Explore every episode of the podcast Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF

Download Vivian’s financial companion app Ask Dolly HERE! Are you actually better off than you were two years ago? With affordability topping every poll heading into the midterms, Vivian sits down with Stephanie Ruhle, banker turned journalist and anchor of Money, Power, Politics on MS NOW, to put the biggest economic promises of the last campaign up against the receipts. They break down which promises held up, what Congress really controls when it comes to your money, and how to protect your finances no matter who wins in November. In this episode, Vivian and Stephanie cover:  1. Your wallet is on the ballot: why a non-presidential election matters to your bank account, what’s actually up for a vote this year, and why so many people feel broke even with the stock market doing fine. 2. The receipts: prices and inflation, gas and energy costs, the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and who gets the refunds, the $2,000 dividend that never arrived, the Fed’s surprise rate hike, and the fine print on no tax on tips and overtime. 3. What happens next: the affordability sleeper issue nobody’s talking about, what could change for your money in 2027, what a divided government means for your finances, and the one money move that makes sense no matter who wins Keep up with Stephanie on Money, Power, Politics with Stephanie Ruhle weekdays on MS NOW. Have even more questions? Join the MS NOW Membership, available at ms.now/membership. You can preorder The New Rules: Work, Life, Money, and the Power of Minding Your Business at https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-New-Rules/Stephanie-Ruhle/9781668207130 Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Download Vivian’s financial companion app Ask Dolly HERE! Tariffs, wars overseas, painful gas prices, and consumer expectations at an all-time low have a lot of people bracing for the worst, and yet the U.S. economy still hasn’t crashed. Vivian breaks down why things haven’t broken yet, what the scary headlines get wrong about recessions, and exactly what to do with your money before the next downturn hits, because eventually, it always does.  In this episode, Vivian covers:  1. Why we haven’t crashed (yet): The difference between a recession and a crash, why the economy is cyclical by design, the data behind everyone’s nerves, and how a low-firing, low-hiring job market, a decade of cheap debt, AI investment, and big-spending wealthy households are keeping things afloat. 2. Your recession playbook: Why you shouldn’t pull your investments when the market dips, how big your emergency fund should be right now, which debt to pay down first, the index funds Vivian actually buys, and which industries tend to hold up best when the economy slows down. 3. Your questions, answered: How recessions actually end, whether to buy a home or what happens to your rent in a downturn, if your friend with all cash is suddenly richer than you, where stimulus money comes from, whether it’s a bad time to start investing, and the odds that all your money just disappears. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Download Vivian’s financial companion app Ask Dolly HERE! Political ads are everywhere this time of year, but the people paying for them are a lot harder to spot. Running for office in America can cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $1 billion, and a growing share of that money is legally designed to stay hidden until after the votes are counted. Vivian breaks down elections like an economist would, as a market for attention, trust, and power, so you can figure out who’s bankrolling the people asking for your vote before you head to the polls this midterm season. In this episode, Vivian covers:  1. Following the money: What it really costs to run for office from school board to the White House, the four ways money reaches a candidate, how much you can legally donate in 2026, and how super PACs got so super. 2. Where the money hides: Pop-up super PACs that dodge disclosure until after Election Day, dark money routed through nonprofits, the Supreme Court ruling that just lifted limits on party coordinated spending, and a speed-run of campaign finance history from George Washington’s punch and cider to today. 3. What you can actually do: How to look up any candidate’s donors for free, whether it’s still worth donating if the system feels rigged, first financial steps for running for local office, how other countries handle campaign cash, and whether all that campaign spending is actually good for the economy. Look up candidates financials at https://www.fec.gov/data/ or on https://www.opensecrets.org/ (formerly followthemoney.org) Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Download Vivian’s financial companion app Ask Dolly ⁠HERE ! You can send out 300 applications and hear nothing back, unemployment is only down because people are giving up on the job hunt, and the folks who do have jobs feel like they have nowhere else to go. In this episode, Vivian sits down with Workhap CEO, and Get Hired, Get Paid, Get Happy author Sho Dewan to talk about how to land a job in a bad market, get paid what you’re worth, and maybe even like your job again. Vivian and Sho discuss: 1. Getting hired: The state of the job market today, the most common resume mistakes and how to fix them, applying in the age of AI resume reviews, interview strategies for the socially anxious, and how to get taken seriously for a role in a brand-new industry. 2. Getting paid: How to negotiate a raise when your company swears there’s no budget, telling a bad season apart from a sign it’s time to leave, and whether the highest-paying jobs really have to be in major cities. 3. Building your own opportunities: What actually counts as networking, making connections without being a nepo baby, when to ask for a favor and how to word the outreach message, and Sho’s translations of corporate-speak like “we’re like family” and “unlimited PTO.” Get Sho’s book Get Hired, Get Paid, Get Happy HERE! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our president launched a memecoin, Congressional representatives pulled in over $635 million in stock gains last year, and political candidates are placing bets on their own races. In this episode, Vivian breaks down the not-so-secret ways public officials are cashing in on their positions, why it's a problem on both sides of the aisle, and what you can actually do about it. 1. Trump's $2.2 billion year: Crypto 101, how blockchain works, why memecoins are so volatile, how $TRUMP and World Liberty Financial made up about $1.5 billion of his income, and why he profits whether the coin goes up or down. 2. Congress and the stock market: Nancy Pelosi's portfolio outpacing the S&P 500, the 2025 top earners Richard Blumenthal and Michael McCaul, what the STOCK Act already bans, and the new Stop Insider Trading Act.  3. Prediction markets and politics: The Polymarket bet on the Venezuela raid, suspicious wagers on military operations, George Santos and Kalshi, the Senate's new ban, and what the K-shaped economy means for everyone not trading on inside info. Download Vivian’s financial companion app Ask Dolly HERE and let us know what you think! Learn more about the Nancy Pelosi stock tracker at https://pelositracker.app/portfolios/nancy-pelosi See which members of Congress traded the most in 2025 at https://www.commoncause.org/articles/congress-made-over-635-million-in-stock-trades-while-americans-struggled-see-who-traded-the-most/ Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does an $8 latte suddenly come with a 20% tip prompt? In this episode, Vivian dives into how tipping in America got so out of hand, who you absolutely have to tip, and when it's totally okay to skip the tip when the iPad swings your way. Plus, what the new "no tax on tips" policy really means for service industry workers. 1. How tipping took over America: European roots, post-Civil War racism, Pullman railcars and hotels, the 1966 tip credit, the $2.13 sub-minimum wage frozen since 1996. 2. Who to tip and how much: 15-25% for sit-down service, a few bucks per service for valets and housekeeping, counter orders and salaried professionals, wedding vendor tipping, tipping etiquette abroad. 3. What's next for tipped workers: budgeting on an unpredictable income, the pros and cons of no tax on tips, bias in tipping, the shift toward service charges and banning the sub-minimum wage. Download Vivian’s financial companion app Ask Dolly) HERE and let us know what you think! Check out Prof G Markets at https://www.youtube.com/@ProfGMarkets Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IPOs are having a major moment; SpaceX just had the biggest IPO in history, Anthropic and OpenAI are lining up next, and suddenly everyone's throwing this term around like they know what it means. Vivian breaks down what actually happens when a company goes public, whether the hype is ever worth it, and what SpaceX's rollercoaster can teach us about IPO investing. 1. What an IPO actually is: the process of a company going from private to public, why companies choose to do it (cashing out early investors, raising capital for growth, and the marketing splash), and what happens behind the scenes with underwriters, lock-up agreements, and IOIs before shares ever hit the market. 2. Why IPOs have been a losing bet since 2019: peak valuations from the 2020-2021 boom, the Fed's interest rate hikes squeezing growth stocks, and lower-quality companies going public and getting measured against mega-cap winners. 3. Should you actually buy one: how to think about risk (keep it to 2-5% of your portfolio), alternatives like IPO ETFs, and a look at other 2025 IPO stories — Bending Spoons, Shein's years-long path to going public, and the direct listing, SPAC, and reverse merger routes companies take instead. Download Vivian’s financial companion app, Ask Dolly, HERE ! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Download Ask Dolly in the Apple App Store HERE!  Besties, Vivian has been sitting on a secret and today she's finally spilling it: Ask Dolly, her brand-new app, is officially live in the Apple App Store! Built to treat your money like your annual physical, Ask Dolly diagnoses your financial strengths and weaknesses, answers your toughest money questions, and connects you to real, human Certified Financial Planners. No jargon, no judgment, and no minimum bank balance required. In this episode, Vivian covers: 1. What Ask Dolly does: tracks your money, savings, and investing progress in one place, delivers personalized investing guidance, and breaks down confusing economic news into something you can actually use. 2. Why Vivian built it: bootstrapped with her own money, no outside investors, born from thousands of BFF DMs asking for real financial guidance she couldn't keep up with one by one. 3. Real BFF questions, answered: estate planning on a budget, Backdoor Roth strategies, navigating a divorce settlement, helping aging parents catch up on retirement, and what actually belongs in a prenup. Download Ask Dolly today in the Apple App Store (Android coming soon) HERE and let us know what you think! Plus, keep up with Ask Dolly on Instagram! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian is breaking down the real cost of hustle culture and why working harder doesn’t always mean making more money. From the DoorDash orders and Ubers that come with an overpacked schedule to burnout, income volatility, and missed career opportunities, this episode explores how the grind can quietly start costing you more than it’s making you. In this episode, Vivian covers: 1. The hidden financial costs of hustle culture, why juggling multiple side gigs can sometimes hurt your long-term earning potential, and how to tell when working more is no longer worth it 2. Why Gen Z is rejecting the traditional grind through trends like quiet quitting and the “soft life,” and what they might actually be getting right about productivity, ambition, and burnout 3. How to build wealth without sacrificing your entire life, from negotiating for more money at your current job to putting your savings, investments, and retirement accounts to work so your money can grow without adding more hours to your schedule Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Think sales isn't your thing? Think again! Whether you're negotiating a raise, pitching investors, or just trying to land your dream job, you're selling something every single day. This week, Vivian sits down with Shelby Sapp, the internet's Sales Queen, who's teaching over 1.6 million followers how to pitch, close, and get paid like a pro.  In this episode, Vivian and Shelby cover: 1. The sales fundamentals: the hardest things to sell, the real difference between door-to-door and high-ticket sales, and how to walk into any room and command respect from the jump 2. Selling yourself: how to pitch yourself at work, network without sounding desperate, handle common pushback, and avoid the mistakes that tank most pitches 3. The closer mindset: busting the biggest sales myths, her rapid-fire money advice on negotiation, financial decisions, and building wealth on your own terms Check out more from Shelby on IG HERE! And on her website: https://shelbysapp.com/ Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your credit score can make or break your ability to buy a house, rent an apartment, or even land a job, but do you actually know how that three-digit number gets calculated? Vivian breaks down the wild, biased history of credit scoring and gives you the real playbook for building, or rebuilding, a great score.  In this episode, Vivian covers: 1. The history of credit scores, from Mesopotamian debt tablets, to the 1841 Mercantile Agency, to the birth of FICO in 1956, to the anti-discrimination laws that (kind of) fixed things 2. How to actually build credit, secured credit cards, credit-builder loans, rent and utility reporting, becoming an authorized user, and the five factors FICO uses to calculate your score 3. The system's blind spots, and what to do if your score takes an unexpected hit Interested in checking your credit score? Head to https://www.annualcreditreport.com Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should saving money on back-to-school shopping actually be this complicated? This week, Vivian breaks down exactly how to shop smarter this fall, and why the "back-to-school haul" mentality might be quietly draining your bank account. In this episode, Vivian covers: 1. Why tech is the biggest back-to-school money trap, how trade-in programs and refurbished gadgets can save you hundreds, and the student discounts most people forget even exist. 2. The real cost of college essentials, why paying full price for textbooks is basically a scam, the "wait until you get there" rule for dorm shopping, and how 529 accounts and ESAs can make thousands of dollars in expenses tax-free. 3. What's actually changing with federal student loans in 2026, why timing your FAFSA and your borrowing matters more than people think, and the parent-tested hacks, from bulk-buying supplies to secondhand clothes, that cut costs without cutting corners. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should you rent or buy? Turns out the "adult" thing to do isn't always the smart financial move. This week, Vivian sits down with Amanda Pendleton, Home Trends Expert at Zillow, to break down why the old rules of real estate don't apply anymore, and what actually makes sense for your life instead of your parents' life. In this episode, Vivian and Amanda cover: 1. Why the "buying means you've made it" mindset is so hard to shake, whether Gen-Z's fears about never owning a home are actually justified, and the cities right now where renters come out ahead financially, even over 30 years. 2. The real questions to ask before you ever open a mortgage calculator, whether "throwing money away on rent" is actually true, and the hidden costs, taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA fees, that blow up most people's math. 3.What to do if you don't have 20% saved, the down payment assistance programs most first-time buyers don't know exist, and the one piece of conventional real estate wisdom Amanda thinks you should ignore. Keep up with Amanda at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-pendleton-b0b98056/.  Learn more about Zillow’s BuyAbility calculator https://www.zillow.com/homeloans/buyability/ and try out the rent vs buy calculator https://www.zillow.com/rent-vs-buy-calculator.  Find the Zillow Plan tab https://www.zillow.com/plan.  Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Health insurance denials are out of control, and insurance companies are banking on you just accepting it and paying the bill. This week, Vivian sits down with Zach Veigulis, co-founder and Chief AI Officer at Claimable, to break down the villain origin story of health insurance and exactly how to fight back when your claim gets denied. In this episode, Vivian and Zach cover: 1. Why claims get denied in the first place, which types of claims get denied at disproportionately high rates, and why you should never just accept a denial and pay the bill. 2. The exact steps to take to appeal a denial (and how fast you need to move), the magic words to use in an appeal letter, how to tell a real coverage denial from a bogus billing error, and what "medically necessary" really means. 3. What to do if you can't afford the bill while your appeal is pending, and the nuclear options, think state insurance commissioners and patient advocates, if you're denied at every level. Check out Claimable at https://www.getclaimable.com/. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian gets brutally honest about her own biggest financial mistakes; the ones she made before she was Your Rich BFF, when she was just a broke twenty-something figuring out money the hard way. From a credit card mishap that tanked her score by 60 points to the retirement account she funded but never actually invested, this episode is a tour through every money misstep so you don't have to make them yourself. In this episode, Vivian covers: 1. Why closing your oldest credit card can quietly wreck your score, the difference between "cheap now" and "cheap long term" and why buying stuff to impress people you don't even like never actually pays off. 2. The most common retirement mistake almost everyone makes and how to avoid it. Plus how to track down security deposits (and interest!) landlords conveniently "forget" to return. 3. Why comparing your finances to your friends' is a losing game, how unsupportive friendships can cost you more than money, and why your parents' financial advice might be stuck in an economy that no longer exists. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian dives into the "thinness economy" and the surprising ways weight bias can affect your finances, career, and earning potential. From GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy to workplace discrimination, social media beauty standards, and the booming weight loss industry, this episode explores the uncomfortable intersection of money, health, and appearance. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How weight bias impacts hiring, salaries, promotions, and long-term wealth, why obesity is a disease rather than a moral failure, and the hidden economic costs of discrimination. 2. The real financial tradeoffs of GLP-1 medications, including who can actually afford them, what insurance does and doesn't cover, and whether these drugs are a financial investment or simply another expensive response to societal pressure. 3. How the "thinness economy" is reshaping entire industries… from grocery stores and restaurants to airlines, fashion, and healthcare, and what these shifts mean for your wallet and the future of consumer spending. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian is sitting down with Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® Michelle M. Smith and breaking down how to protect your money before, during, and after a divorce. From the assets people fight over most, to the red flags that signal financial danger in a relationship, this episode is your guide to navigating a split without losing your shirt (or your sanity). In this episode, you'll learn: 1. What a divorce financial specialist actually does, including what a typical session looks like and how "high-net-worth" is defined when it comes to dividing assets. 2. The most contested assets and common mistakes people make in divorce, plus the red flags that indicate someone may be in financial danger in their relationship, and misconceptions about why women are more often the ones filing. 3. How to protect yourself financially in a relationship, including what to do before you say "I do," Michelle's honest take on the tradwife and stay-at-home girlfriend trend, and the one piece of divorce advice she thinks is total garbage. Learn more about Michelle and her work at https://savantwealth.com/ Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian is breaking down why everything feels so expensive right now and what you can actually do to fight back. From the real economic forces driving up your grocery bill and rent, to the apps and hacks that can save you hundreds a month, this episode is your guide to surviving the cost of living crisis without losing your mind (or your savings). In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Why prices keep climbing, including the three types of inflation driving up costs, plus how tariffs, the conflict with Iran, and decades of housing under-building are all colliding to hit your wallet at once. 2. Which costs have risen the most, from energy and housing to your weekly grocery run, and the real reasons behind it, including supply chain issues, labor shortages, and corporations holding onto record profits. 3. Vivian's favorite money-saving hacks, including how to negotiate a rent abatement, apps like Ibotta, GetUpside, and Too Good To Go, the best day of the week to fill up your gas tank, and how to actually win a health insurance appeal. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian is breaking down how to look expensive without spending a fortune. From secondhand shopping and clothing rental subscriptions to cashback hacks, VAT refunds, and the psychology behind why we overspend on fashion in the first place, this episode is your guide to building a wardrobe you love without blowing your budget. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Why so many of us overspend on clothes, how social media and targeted advertising influence our shopping habits, and the mindset shift that can help you spend more intentionally. 2. How to refresh your wardrobe for less through secondhand shopping, clothing swaps, buyback programs, resale platforms, and clothing rental services that can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars each year. 3. Vivian’s favorite fashion-saving hacks, including when to shop for the biggest discounts, how to stack coupons and cashback rewards, and how international travelers can use VAT refunds to save on luxury purchases abroad. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian is doing a much requested diving deep into the world of investing and breaking down exactly how you should be handling your money, whether you’ve got an arsenal of financial advisors or you’ve never bought a single stock. From choosing the right account to understanding ETFs, index funds, and robo-advisors, this episode is your step-by-step guide to building wealth through investing without getting overwhelmed by Wall Street jargon. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How to start investing from scratch, including the difference between brokerage accounts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and other investment accounts… and how to choose the right one for your goals. 2. Why finding the "perfect" stock is the wrong goal, how diversified investments like ETFs and index funds can help reduce risk, and what to look for when evaluating investment options. 3.How to build a long-term investing strategy that works in real life, including managing market volatility, balancing investing with debt repayment, understanding fees, and overcoming the fear that keeps so many people from getting started. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sits down with Raina Moskowitz, CEO of The Knot Worldwide, for a conversation about the real cost of weddings and how to plan a celebration you love without sabotaging your financial future. From six-figure budgets and social media pressure to vendor negotiations and wedding debt, Raina breaks down what couples actually need to know before saying “I do.” In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Why weddings have become so expensive, how social media has transformed the industry, and what couples should realistically expect when building a wedding budget in 2026. 2. The biggest financial mistakes engaged couples make during the planning process, how to spot overpriced vendors, and red flags to watch for when hiring people for your big day. 3. What’s actually worth splurging on versus saving on, plus practical strategies for sticking to your wedding budget, avoiding unnecessary debt, and planning a celebration that supports your long-term financial goals as a couple. Check out The Knot! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Check out the episode that covers everything you need to know about the job search here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z46_PadPH2o Vivian gets real about all the financial advice she wishes someone had given her when she graduated college. From credit scores and student loans to negotiating your first salary and understanding retirement accounts, this episode is the crash course every recent grad actually needs before stepping into the real world. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. The financial basics every new grad needs to understand immediately– including credit scores, student loans, budgeting, emergency funds, and why your first salary negotiation matters more than you think. 2. How to tackle debt strategically, build healthy money habits early, and set yourself up for long-term wealth through retirement accounts, investing, and compound interest. 3. Practical advice for navigating the 2026 job market, increasing your income, negotiating job offers, and building financial stability even if you’re still figuring everything out. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian dives into the truth about Buy Now, Pay Later services and why splitting a purchase into “four easy payments” might be way more dangerous than it looks. In this episode, she breaks down how companies like Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm exploded in popularity, why these payment plans are changing the way people shop, and how BNPL can quietly wreck your budget and credit score if you’re not careful. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. What Buy Now, Pay Later services actually are, how they evolved from old-school layaway programs, and why modern BNPL combines some of the riskiest parts of both layaway and credit cards. 2. Why BNPL can encourage overspending, how multiple small payments create a false sense of affordability, and what happens to your credit score if you miss a payment. 3. Who should and definitely should not use BNPL services, plus Vivian’s preferred alternatives for building credit, managing cash flow, and making purchases without borrowing against your future income. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this next installment of "Am I The Asshole? Finance Edition," Vivian is back to sort through the financial disasters you've been too afraid to say out loud, calling out who's actually in the wrong with zero sugarcoating. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How to set financial boundaries without blowing up your relationships and how to recognize when someone's counting on you being too uncomfortable to enforce them. 2. What you actually owe people in tangled money situations: think joint purchases that go south, informal loans that never get repaid, and group dynamics where one person is quietly carrying everyone else. 3. How to stop letting guilt, obligation, and "but they're family" override your financial common sense, plus Vivian's takes on when generosity becomes a pattern you need to break. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sits down with Danielle Robay, the journalist Forbes called the “Queen of Questions” and host of Question Everything and Reese’s Book Club podcast, for a conversation about the underrated skill that can change your career, relationships, and life: knowing how to ask good questions. From networking and career pivots to money conversations and personal growth, Danielle breaks down why curiosity might be one of the most valuable assets you can build. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. What makes someone a genuinely great conversationalist, how to ask questions that actually lead to meaningful answers, and the networking mistakes most people don’t realize they’re making. 2. How to navigate difficult or awkward conversations, from bringing up money with partners and friends to asking smarter questions during interviews, coffee chats, and career transitions. 3. How Danielle defines success beyond financial achievement, the mindset shifts that help people keep growing instead of staying stuck, and why curiosity, connection, and self-awareness matter just as much as ambition. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian gets candid about how she built Your Rich BFF, what it really took to leave a $625K-a-year job, and the financial strategy behind becoming a full-time entrepreneur. In this episode, she breaks down the realities of betting on yourself in the creator economy, from building a financial runway and managing unpredictable income to navigating imposter syndrome, scaling a business, and knowing when it’s actually time to make the leap. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. How Vivian went from posting finance videos after work to building Your Rich BFF into a multimillion-dollar business. 2. What aspiring entrepreneurs need before quitting their jobs, from emergency funds and business plans to cash flow forecasting, tax planning, and diversifying income streams, so you’re not relying on one paycheck. 3. How to survive the emotional and financial realities of entrepreneurship, including managing risk, avoiding lifestyle inflation, handling imposter syndrome, and building a business that can actually sustain you long term. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian is back by popular demand with another round of “Am I The Asshole? Finance Edition,” where she dives into your messiest money dilemmas and delivers her unfiltered verdict on who’s actually in the wrong. From inheritance drama and relationship debt disasters to wedding expenses, friendship resentment, and family financial guilt trips, this episode proves that money can make even the closest relationships extremely complicated. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How to navigate financial boundaries with partners, friends, and family members, including when helping someone financially crosses the line into being taken advantage of. 2. What people actually owe each other in messy money situations, from destination wedding cancellations and shared travel costs to scams, loans, and group expenses that suddenly become awkward. 3. How to protect your own financial future while still showing up for the people you care about, plus Vivian’s honest takes on guilt, entitlement, resentment, and the emotional side of money no one teaches you about. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sits down with Tank Sinatra, the meme king behind @tanksgoodnews, @influencersinthewild, and his personal account @tank.sinatra, to talk about what happens when jokes become a business and viral moments reshape the way we think about money. With over 15 million followers, Tank breaks down the meme economy, what brands are actually paying for a single sponsored post, and why meme culture, think GameStop and Dogecoin, is quietly changing how a whole generation thinks about wealth and value. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. What the meme economy actually is and how to know when a meme is worth investing in, and when it's cooked, straight from one of the biggest meme account moguls on the internet. 2. How much creators like Tank really make, from the breakdown of income across platforms to what a single brand partnership post can pay, and why major companies are throwing serious money at joke accounts. 3. How meme culture has reshaped the way we define value, wealth, and smart money moves, and what that means for your own financial thinking in a world where cultural currency drives real markets. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian gets real about how to survive summer wedding season without blowing your budget. In this episode, she breaks down the true cost of being a wedding guest, from the obvious expenses to the sneaky ones no one warns you about, and shares exactly how to celebrate your friends without putting yourself in a financial hole. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. What attending a wedding actually costs…  from gifts and travel to hidden expenses like outfits, pre-wedding events, and all the little things that quietly add up. 2. How to build a three-tier wedding budget so you can confidently decide what you can afford, avoid overspending, and know when it’s okay to say no. 3. The smartest ways to save on wedding travel, including credit card strategies, booking hacks, and international tips like VAT refunds that can put real money back in your pocket. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Check out and download Vivian's new app, ⁠Ask Dolly! Vivian gets candid about what the Federal Reserve, aka the Fed, actually is and how it affects you! In this episode, she breaks down everything you need to know about the Federal Reserve to make wise and informed decisions with your money. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. What the Federal Reserve actually is, why it was created, and how this one institution quietly controls the interest rates on your mortgage, credit cards, student loans, and retirement savings. 2. What it actually means when the Fed raises or cuts rates: who wins, who loses, and why their decisions almost never make everyone happy at the same time. 3. Why Trump's push to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell and board member Lisa Cook is such a big deal, what it would mean for your wallet if he succeeds, and why both Republicans and Democrats are drawing the line here. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok!Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sat down with Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, founders of "Cheap Old Houses," and hosts of HGTV's Who's Afraid of a Cheap Old House, for a conversation about home ownership in the modern era. 1. How Ethan and Elizabeth turned a passion for affordable homes into a 2.9 million follower movement, and why they believe a cheap old house is actually a smarter financial move than a brand-new build. 2. The green flags and red flags to look for when buying a fixer-upper, how much money and time to realistically budget for a renovation, and which projects you can DIY versus when to call a pro. 3. How to find deals that never show up on Zillow, what resources exist to save money during renovation, and the secrets behind buying a house for $27K at auction. Keep up with the Finkelsteins' on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cheapoldhouses/, watch their HGTV show Who's Afraid of a Cheap Old House, and grab a copy of their book at https://www.cheapoldhouses.com/book/. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Host: Vivian Tu  Producer: Grace Rittenhouse Editor: Fringe PodcastsGot a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sits down with Codie Sanchez, Wall Street veteran turned business acquisition expert and founder of Contrarian Thinking, for a conversation about building real wealth through buying boring businesses.  In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How Codie's years on Wall Street shaped the way she thinks about money, hustle, and building wealth. 2. What "buying boring businesses" actually means, and how small business acquisitions can fit into a regular person's financial portfolio. 3. How to know if a business is set up to succeed or fail, what it takes to go from breaking even to actually profiting, and the practical steps you can take right now to stop trading time for money and start building lasting wealth. Check out Codie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez/ and check out her work at https://codiesanchez.com/.  Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Host: Vivian Tu  Producer: Grace Rittenhouse Editor: Fringe Podcasts Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sits down with Kara Loewentheil, lawyer turned life coach, speaker, and NYT bestselling author for a candid conversation about women’s financial literacy, and how to make decisions with confidence! In this episode, you'll learn: 1. What the "brain gap" actually is, how a sexist society has been quietly shaping the way women think about money long before we ever opened our first bank account, and why the pay gap and motherhood penalty are still very much alive today. 2. The three biggest money lies women have been taught since childhood and the specific structures still working against us today. Plus how to start pushing back in your everyday life. 3. Why "know your worth" is actually terrible negotiation advice for women, what the Confidence Compass is and how to use it to reframe your relationship with money, and how to start making more intentional, confident decisions across your finances, your career, and your life. Check out Kara on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/karaloewentheil/ and learn more about her work at https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/ Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Host: Vivian Tu  Producer: Grace Rittenhouse Editor: Fringe Podcasts  Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Vivian's birthday and she's giving YOU the gift. Turning 32 means it's time for 32 real life and money lessons.  In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Why you should never take advice from anyone you don't want to be, why the harder path isn't always the right one, and the small daily habits that actually move the needle on your finances and your life, way more than grinding on hard mode ever will. 2. Why individualism is quietly making you broke, why you should never take the first salary offer, and how negotiating, not just at work, but in every area of life, is the skill that separates the people who get what they want from the people who leave money on the table. 3. The real lessons about love, friendship breakups, family and money boundaries, and learning to sit with the hard stuff instead of running from it. Plus why rest, spite, and a popsicle in the shower might be the most underrated tools in your arsenal. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Host: Vivian Tu  Producer: Grace Rittenhouse Editor: Fringe Podcasts Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sat down live at SXSW with California Governor Gavin Newsom for a candid conversation about why everything feels so expensive right now, how the government is and isn't showing up for everyday Americans, and what it will actually take to close the wealth gap. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How Governor Newsom's upbringing between two very different worlds — his mom working multiple jobs and his dad's connections to the Getty family — shaped the way he thinks about wealth, power, and opportunity, and what his experience as a small business owner taught him about the difference between running a company and running a government. 2. The biggest financial obstacles standing between Americans and a better quality of life today, why generational wealth and the housing crisis sit at the center of the problem, and what policy changes could actually move the needle structurally. 3. How to think about the role of government in your personal finances, what resources already exist that most people aren't taking advantage of, and what Governor Newsom believes is flying under the radar that every American should be paying attention to right now. 4. What Governor Newsom would do if he could pass one economic policy tomorrow with zero opposition, whether AI will make inequality worse before it gets better, and — because Vivian had to ask — what's actually next for Gavin Newsom. Check out Governor Newsom’s new book YOUNG MAN IN A HURRY! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Host: Vivian Tu  Producer: Grace Rittenhouse Editor: Fringe Podcasts Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Support from the show comes from Hostinger: http://hostinger.com/richbff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sits down with Julissa Prado, founder of Rizos Curls, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a beauty brand from scratch and what it costs, personally and financially, to bet on yourself as a Latina entrepreneur. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How Julissa's lifelong search for products that actually worked for her curls turned into a business; including how much she personally invested to get Rizos Curls off the ground, what the early bootstrapping days really looked like, and where the name came from. 2. The money lessons Julissa grew up with, the ones she had to unlearn, and how her relationship with money evolved from before she became an entrepreneur to building a brand with a loyal, growing customer base. 3. The real revenue numbers behind Rizos Curls; her best months, her worst months, how much gets reinvested in the business, the biggest financial mistake she made while building, and how she decides what to pay herself as the founder. 4. How community has always been at the heart of Rizos Curls, why uplifting immigrant and Latina communities is central to the brand's mission, and how Julissa has used her platform to fundraise and drive real impact. Keep up with Julissa https://www.instagram.com/julissa_prado/ and Rizos Curls https://www.instagram.com/rizoscurls/ Plus use code RICHBFF to get 10% off your Rizos Curls purchase between March 11– April 11! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian takes the stage at 92NY in New York City for a live book tour celebration of her second book, Well Endowed — and Heather McMahan is there to make sure things get a little chaotic. In front of a packed crowd, the two sit down for an unfiltered, hilarious, and genuinely eye-opening conversation about money, financial honesty with your partner, real estate and so much more. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. What Well Endowed is really about — the thesis behind the book, why Vivian wrote it, what she wished she knew before she started, and the ideas she kept coming back that made her realize this needed to be a whole second book. 2. The biggest money misconceptions people have about getting older and building wealth, why the personal finance conversation has shifted dramatically in the last few years, and the core wealth-building principles she believes are non-negotiable no matter what the economy is doing. 3. Why everyone needs to understand trusts and wills. Plus, the estate planning basics Vivian breaks down in Well Endowed, why most people put it off until it's too late, and the surprisingly simple steps you can take right now to protect your wealth, your assets, and the people you love, no matter how much (or how little) you have in your bank account. Get your copy of WELL ENDOWED at https://www.yourrichbff.com/wellendowed Special thanks to Heather McMahan for being an amazing moderator! Keep up with Heather on Instagram! Follow the podcast on⁠ Instagram⁠ and⁠ TikTok⁠! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sits down with Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First 100K and NYT bestselling author of Financial Feminist, for a conversation about money, power, and what it really takes for women to build wealth in 2026. Tori saved $100K by 25, turned that milestone into a multi-million dollar media company, and has spent years educating women about the importance of financial independence.  In this episode, you'll learn: The actual strategy behind saving $100K by 25 — the salary, the sacrifices, the timeline, and how to realistically hit that milestone in today's economy without the privilege-blind advice that makes you want to throw your phone across the room. Why financial feminism is so much more than a buzzword: how the gender wealth gap, the pressure women face around money, and the lack of representation in investing spaces make building wealth as a woman a fundamentally different — and political — act, and what Tori is doing to change that. What it takes to turn a personal finance win into a business empire, from the toughest decisions Tori has had to make as a founder, to why she believes women owning companies is one of the most powerful wealth-building moves of our generation, and the one money move everyone should be making right now. Keep up with Tori on Instagram and at https://herfirst100k.com/. Plus, listen to Financial Feminist wherever you get your podcasts!  Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok!Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sits down for an honest conversation with Zarna and Zoya Garg, the hilarious mother-daughter duo redefining what it means to build wealth, legacy, and success on your own timeline. Zarna went from Mumbai to Ohio, from lawyer to matchmaking entrepreneur to selling out comedy shows at 40—proving it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Now, she's touring with comedy legends, landing Hulu specials, and her daughter Zoya is right there building her company alongside her. Together, they're breaking down the immigrant money mindset, the real cost of chasing your dreams mid-life, and why the timeline we're sold for success is complete BS. In this episode, you'll learn: The financial reality of reinvention, what it actually takes to walk away from a stable career at 40. How immigrant family dynamics shape your relationship with money, risk, and ambition: from the pressure to pursue "safe" careers to navigating conversations about wealth, inheritance, and financial independence across generations. What happens when you build a family business in the age of "nepo baby" discourse, how Zoya convinced her traditionally-minded mom she was the best person to grow the Garg empire, the money conversations every family should be having (but aren't), and why betting on yourself and your people might be the smartest financial move you ever make. Keep up with Zarna and Zoya! Check out their podcast.  Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Order Vivian’s second book WELL ENDOWED OUT NOW! Vivian sits down for an honest conversation with Victoria Garrick Browne, former Division I athlete turned body positivity advocate, content creator and entrepreneur, about the "skinny girl industrial complex" and why chasing beauty standards is designed to keep us broke and insecure. Victoria breaks down the finances behind trying to look "perfect," and reveals what it actually takes to invest in yourself beyond the price tag. In this episode, you'll learn: The brutal truth about beauty economics and how multi-billion-dollar industries profit from our insecurities. How to build a sustainable business around your values, from breaking down content creator income streams to choosing brand partnerships that align with your mission (and saying no to the ones that don't) The real intersection of mental health and money, including how to break free from comparison culture, invest in your wellbeing without going broke, and build authentic self-worth in a world that profits from you feeling like you're never enough Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Order Vivian’s second book WELL ENDOWED OUT NOW! Vivian gets real about generational wealth and why it’s so important. In this powerful episode, she tackles what happens after you've nailed the financial fundamentals—how to build wealth that doesn't just serve you, but creates a lasting legacy for generations to come, even if you weren't born rich. In this episode you'll learn: What generational wealth actually is and why it matters for anyone trying to break cycles of financial struggle, plus the sobering statistics about wealth inequality that prove why building lasting wealth is an act of empowerment, especially for women and people of color The practical steps to building generational wealth in today's economy, from leveling up your income and maxing out retirement accounts to navigating major wealth-building moments like buying a home, and why the "rent vs. buy" debate is way more nuanced than anyone admits How to calculate your net worth, understand the Great Wealth Transfer that's reshaping America's financial landscape, and make sure your hard-earned money goes exactly where you want it—whether that's setting up beneficiaries on your Roth IRA or exploring trust funds to protect your legacy Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preorder Vivian’s second book WELL ENDOWED HERE! Vivian tackles one of the most important investments you'll ever make: your children's financial future. In this essential and empowering episode, she breaks down how to raise money-smart kids who understand the value of a dollar, from toddlerhood to young adulthood, without creating entitled or financially dependent children. In this episode, you'll learn: Age-appropriate money lessons for every stage—from teaching preschoolers about saving to helping teenagers understand credit, investing, and the real cost of college How to talk openly about family finances with your kids without oversharing, plus the critical conversations about inheritance, privilege, and wealth that most parents avoid Vivian's proven strategies for setting up accounts, trusts, and financial tools that give your kids a head start while still teaching them independence and financial responsibility Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preorder Vivian’s second book WELL ENDOWED HERE! Vivian tackles one of the most important (and often avoided) conversations in relationships: money. In this honest and practical episode, she breaks down how to navigate finances with your partner, from first dates to long-term commitments, without letting money become a source of tension or resentment. In this episode you'll learn: When and how to have "the money talk" with your partner—plus the key questions you need to ask before combining finances Why financial compatibility matters just as much as romantic chemistry, and how to identify red flags early Vivian's proven framework for creating a money system that works for both of you, whether you're splitting everything 50/50 or taking a completely different approach Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preorder Vivian’s second book WELL ENDOWED HERE! Vivian sits down for an eye-opening conversation with Jerry Lee, co-founder of Wonsulting, about navigating today's challenging job market and actually landing the job you want. Jerry breaks down what's really working in 2026, cuts through the noise of outdated job search advice, and shares the strategies that are getting his clients hired right now. In this episode you'll learn:  The biggest shifts in the 2026 job market and what employers are actually looking for (spoiler alert: it's not what you think!) Why the traditional application process is broken and the proven strategies that help you stand out in a sea of applicants Jerry's insider framework for optimizing your resume, crushing interviews, and leveraging networking to unlock hidden opportunities Follow Jerry on Instagram and learn more about Wonsulting and how you can land your next opportunity HERE! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preorder Vivian’s second book WELL ENDOWED HERE! Ready to level up your finances in 2026? Join Vivian for a special sneak peek of her upcoming book, WELL ENDOWED! Vivian goes over what to expect in her latest release, how Well Endowed can financially prepare you, and a special sneak peek reading of the intro and first chapter. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. The difference between price and value (spoiler alert: it depends on YOU!) 2. Uncovering what you actually want to spend your money on vs. what an advertiser wants you to spend money on 3. What to expect from the rest of Well Endowed! This will include trust and will planning, retirement, investing, buying a home, buying a car, and so much more! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok!Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preorder Vivian’s second book WELL ENDOWED HERE! Vivian sat down with Dr. David Kim to explore the complex finances of building a dermatology career across clinical practice, entrepreneurship, and content creation. Dr. Kim breaks down where people actually waste money on skincare versus where they should invest. He answers the big questions about what doctors actually earn compared to years of training, managing ethical lines as a doctor-creator in the age of brand deals, and how to maximize a skincare budget for actual results. From Stanford Medicine to content creation, Dr. Kim proves that sometimes the best investment is understanding what's actually worth it for the skin staring back at you in the mirror. Follow Dr. Kim on Instagram and TikTok and check out his sunscreen LIGHTSAVER! Keep up with the podcast on Instagram and TikTok!Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preorder Vivian’s second book WELL ENDOWED HERE! Vivian is diving deep into the strategy of holiday savings without the financial hangover. She breaks down which holiday expenses are actually worth splurging on, how to set a realistic budget that doesn't leave you panicking in January, and why starting your shopping early isn't just about avoiding crowds. Vivian dives into the psychology of holiday spending, from the guilt that makes us overspend on gifts, why we consistently underestimate our total holiday costs and how retailers count on our emotional spending. Plus, she answers your burning questions about navigating family gift expectations and how to get gifts without breaking the bank!  Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok!Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sat down with Joel Kim Booster to explore the surprisingly complex finances of building a comedy career across standup, writing, and acting. Joel breaks down what comedians actually earn from Netflix specials, how he navigated the transition from day jobs to full-time comedy, and why selling out theaters doesn't automatically mean financial security. He answers the big questions about balancing artistic integrity with commercial opportunities, managing the unpredictable income streams of the entertainment industry, what building wealth looks like as a performer, and how being an openly gay Asian American comic has shaped his approach to money and success. Joel also shares what it's really like working in writers' rooms versus touring solo, from "Fire Island" to his standup specials, and why maintaining creative control has been just as important as landing the biggest gigs.  Keep up with Joel on Instagram and watch LOOT on Apple TV! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian sat down with Cole Walliser to explore the surprisingly complex finances of creating those iconic slow-motion red carpet moments. Cole breaks down what directors actually earn from viral GlamBot videos, how he built a business around a single innovative camera technique, and why going viral doesn't automatically translate to getting paid. He answers the big questions about balancing creative vision with commercial viability, managing the feast-or-famine nature of freelance directing, what building wealth looks like and how being a filmmaker outside of Hollywood has shaped his approach to money and success. Cole also shares what it's really like working with the biggest names in entertainment, from Ariana Grande to Miley Cyrus, and why protecting his creative independence has been just as important as chasing the biggest paychecks. Keep up with Cole on Instagram! Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivian is diving deep into the art of Black Friday shopping without the chaos. She breaks down what deals are actually worth it (spoiler: that "70% off" TV might cost you more in the long run), how retailers use psychological tricks to make you spend more, and why that doorbuster deal always seems to be sold out. Vivian dives into the controversial world of retail tactics, from fake discounts and manufactured urgency to the math behind "buy now, pay later" schemes, explaining why stores lose money on some items just to get you in the door and how they make it all back. Plus, she answers your burning questions about when to actually shop (hint: it might not be Friday), how to spot genuinely good deals versus marketing gimmicks, and whether Black Friday is actually the savings goldmine everyone makes it out to be. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices