Keeping track of personal finances is one of those necessary evils, like washing the dishes or visiting the dentist. From calculating your monthly income (which may or may not be consistent, especially if you’re working an unsteady hourly job, are an entrepreneur, or are investing) to allocating funds for bills and unexpected emergencies and savings, it can seem like a fairly daunting task. The following five financial podcasts are excellent sources of information and practical advice—easy to follow, and easy to apply. Cue one up on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to get some financial advisement at your convenience.
BiggerPockets
If you’re in the market for a new home, whether for personal residence or investment purposes, BiggerPockets is the podcast for you. Hosted by Josh Dorkin and Brandon Turner, this acclaimed real estate podcast is the highest rated on iTunes. You’ll find real, practical advice on a broad range of topics, including how to purchase a property, how to manage a real estate investment remotely, and how to grow your real estate business.
The Clark Howard Show
Clark Howard, a consumer expert and radio and podcast host, is a mainstay in the personal finance community. On his nationally syndicated podcast, Howard offers straightforward, applicable advice on topics like how to save more, spend less, and avoid rip-offs. One of the cool things about his show is the ability to tune in live and even speak with Howard on the air every weekday from 1-3 p.m. EST. Of course, you can also choose to listen to the recording any time after broadcast.
Money Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for a Richer Life
The Grammar Girl of the finance world, the Money Girl podcast is useful for listeners of all financial skill and experience levels, whether you’re a novice or established investor. Host Laura Adams breaks down complex financial topics, often drawn from current events and social media, into quick and dirty tips. This podcast is an excellent choice, especially if you’ve got very little time or are prone to losing focus listening to longer episodes. Each weekly episode is no longer than 12 minutes, and you can apply what you’ve learned immediately.
Like a Mother with Emma Johnson
Mother knows best, including when it comes to personal finances. Wealthy Single Mommy blogger Emma Johnson tells it like it is in her podcast, serving up straightforward advice in way that’s sure to keep you entertained. One of the premises to Johnson’s podcast is the attempt to answer the age-old question, “Can we really have it all?” Each episode brings financial considerations into the realm of everyday life, pondering how to manage balancing career, family, personal life, relationships, and money.
Freakonomics Radio
Perhaps you’ve heard of the bestselling books “Freakonomics,” “SuperFreakonomics,” and “Think Like a Freak,” co-authored by journalist Stephen Dubner and economist Steven Levitt, which melded pop culture and the economy in a fascinating and educational way. This podcast follows suit with Dubner seeking to uncover “the hidden side of everything,” from cheating schoolteachers to the wage gap, eating champions to the cost of diamonds. The podcast offers advice on how to think creatively and rationally about finances, as well as great insight into the inner workings of different facets of the economy.
Podcasts are an increasingly popular method of lifelong education and personal enrichment, and these are just a handful of those available on the topic of personal finance. Share your favorites in the comments!