don’t get the attention they deserve)  - Teaching his son about money by offering a high interest rate  - A Peabody Award-winning TV series about money Opening clip - "The Wire"  Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY”, get 10% off your 1st order, and make your tastebuds happy!  Question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected]

With more than 30 years of experience as a professional investor, Ron Gross has seen it all. Through bull markets and notable downturns (like the Dot-com Bubble of the early 2000s), he has learned a few of his lessons the hard way too. In a wide-ranging conversation Ron shares: - The best & worst parts of running a hedge fund - A creative way his father celebrated his annual bonus - His experience with buying golf clubs at Costco - Why “beer money” is important Opening clip - "Volunteers"   Got a question? [email protected] Go to www.ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. #FoodIsLove

“I wanted to either be a U.S. Marshal and catch fugitives or start a garden center.”   Dreaming of two very different career paths led James Early to pursue a college degree in finance. From there he has made his career as an investment analyst and entrepreneur. And despite amassing a remarkable track record in picking stocks, he confesses he’s actually not as good with money as he probably should be. Currently the founder of Curia Financial, James talks with Chris Hill about:  - The creative marketing scheme for his car-washing business as a teenager  - Life lessons he learned from philosopher Lao Tzu  - How investing teaches us about the imperfections in life  - A very memorable taxi ride in China Opening clip - "Ocean's Eleven" Got a question? Suggestion? [email protected] Want to save money on workout gear? Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order.

All of unhappiness in life is unmet expectations. Apply that to money and something clicks — most financial stress isn't about what you have. It's about the gap between what you expected and what arrived. Bill Barker spent seven years as a lawyer, a stint tracking terrorist assets for the U.S. Treasury Department, and eventually built a career as a senior analyst at The Motley Fool — a path that had very little to do with planning and a great deal to do with following what was interesting. Along the way he developed a clear-eyed, often funny perspective on money that's harder to find than it should be.  Chris Hill talks with Bill about: - Why having kids doesn't just change your finances — it completely reframes every spending decision you thought you understood - What bidding on a World War II comic book during a live podcast recording taught him about hard limits — and why his actually held - Why The Hudsucker Proxy is the most underrated money movie the Coen Brothers ever made  - The one thing he'd tell anyone about managing expectations — and why it applies to money more than almost anything else What's a purchase you still regret? Tell us at [email protected]. Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY”, get 10% off your 1st order, and make your tastebuds happy!  Opening clip – “Moneyball”

“The best stuff is not just sitting out available. The best stuff is behind a door, down a hallway, up a hill.” How does someone succeed in an industry where the majority of businesses close within five years? It helps to have the right mindset. Dan Simons, co-founder of the Founding Farmers, fell in love with restaurants when he started working at one while he was in college. The more he learned about the business side, the more interested he got. Sitting at a table in his newest restaurant, Dan shares:  - Why entrepreneurship “is like a giant, ongoing kick in the teeth”  - A valuable work lesson he learned as a teenager  - That one time he got scammed  - How buying a puppy can be a great use of money Opening clip - "Midnight Run"   Email the show! [email protected] Go to www.ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. #FoodIsLove

“We'd be having dinner and running low on ketchup. My mom would go over to the sink, fill up the bottle with water, give it a shake, and guess what? We had more ketchup!” The grandchild of Italian immigrants, Tobin Anthony grew up in a home where his parents knew how to stretch a dollar. It was also a home that inspired him to reach for the stars, literally. Long before he earned his PhD in aerospace engineering, worked at NASA, and became the CEO of Space Systems Integration, he fell in love with space as a child Tobin shares: - Learning to “live cheaply” as a grad student - How sometimes ROI is emotional - Non-financial rewards of parenthood - Enduring lessons from a classic Christmas tale Opening clip - "Heist" Email the show! [email protected] Want to save money on workout gear? Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order.

“One of my first real experiences was recognizing the fact that there is a huge difference between good management and bad management.” As the Chief Investment Strategist at Motley Fool Asset Management, Bill Mann keeps an eye on investment opportunities around the world.  But his education in business analysis started when he was growing up in North Carolina and working at one of the best-known fast food restaurants in the country. Bill discusses:   - Having a front row seat at his grandfather’s “barter economy”  - Buying a Russian diesel engine company in the early 1990s  - A purchase he regretted almost immediately  - Splurging on live sports  Opening clip - "The Big Lebowski" Go to www.ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Food is love! Questions? Comments? Email [email protected].

“Having patience in life, especially in investing, is such a valuable quality.”    Where does someone learn the value of patience? For Jason Moser it was a lesson reinforced throughout his life in different places (including the golf course). Jason shares:   - What he learned in his first job   - The college degree he almost got   - Effective ways to teach kids about money and investing   - Why he will never buy another iPad Opening clip - "Heist" Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY”, get 10% off your 1st order, and make your tastebuds happy!  Question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected]

Clark Howard has spent decades helping people make smarter decisions with their money—and avoid costly mistakes along the way. In this episode, the longtime consumer advocate and personal finance expert joins Chris Hill to share timeless advice on saving, spending, and investing. Clark explains why small decisions matter more than flashy strategies, and how a long-term mindset can lead to better financial outcomes over a lifetime. They discuss: •The habits that matter most for long-term financial success •How to think clearly about spending and saving decisions •Common money mistakes—and how to avoid them •Why investing doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective Opening clip - "The Dark Knight"   Want to save money on workout gear? Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Got a question or suggestions for the show? Email [email protected]

“I didn't feel fear. I just saw that prices were down much more than where they had been. So I just put a little money in without thinking about it too much.” When Jeff Fischer was 17 years old he bought his first stock right after the infamous Black Monday crash of 1987. From his home in Washington, DC, he shares:   - The money lesson he learned from “The Price Is Right”   - How his investing has evolved over the years   - Why he wishes he had paid more for certain items   - That anyone can all flip the “YOLO mentality” to their advantage Opening clip - "Other People's Money" Follow Jeff on Twitter/X @OptionWell. Want to spice up your cooking? Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Got a question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected]

How does a person become an expert in two COMPLETELY different professions? As an attorney, Nell Minow has publicly fought for the rights of individual shareholders as one of America’s foremost experts in corporate governance. But for the past 30 years she’s also been an award-winning film critic.  From her home in Virginia, Nell shares:   - The investing lesson she wishes she’d learned earlier   - Why her jobs in corporate governance and film criticism are more alike than you might think   - How the “wild west” in the early days of the Internet led to her movie persona   - Her weakness for gadgets  Opening clip - "Chinatown"   Go to www.ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Your taste buds will thank you! Got a comment or question about the show? Email [email protected].

Becky Quick grew up saving nickels in a peanut butter jar, washing cars for five dollars a pop, and babysitting from age 12 to save up for an $80 denim skirt — which her younger brothers promptly ripped the first time she wore it. Money was never abstract in her household. Her father was a geologist who followed the oil market from state to state, and when oil crashed in the eighties, the family felt it. Co-anchor of CNBC's Squawk Box and one of the most recognized voices in financial journalism, Becky joins Chris Hill to talk about what decades of covering markets have — and haven't — taught her about her own money. She shares: - Why her first job at the Wall Street Journal came down to a daily dilemma: spend an extra dollar on the ferry to work, or take the PATH train and buy a newspaper and a Diet Coke - How CNBC's conflict of interest policy — no individual stocks, only index funds — turned out to be some of the best investing advice she never asked for - The money lesson her grandparents' depression-era mindset actually got wrong, and what she had to unlearn about keeping money "safe" - Why she bought her kids I Bonds for Christmas — and actually wrapped them Get the workout gear your body deserves AND save money at the same time. Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Got a question or suggestions for the show? Email us: [email protected] Opening clip - "The Big Short"

“What I like the most about personal finance is actually not the money moving around. It’s what you can learn about people.” As a longtime host and senior editor at Marketplace, David Brancaccio has covered some of the most important financial stories of the past four decades. An award-winning journalism career that has spanned TV, documentary filmmaking, and books began when he took his first job in radio at the age of 13. (Yes, really.) From the Marketplace studios in New York City, David discusses:   - How often he’s asked for financial advice   - What he learned about money when he traveled across America researching his book Squandering Aimlessly: My Adventures in the American Marketplace   - The important lesson William Shatner (aka, Captain Kirk) shared with him about debt   - Why a side hustle in the hospitality industry is not out of the question Opening clip - "Mad Men" Want to improve your grilling and cooking with 1 simple move? Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order.  Got a question or comment for the show? Email us: [email protected]

“Have a plan B, but if you don't try for the plan A? You will live to regret it.”  What does it take to succeed as an entrepreneur?  As the co-founder and CEO of Endeavor, Linda Rottenberg has spent her career helping entrepreneurs around the world answer that question. In the process she has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of Time Magazine’s “Innovators For The 21st Century”. From Endeavor HQ in New York City, Linda shares:   - Why real entrepreneurs focus on ideas, not money   - The financial metric she wishes she had learned earlier   - A strategy for handling money in relationships   - How the music industry factors into her most regrettable purchase  Opening clip - "Goodfellas"    Go to www.ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Your taste buds will thank you! Got a comment or question about the show? Email [email protected].   

“Don’t yell at the stock market.” After decades of reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, CNBC’s Bob Pisani has learned that lesson—and many others—the hard way. His stories and insights are captured in his terrific book, Shut Up and Keep Talking: Lessons on Life and Investing from the Floor of the New York Stock Exchange. In a conversation recorded just off the NYSE floor, Bob shares: •How his path from studying physics at Berkeley led him to journalism and CNBC •Why ignoring his father’s advice cost him a decade of compounding •How Vanguard founder Jack Bogle became a mentor and reshaped his approach to investing •The behavioral biases that trip up individual and professional investors alike •A concert poster bidding war that went completely off the rails Opening clip - "Wall Street" Improve your workouts AND save money at the same time! Go to www.runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Got a question? Want to suggest a movie clip for the start of the show? Email us: [email protected]

The youngest of six children, Christine Benz grew up in Chicago earning money as a babysitter and working at a local hardware shop. When her post-college plans to work in international affairs didn’t quite work out, she found a home with another local business: Morningstar. Currently the company’s director of personal finance and retirement planning, Christine discusses:  - How retirement planning is so chaotic and confusing  - Why simple strategies are better than complicated ones  - Talking with financial experts for her book “How To Retire”  - A strategy for buying concert tickets Opening clip - "The Big Short" Go to www.dizzypigbbq.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Your guests and taste buds will thank you! Got a comment or question about the show? Drop a note to [email protected]. 

Growing up in Ohio, money issues in Dan Pink’s home were like a cloud that caused “an endless drizzle” over him and his family. Even today, despite having written five New York Times bestsellers, his earliest encounters with finance play a role in his conservative mindset when it comes to money.  The author of “The Power Of Regret” and “Drive” sits down for a revealing conversation and discusses:  - The economics of lemonade stands  - Attending Yale Law School knowing he wouldn’t be an attorney  - A bad financial decision that actually helped him sleep better at night  - His surprising purchase from eBay Opening clip - "The Spanish Prisoner" Go to www.ilovemarmar.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order. Your taste buds will thank you! Got a comment or question about the show? Drop a note to [email protected]. 

Morgan Housel believes the biggest investing mistakes have very little to do with intelligence—and everything to do with behavior. In this conversation, the bestselling author of The Psychology of Money joins Chris Hill to talk about how people really make decisions about investing, risk, and wealth over time. Morgan shares why long-term success in the stock market depends more on temperament than spreadsheets, and how understanding human behavior can lead to better financial outcomes. They discuss: - Why behavior matters more than brilliance in investing - How risk, luck, and uncertainty shape financial outcomes - The stories we tell ourselves about money—and why they matter - What long-term investors get right (and often get wrong) Looking to fuel your workouts and save money at the same time? Go to runpacers.com and use the promo code “MONEY” to get 10% off your 1st order! Go to MoneyUnpluggedPod.com for more highlights and behind-the-scenes information! Opening clip - "Boiler Room"

Money is loaded with excitement, anxiety, and opportunity all rolled into one, which is why it can be a fun thing to talk about. Chris Hill and his guests discuss what money was like growing up, how dealing with money changes as we get older, and the valuable lessons we learn over time. New episodes every Friday. Click the follow button on your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode.