In a world where financial advice is just a click away, finding voices you can trust becomes increasingly important.
Podcasts offer a uniquely intimate and convenient way to absorb financial wisdom – whether you’re commuting, working out, or folding laundry.
But with thousands of financial literacy podcasts clamoring for your attention, which ones actually deserve your precious listening time?
I’ve sorted through the noise to bring you five financial podcasts that deliver exceptional value, each with a different approach to helping you master your money.
From debt elimination to investing strategies, these shows cover the spectrum of financial literacy in engaging, actionable ways.
5 Financial Literacy Podcasts You Need to Follow
1. The Ramsey Show by Dave Ramsey
Best for: Debt freedom, budgeting basics, and financial discipline
Dave Ramsey’s show has become a financial institution in its own right, helping millions of listeners tackle their money challenges with straight talk and clear direction.
What sets this show apart is its signature no-nonsense approach to personal finance fundamentals.
The show revolves around Ramsey’s famous “Baby Steps” system – a proven, sequential approach to financial independence that starts with building an emergency fund and ends with building wealth and giving generously.
Live callers bring real-world questions about everything from emergency funds to car payments and student loans, making the advice tangible and relatable.
Some of the most powerful episodes feature the “Debt-Free Scream” series, where listeners share emotional stories of paying off tens of thousands in debt.
Other standout episodes include deep dives on why you should never lease a car and comprehensive guides to budgeting for beginners.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by financial chaos or need a structured path forward, Ramsey’s approach can be transformative.
The show excels at providing both the tactical steps and the motivational fuel to make meaningful financial change.
Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps: 7 Simple Steps to Set Up Your Financial Health
2. Afford Anything by Paula Pant
Best for: Financial independence, real estate investing, and lifestyle design
Paula Pant’s “Afford Anything” takes a more philosophical approach to finance, built around a powerful core concept: you can afford anything, but not everything.
This podcast digs beyond surface-level money advice to explore how our financial choices reflect our deeper values and priorities.
What makes this show special is how it bridges practical investing strategies (particularly in real estate and index funds) with bigger questions about designing a meaningful life.
Episodes frequently feature interviews with economists, psychologists, and successful investors who bring multidimensional perspectives to financial decisions.
Must-listen episodes include:
- JL Collins explaining “The Simple Path to Wealth”
- comprehensive guides to house hacking as a way to live for free or almost free
- thought-provoking discussions on designing a life you don’t need a vacation from
This podcast is particularly valuable for listeners who are thinking beyond basic financial stability toward potential early retirement, location independence, or building passive income streams.
Pant’s thoughtful questioning and genuine curiosity make complex topics accessible without oversimplifying them.
3. BiggerPockets Money Podcast
Best for: Wealth-building through real estate, side hustles, and strategic saving
The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosted by Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench, focuses on practical strategies for building wealth from scratch.
What distinguishes this show is its emphasis on normal people achieving extraordinary financial results—often without high incomes.
While real estate investing features prominently (reflecting the BiggerPockets brand), the show covers a diverse range of wealth-building approaches, from frugality and entrepreneurship to stock market investing.
The hosts excel at drawing out specific, actionable details from their guests, making the strategies feel attainable for listeners.
Particularly compelling episodes include:
- stories of couples who retired in their 30s
- entrepreneurs who transformed side hustles into million-dollar businesses
- detailed breakdowns of house hacking strategies like living in a duplex while renting out the other side
If you’re an action-taker who learns best from case studies and real-world examples rather than theoretical advice, this podcast delivers concrete blueprints for financial success.
The hosts’ infectious enthusiasm and practical mindset make even complex investing concepts approachable.
4. So Money by Farnoosh Torabi
Best for: Personal finance with a human touch – especially for women and young professionals
Farnoosh Torabi brings warmth and authenticity to financial discussions, creating a podcast that feels more like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend than a lecture.
“So Money” stands out for how it seamlessly integrates money advice with career guidance and personal development.
The show features an impressive roster of guests – from CEOs and bestselling authors to everyday people with remarkable financial stories.
What makes these interviews special is Torabi’s skill at uncovering not just what strategies worked for her guests, but the personal challenges and mindset shifts that accompanied their financial journeys.
Standout episodes include:
- masterclasses on negotiation tactics
- discussions of financial feminism and the unique money challenges women face
- nuanced conversations about navigating finances in relationships
Torabi’s background as a journalist shines through in the show’s polished production and thoughtful questioning.
This podcast is particularly valuable for listeners looking to understand the intersection of money with identity, career, and relationships, rather than just technical financial advice.
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5. Planet Money by NPR
Best for: Breaking down the economy in entertaining and surprising ways
If traditional financial shows feel too dry or narrowly focused on personal advice, NPR’s “Planet Money” offers a refreshingly different approach.
Rather than concentrating on individual finance tips, this podcast explains how larger economic forces shape your financial reality – from supply chains to inflation, cryptocurrency to trade wars.
What makes “Planet Money” exceptional is its storytelling.
The team transforms potentially dull economic concepts into captivating narratives filled with memorable characters and unexpected twists.
Episodes are concise (typically 20-30 minutes) and remarkably engaging, making economics accessible even to listeners who normally avoid the subject.
Some of the show’s most impressive work includes:
- “The T-Shirt Project” – a series following the global journey of manufacturing a simple t-shirt
- illuminating episodes on why gas prices fluctuate
- an entertaining deep dive into the world of cryptocurrency
This podcast won’t tell you how to budget or which investments to choose, but it will give you crucial context for understanding the economic environment in which your financial decisions exist.
Consider it the perfect complement to more tactical personal finance shows.
Which Financial Literacy Podcast Will You Try First?
Financial literacy isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition.
The best approach combines:
- tactical advice
- big-picture economic understanding
- alignment with your personal values and goals
By incorporating these five podcasts into your listening rotation, you’ll develop a well-rounded financial education that addresses both the “how” and the “why” of money management.
Whether you’re taking your first steps toward financial stability or optimizing an already solid foundation, these shows offer wisdom worth your time.
The beauty of podcast learning is its flexibility – you can absorb financial insights while going about your day, transforming otherwise mundane activities into opportunities for growth.
Which financial literacy podcast should you start with?
Consider your most pressing financial need.
Drowning in debt? Begin with Ramsey.
Interested in real estate investing? BiggerPockets Money awaits.
Curious about the broader economy? Queue up Planet Money.
Regardless of which you choose first, each of these shows has earned its place in the financial literacy landscape through consistent quality, actionable advice, and engaging presentation.
