Real Money Lessons From the World of TV & Movies – Real Money Lessons from the World of TV & Movies

The Shawshank Redemption – Break Free With FI | Episode 55

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The Shawshank Redemption - Break Free With FI | Episode 55

00:00 / 51:39

This is a special episode for us, in part because we both love this movie. But … it’s also a bit of a send-off for us. We’re taking an indefinite hiatus – more on that in the episode. We’ve loved making this podcast and hope to be back soon, but need a little time off. In this episode, we discuss estate tax issues, whether Andy Dufresne was awful at tax law or maybe a secret genius, and talk about what it feels like to break free of the obligation to work. You don’t want to miss this one!

IMPORTANT NOTE: We discuss in the episode that inheritances are tax-free to the beneficiary. Caveat we forgot to include: we were talking about federal law. Some states do impose an inheritance tax. If you inherit money, talk to a pro to make sure you pay any appropriate taxes.

If you’ll miss this podcast, please let us know! Reach out at penniesandpopcorn@gmail.com

Christmas Vacation – Year-End Bonuses and Subscription Gifts | Episode 54

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Christmas Vacation - Year-End Bonuses and Subscription Gifts | Episode 54

00:00 / 58:28

Guest host Doug Cunnington stops by to talk about one of his favorite flicks, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. We got into whether real or fake Christmas trees are more economical, decided that Cousin Eddie is actually a Zen-master whom we should all emulate, got into van/RV life, and finally talked all about the Christmas bonus check Clark Griswold was waiting on throughout the film. We discussed the cost of owning and maintaining a swimming pool, and what our thoughts are on subscription gifts (like the jelly of the month).

Also – Carla was TOTALLY right. There is a Christmas carol with the lyrics “It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, he loves you just the same.” That carol is Here Comes Santa Claus. You may have heard of it.

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It’s a Wonderful Life – Social Capital and Bank Runs | Episode 53

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It's a Wonderful Life - Social Capital and Bank Runs | Episode 53

00:00 / 55:53

The holiday fun continues this week with the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. We talk about whether Mr. Potter was actually all that bad or just a savvy investor, the value of building a community of people who care about you, why panic-buying OR selling is always a terrible idea, and finally talk about why the offer of salary 8x what you’re currently making is always worth a quick chat with your spouse. Also – we all know Mr. Potter basically sucked but … was he an actual thief?

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Four Christmases – Spending Caps and Holiday Travel | Episode 52

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Four Christmases - Spending Caps and Holiday Travel | Episode 52

00:00 / 56:25

It’s the holiday season! Which comes with SO. MANY. MONEY. ISSUES. We use the comedy Four Christmases as a launching point to talk about all kinds of holiday-related spending issues. We get into the cost of holiday travel and whether you should visit family at Christmas or take off for exotic destinations. We also debate the value of spending caps and explore some stats on how many holiday gifts are unwanted each year. And we dispense some advice on how to avoid being the one who gives all those unwanted gifts!

Warning to parents! We give away some rather large secrets about Santa’s workshop in this episode so tread lightly.

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Pride and Prejudice – Save For a Rainy Day Or Hope to Marry Rich | Episode 51 (Rebroadcast)

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Pride and Prejudice – Save For a Rainy Day Or Hope to Marry Rich | Episode 51 (Rebroadcast)

00:00 / 56:36

As we approach the holiday season, cozy favorites like Pride and Prejudice always call to us. So this week, we’re doing a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes: Pride and Prejudice. We talk about the Bennet family’s finances, debate just how rich Mr. Darcy was, and discuss why you should save money for a rainy day so you don’t feel pressured to marry someone like the dreadful Mr. Collins. We also talk about whether vacation homes make financial sense and whether dowries are still a thing today. Make sure you stick around until the end of the episode to listen to Carla’s rendition of the dreamy piano theme from this movie!

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Live From CampFI! | Episode 50

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Live From CampFI! | Episode 50

00:00 / 26:54

Happy Thanksgiving! This week, we’re publishing the audio from the presentation we gave at Rocky Mountain CampFI in July 2022. We go over many of our favorite examples of outlandish on-screen spending, and talk about how the unrealistic portrayals we see on TV affect our psyche. We also discuss our strategies for inoculating ourselves against this constant messaging of how we’re supposed to dress, where we’re supposed to live, what we’re supposed to drive, and who we’re supposed to be.

Check out the YouTube version (with fun visuals included!) here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvPGqhCy7es

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Rain Man – Estate Taxes and Will Challenges | Episode 49

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Rain Man - Estate Taxes and Will Challenges | Episode 49

00:00 / 53:32

In the last episode of our Tom Cruise series, we’re tackling Rain Man. This 1988 Oscar winner has its moments, and it’s brimming with money lessons. We debate whether the estate tax (the DEATH tax) is a good or bad thing, go over the stats on how many people are actually affected by it, and analyze the argument that the estate tax is awful for small business owners and farmers. We also talk about challenging the validity of a will, and round things off with a rant about how hard it is to win big by counting cards in blackjack.

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Cocktail – Get Rich Quickly With … Bartending? | Episode 48

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Cocktail - Get Rich Quickly With ... Bartending? | Episode 48

00:00 / 48:30

The Tom Cruise love (hate?) fest continues. The 1988 film Cocktail is on the Razzie’s list of the 100 most “enjoyably bad” films … and for good reason. But even though the film is bad, the money content is amazing. We cover whether inventions are a good pathway to wealth, whether Tom Cruise’s character should’ve gone to college, what the GI Bill actually covers, and why getting rich quickly is pretty much always a pipe dream.

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The Firm – Lawyer Salaries and Giant Neon Warning Signs | Episode 47

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The Firm - Lawyer Salaries and Giant Neon Warning Signs | Episode 47

00:00 / 54:20

We’re on a 90s Tom Cruise kick! This week, we’re relying on Carla’s legal knowledge to figure out just how ridiculous the plot of The Firm is. Spoiler alert … it’s SUPER ridiculous. We talk about starting salaries for big firms, what Mitch McDeere’s earning potential was, and why basically all the decisions in this film were, to use a legal term, wackadoodle.

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Jerry Maguire – Loud & Quiet Quitting | Episode 46

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Jerry Maguire - Loud & Quiet Quitting | Episode 46

00:00 / 58:35

Show me the money!!! Jerry Maguire is full of quotable lines and epic money mistakes. How should Jerry have gone about leaving his job? Should Dorothy Boyd have gone with him? And was Rod Tidwell quiet quitting the NFL??

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Lost In America – The OG FI Movie | Episode 45

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Lost In America - The OG FI Movie | Episode 45

00:00 / 57:37

This 1985 hidden gem is ALL about financial independence and chasing a more meaningful life. It’s also a bit of a cautionary tale. You probably haven’t seen this film, but you should still give this episode a listen. We follow the main characters David and Linda on their journey to “dropping out of society” and analyze how they manage (and mismanage) their funds as they strive to leave work behind – maybe forever? This one is full of lessons, cringe-worthy moments, and lots of laughs.

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This Is 40 – Financial Secrets and Family Dynamics | Episode 44

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This Is 40 - Financial Secrets and Family Dynamics | Episode 44

00:00 / 50:49

This is 40 came out ten years ago, but the film’s money lessons resonate just as much today. We talk about partner communication over finances, when second mortgages make sense, how much accountants cost, and how to draw boundaries on lending money to family. Also, Robert tattles on Carla and dredges up an 18-year-old fight.

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Parks & Rec Treat Yo Self! | Episode 43

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Parks & Rec Treat Yo Self! | Episode 43

00:00 / 49:06

Did you know that October 13 is officially Treat Yo Self Day?? Parks and Rec characters Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford created this holiday that exists for just one reason: pamper yourself! We talk about whether this is a good concept, what a Treat Yo Self day Carla-and-Robert-style would look like, and also get into the numbers of how much Tom and Donna’s day would cost in real life and whether they could afford it. As Tom and Donna would say: “It’s the best episode of the year!!”

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Wild – The Cost of Thru-Hiking | Episode 42

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Wild - The Cost of Thru-Hiking | Episode 42

00:00 / 58:14

We’ve been wanting to cover Wild since we started this podcast. Thru-hiking is near and dear to our hearts, as we attempted to trek all of the PCT in 2019. Though we didn’t make the whole way, we had an incredible time and we LOVE backpacking. This week, one of our thru-hiking besties stopped by to talk about all things PCT-related. We talk gear, how to expect the unexpected, how to keep costs low, and what our recommendation for a thru-hike budget is. Whether you are considering a long-distance hike, just want to hear some fun backpacking stories, or maybe you just love a good Scottish accent, this is the episode for you!

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Gilmore Girls – Aptitude Tests and Retirement Psychology | Episode 41

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Gilmore Girls - Aptitude Tests and Retirement Psychology | Episode 41

00:00 / 44:06

It’s the final episode of our Back To School series! This week, we’re covering Season 2, Episode 18 of Gilmore Girls, Back In The Saddle Again. We discuss whether aptitude tests have any merit at all, and delve deeply into the mental health issues that can often follow retirement. We also dig into the oft-quoted statistic that early retirement = early death. Also … do locker alarms ever make sense??

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Billy Madison – Succession Planning and … Pet Insurance?? | Episode 40

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Billy Madison - Succession Planning and ... Pet Insurance?? | Episode 40

00:00 / 43:40

Ohh, Adam Sandler. King of the utterly inane comedy. In keeping with our September Back to School theme, we’re covering Billy Madison this week. This comedy may be ridiculous, but the money lessons aren’t. We get into how businesses should plan for transitions to the next generation, how to give your kids a good head start in life, and the cost of pet ownership and whether pet insurance is a good call.

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Mean Girls – Salaries of Bartenders, Teachers, Zoologists, and The Cost of Regina’s Lavish Lifestyle | Episode 39

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Mean Girls - Salaries of Bartenders, Teachers, Zoologists, and The Cost of Regina's Lavish Lifestyle | Episode 39

00:00 / 48:03

We will never stop trying to make fetch happen. In honor of September and a hint of fall weather, we’re focusing this month on movies and shows that have a “Back to School” theme, and we’re starting with a cult classic: Mean Girls. This hit from the mind of Tina Fey features money tidbits galore. How much do prom dresses cost? How much did Ms. Norbury make as a teacher and was bartending really her best side-hustle choice? How much did Regina’s fancy purses and Lexus convertible cost? And finally … is there a REAL inventor of Toaster Strudel who is fabulously wealthy? We answer all these burning questions and more!

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Catch Me if You Can – How to Be Confident But Not Unethical | Episode 38

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Catch Me if You Can - How to Be Confident But Not Unethical | Episode 38

00:00 / 47:36

We’re suckers for a John Williams and Steven Spielberg collab … but turns out that we were ALL suckers when we watched this movie. Because this film – allegedly based on Frank Abagnale’s real cons – is actually just based on Frank Abagnale’s lies. None of his claims have been verified and in fact have been directly contradicted. But the completely fictional story of this film is nevertheless compelling and full of great money tidbits. We talk about how confidence affects which jobs we apply for, how checking accounts affect credit scores, and whether appearances affect banks’ credit decisions or your success in life overall.

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My Big Fat Greek Wedding – Fun Wedding Ideas and Handling Parent Expectations | Episode 37

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My Big Fat Greek Wedding - Fun Wedding Ideas and Handling Parent Expectations | Episode 37

00:00 / 1:01:35

Opa! Time to get Greek. We talk about just how much weddings actually cost and toss out some fun ideas for venues that won’t cost you a fortune (and might make you a legend among your friends). We also get into parental expectations and talk about just how much a country club membership can set you back. Finally, we kick around letting our backgrounds shape who we are.

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The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Pilot: How Much Do Comedians Make and What Is a Significant Life? | Episode 36

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The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Pilot: How Much Do Comedians Make and What Is a Significant Life? | Episode 36

00:00 / 52:29

This show is one of our all-time favorites, and it’s jam-packed with money lessons. So much so that we are tackling just the pilot episode for starters. We talk about how much a stand-up comic can expect to make, balancing the pursuit of a dream with the day-to-day reality of bills, and we also delve into the debate of whether your job should BE your passion or just FUND your passions. Finally, we got a little philosophical and talked about what it means to live a “significant” life.

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Sex and The City: To Market, to Market – Can The Rule of 37 Change Your Life? | Episode 35

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Sex and The City: To Market, to Market - Can The Rule of 37 Change Your Life? | Episode 35

00:00 / 1:01:44

We can’t resist digging into the gals of Sex and the City one more time to learn some important lessons about investing. Is the stock market too volatile to be a good idea? What exactly IS insider trading? Did Martha Stewart do it? Did Samantha do it? Have YOU done it? Also – we go over The Rule of 37, which might just change your life!

Mary Poppins – Finding Joy in Money and Work | Episode 34

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Mary Poppins - Finding Joy in Money and Work | Episode 34

00:00 / 57:16

The original Mary Poppins came out in 1964, and it still holds a special place in our hearts. This movie teaches us about finding joy in work, golden handcuffs, and balancing investing for the future with enjoying today and charitable giving. We also get into the weeds about how much Michael would have if he’d taken his father’s advice and “invested” his tuppence with the Fidelity Fiduciary Bank. It’s … surprising.

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The Devil Wears Prada – Career Lessons and The Ethics of Fashion | Episode 33

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The Devil Wears Prada - Career Lessons and The Ethics of Fashion | Episode 33

00:00 / 59:51

This 2006 hit film is bursting with big stars and big life lessons. Should you take a job that’s not in your field for the connections? Do you have to dress to fit in at the workplace? Is the fashion industry evil? How should romantic partners support each other through difficult times at work?

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The Goonies – Real Life Treasure Hunts | Episode 32

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The Goonies - Real Life Treasure Hunts | Episode 32

00:00 / 51:55

Heeeey yooouuu guuuuys! It’s time for The Goonies! How much was the treasure actually worth? Who would’ve had the legal right to it? And what the heck was going on with the real estate situation in Astoria, Oregon? So many questions – and we’ve got the answers!

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Fight Club and Financial Independence | Episode 31 (Rebroadcast)

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Fight Club and Financial Independence | Episode 31 (Rebroadcast)

00:00 / 1:06:00

I don’t think it’s too far off to say that the FI community is Fight Club without the fighting. In this special episode, we sit down with Doug Cunnington and Carl Jensen from our sister (brother?) podcast Mile High FI and talk about consumerism, the meaning of life, and lots of fun facts about Fight Club. You don’t want to miss this one!

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Friends – Splitting Checks and Income Disparities | Episode 30

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Friends - Splitting Checks and Income Disparities | Episode 30

00:00 / 44:34

Friends is maybe the best example of wildly unrealistic spending we see on screen. That apartment on a waitress salary? Eating out all the time? The crazy coffee habit? Not even a little realistic. In this episode, we talk about how to discuss money amongst your real friends. And we also talk about the very common problem of how to split the check.

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About a Boy – Is Work The Point of Life? | Episode 29

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About a Boy - Is Work The Point of Life? | Episode 29

00:00 / 54:49

About a Boy is ALL about financial independence. The main character has never worked a day in his life. And yet, he feels rather empty. In this episode, we talk all about the point of life and work and how important it is to find something to fill your time during retirement at any age. Oh and also … we talk a lot about rap.

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Only Murders In The Building – Tipping and Musicians’ Salaries | Episode 28

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Only Murders In The Building - Tipping and Musicians' Salaries | Episode 28

00:00 / 58:37

Any show about high-end New York real estate is bound to be bursting with money issues. In this spoiler-free episode, we talk how much it would cost to live in the real version of The Arconia building, how much classical musicians can earn, and the dynamics of kids giving money to aging parents. Oh, and Robert goes on a rant about tipping.

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Bridesmaids – Be a Good Financial Friend | Episode 27

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Bridesmaids - Be a Good Financial Friend | Episode 27

00:00 / 57:39

Who doesn’t love learning money lessons from raunchy rom coms full of poop gags? We talked about being sensitive to other’s financial situations and goals, why sentimental gifts are better than flashy ones, what it means to be a failure at an endeavor, and just how much it can cost to be a bridesmaid and throw a bachelor/bachelorette party.

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Bowling for Columbine – Economic Effect of Guns in America | Episode 26

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Bowling for Columbine - Economic Effect of Guns in America | Episode 26

00:00 / 1:10:29

This is more of a serious episode, friends. In light of the Uvalde shooting, we looked back at a classic documentary about gun violence in America. We talk abut the economic effect of guns in America, what contributes to gun violence, and how the media’s focus on fear affects our daily lives (including our economic choices). We listened to Chris Rock’s comedic take on bullet control and pondered what the world would look like if bullets cost $5,000 apiece. Regardless of what side of the gun debate you fall on, we hope you’ll listen in and let us know your thoughts. Stay safe, everybody.

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The Simpsons Poorhouse Rock – Is The American Middle Class Dead? | Episode 25

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The Simpsons Poorhouse Rock - Is The American Middle Class Dead? | Episode 25

00:00 / 50:51

A musical episode of The Simpsons delving into whether the middle class is officially dead? YES, please! This episode covers how much harder it’s getting for the middle class to make ends meet. We discussed everything from check cashing companies to what typical middle class jobs are expected to grow in the future, to the rising rent prices and what’s driving them. We also explore whether the Simpson family could afford their lifestyle and talk about what you can expect to earn on YouTube, Instagram, and even OnlyFans! This is a can’t-miss episode.

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Pride and Prejudice – Save For a Rainy Day Or Hope to Marry Rich | Episode 24

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Pride and Prejudice - Save For a Rainy Day Or Hope to Marry Rich | Episode 24

00:00 / 56:36

This week, we’re traveling back to the early 1800s to check in with our good pal, Jane Austen. We talk about the Bennet family’s finances, debate just how rich Mr. Darcy was, and discuss why you should save money for a rainy day so you don’t feel pressured to marry someone like the dreadful Mr. Collins. We also talk about whether vacation homes make financial sense and whether dowries are still a thing today. Make sure you stick around until the end of the episode to listen to Carla’s rendition of the dreamy piano theme from this movie!

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Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory – Childhood Jobs and The Value of a Lifetime Supply of Chocolate | Episode 23

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Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory - Childhood Jobs and The Value of a Lifetime Supply of Chocolate | Episode 23

00:00 / 59:37

Upon rewatching this movie as an adult, three things are abundantly clear: (1) Grandpa Joe is the devil incarnate, (2) Veruca Salt’s family spent a FORTUNE trying to find a golden ticket, and (3) Willy Wonka is the world’s worst succession planner. You don’t want to miss this one where we put a dollar value on a lifetime supply of chocolate and talk about everything from whether golden-ticket promotions work in real life to the cost of a daily tobacco habit (like Grandpa Joe’s). We see you, Grandpa Joe. We see you.

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You’ve Got Mail – The Power of Pivoting | Episode 22

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You've Got Mail - The Power of Pivoting | Episode 22

00:00 / 58:58

1998 was an innocent time. People thought solitaire and minesweeper were the most distracting things technology would throw at us! We talked about how to manage your attention in this crazy world, why pivoting (a la Kathleen Kelly) is incredibly healthy, even if it’s forced on you, and whether the main characters’ lifestyles are realistic given their incomes. We also explored what it means to live a “big” life.

Did you know we’re not just a podcast and YouTube channel but also a blog?Check out our website for this week’s entry, where we go more in depth on how to fight your phone addiction. (Not your solitaire addiction. We assume you’re over that, guys.)

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The Batman – The Cost of Being a Vigilante | Episode 21

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The Batman - The Cost of Being a Vigilante | Episode 21

00:00 / 54:46

How much money does Bruce Wayne have? How much would it cost to be Batman? Is it even a good use of his wealth? How does wealth disparity affect a society? We cover all this and so much more in this episode!

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog posts on every episode, including this one, where we talk more about wealth disparity in America and whether we are headed for a revolt.

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Links:
https://movieweb.com/bruce-wayne-cost-batman/

https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/10/01/how-much-money-would-it-cost-to-be-batman

White Men Can’t Jump – When to Give Up on a Risky Dream | Episode 20

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White Men Can't Jump - When to Give Up on a Risky Dream | Episode 20

00:00 / 59:15

Are we on a Rosie Perez kick? You betcha. Even though Carla is no sports fan, we delved into this basketball flick because it’s brimming with money lessons. When do you leave a partner who you’re financially incompatible with? What does a gambling addiction look like and how can you treat it? Do you need designer clothes to go on job interviews? We cover all this and so much more in this episode!

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog posts on every episode, including this one, where we talk about how to balance chasing a dream with working a full-time job.

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Crazy Ex-Girlfriend – Finance Trackers Are The Best Decision Ever But … Is Law School The Worst? | Episode 19

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Crazy Ex-Girlfriend - Finance Trackers Are The Best Decision Ever But ... Is Law School The Worst? | Episode 19

00:00 / 59:18

Rebecca Bunch, the lead character of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, is kiiind of a mess when it comes to money. In this episode, we talk about how she was so detached from her finances that she didn’t know how much her paycheck was and hadn’t checked how much money she had to her name in over five years. We discuss just how valuable personal finance trackers like Mint or Personal Capital are, and then delve into one of the best musical numbers of the show: Don’t Be a Lawyer. We analyzed whether this is actually good advice, how much law school costs, and what you can expect to earn as a lawyer.

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog posts on every episode, including this one, where we talk about what life as a lawyer (litigator) is actually like.

You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com
Follow us on Twitter at: @penniesnpopcorn
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Bridgerton – Index Funds and Finding Your Purpose | Episode 018

Pennies and Popcorn

Bridgerton - Index Funds and Finding Your Purpose | Episode 018

00:00 / 57:43

What can you learn about investing from a steamy romance set in the early 1800s? A lot! In this show, we talk about index funds and why they’re such a smart way to invest. We also explore the attitudes toward work and how they’ve shifted over the years, wealth inequality, and whether it’s ever a good idea to walk away from money and privilege. (And beware – spoilers are flying left and right in this episode!)

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog posts on every episode, including this one, where we delve into the weighty (but fun!) topic of finding your purpose in life.

You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com
Follow us on Twitter at: @penniesnpopcorn
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Good Girls – Keeping Both Spouses Informed About Finances | Episode 017

Pennies and Popcorn

Good Girls - Keeping Both Spouses Informed About Finances | Episode 017

00:00 / 54:44

Are your finances in such disarray you’re considering turning to a life of crime? That’s the plot of Good Girls. We talk about how these characters got to their unenviable positions, how they could’ve gotten out of them besides becoming criminals, and talked about how critical it is for both spouses to be in the know about the family’s finances.

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog posts on every episode, including this one, where we go more in-depth on just how common it is for wives to be uninformed about family finances, and why it’s critical for women not to fall victim to this trap.

You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com
Follow us on Twitter at: @penniesnpopcorn
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It Could Happen To You – Handling a Windfall, Gift Tax, And Whether to Quit Your Job | Episode 016

Pennies and Popcorn

It Could Happen To You - Handling a Windfall, Gift Tax, And Whether to Quit Your Job | Episode 016

00:00 / 58:49

The movie may be pure fluff, but our discussion is anything but! We talk about the gift tax, what to do with a windfall, whether leaving your job when you have the financial means to do so is actually a good idea, and how to pick a good financial partner in life. And Robert gets a little angry about lotteries and goes on a math rant. This is can’t-miss stuff.

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog posts on every episode, including this one, where we go more in-depth on how to figure out whether you’re someone who will thrive without work or desperately miss the structure and purpose a full-time job provides.

You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com
Follow us on Twitter at: @penniesnpopcorn
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LuLaRich Part 2 – MLMs: All The Bad Parts of Work Rolled Into One! | Episode 015

Pennies and Popcorn

LuLaRich Part 2 - MLMs: All The Bad Parts of Work Rolled Into One! | Episode 015

00:00 / 50:41

The MLM bash-fest continues. This week, we explore how many of the pieces of MLMs that make them so terrible actually aren’t unique to the MLM-verse. Buuut – they do take all those bad elements and combine them into one. And not only that, but they crank them up to 11. We also dig into the toxic brand of “feminism” that LuLaRoe pushes hard.

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog posts on every episode, including this one, where we go even more in depth on some of the toxic aspects of MLMs.

You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com
Follow us on Twitter at: @penniesnpopcorn
Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/penniesandpopcorn/

LuLaRich Part 1 – MLMs Are Worse Than Gambling & Ten Side Hustles To Do Instead | Episode 014

Pennies and Popcorn

LuLaRich Part 1 - MLMs Are Worse Than Gambling & Ten Side Hustles To Do Instead | Episode 014

00:00 / 57:44

It’s time to sink our teeth into multi-level-marketing companies, also known as MLMs. The documentary LuLaRich does a stellar job exploring the downfall of one of the most successful MLMs in recent history: LuLaRoe. In this episode, we debate whether MLMs are ever a legitimate model, talk about what percentage of people actually make money at MLMs, the toxic work environment at LuLaRoe, why people get sucked into MLMs, and we also hate on the “it works if you work it” attitude. Stay tuned for our Part 2 episode of LuLaRich coming next week!

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog post on LuLaRich, where we discuss ten side hustles you can do instead of an MLM!

You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com
Follow us on Twitter at: @penniesnpopcorn
Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/penniesandpopcorn/

Eight Mile – Get Inspired to Challenge Yourself | Episode 013

Pennies and Popcorn

Eight Mile - Get Inspired to Challenge Yourself | Episode 013

00:00 / 55:48

Lose yourself in Pennies and Popcorn! It’s time for Eight Mile. We talked about getting inspired to chase your dreams, how to spot vultures who prey on those with dreams, how important it is for partners to be honest with each other about their financial mistakes, and the power of finally taking action and not just day-dreaming.

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog post on Eight Mile where we discuss how to get inspired to chase your dreams.

You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com
Follow us on Twitter at: @penniesnpopcorn
Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/penniesandpopcorn/

Inventing Anna – Money Lessons From a Con Artist | Episode 012

Pennies and Popcorn

Inventing Anna - Money Lessons From a Con Artist | Episode 012

00:00 / 1:00:28

We have a special guest today! Amberly Grant from Amberly Grant Finance stopped by to chat about Inventing Anna, the Netflix show about a fake German heiress who took New York by storm. We talked about what the rush is to “make it” at a young age, why we’re so obsessed with glamour, how women are scrutinized for their fashion choices, and … oh yeah, what should Rachel have done when she unexpectedly got stuck with a $60,000 hotel bill in Morocco?

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog post on Inventing Anna where we discuss the important money lessons you can learn from con artists like Anna Sorokin.
You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com
Follow us on Twitter at: @penniesnpopcorn
Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/penniesandpopcorn/

Squid Game – The Dangers of Debt | Episode 011

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Squid Game - The Dangers of Debt | Episode 011

00:00 / 58:50

It’s time to analyze the most popular Netflix show of all time! We dive into gambling addictions, whether there is any sum of money that could entice us to play the game, income inequality, and finally discuss the hedonic treadmill and how too much money can cause you to hate life as much as not having any money.

Did you know we’re not just a podcast/YouTube channel but also a blog?? Check out our blog post on Squid Game where we discuss the dangers of debt.

You can find our blog posts and more at: www.penniesandpopcorn.com

The Finances Behind The Olympics | Episode 010

Pennies and Popcorn

The Finances Behind The Olympics | Episode 010

00:00 / 43:08

How much money do you win for medaling at the Olympics? Does the government pay you to train? Who are the richest Olympians of all time? And how much do the host cities spend? We tackle all these and more in our special Olympics episode! Also check out our blog post over at www.penniesandpopcorn.com where we talk about the psychology of winning an Olympic medal.

Crazy Rich Asians | Episode 009 – When do you reveal finances to a partner?

Pennies and Popcorn

Crazy Rich Asians | Episode 009 - When do you reveal finances to a partner?

00:00 / 47:39

Stealth wealth is awesome. Buuut … you can take it to extremes when it comes to your significant other. We talk about when to reveal finances to a partner, the cost of clothing, and gossip about some crazy expensive weddings.

Jaws And Risk Analysis | Episode 008

Pennies and Popcorn

Jaws And Risk Analysis | Episode 008

00:00 / 1:00:46

You’re gonna need a bigger boat! Except … don’t buy a boat, they’re expensive. In this episode, it’s time to analyze profits vs. safety, what happens in real life after a shark attack, and chat about the fact that Hooper (Richard Dreyfus) was actually financially independent! Be sure to check out Mile High FI’s episode about The Indiana Jones of FI, which we discuss in this episodes as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsUtnkiMPfo&t=6334s

Sex And The City (Ring a Ding Ding) – $40k on shoes?! | Episode 007

Pennies and Popcorn

Sex And The City (Ring a Ding Ding) - $40k on shoes?! | Episode 007

00:00 / 1:01:53

Just how much money has Carrie Bradshaw spent on shoes? Could she really afford her lifestyle? What mistakes led her to being nearly homeless? And should friends talk about money or even lend each other money?

21 – Get Rich With Blackjack?? | Episode 006

Pennies and Popcorn

21 - Get Rich With Blackjack?? | Episode 006

00:00 / 58:13

Is blackjack the way to get rich quickly?!? What would it take to start a blackjack ring? And just how big is your edge over the house if you’re a top-notch card-counter? We also cover the cost of medical school, whether Laurence Fishburne (aka Morpheus) will beat you up if you try to count cards, and whether you can do Vegas on a budget.

Fight Club and Financial Independence | Episode 005

Pennies and Popcorn

Fight Club and Financial Independence | Episode 005

00:00 / 1:06:00

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Slumdog Millionaire – Can Money Buy Happiness? | Episode 004

Pennies and Popcorn

Slumdog Millionaire - Can Money Buy Happiness? | Episode 004

00:00 / 47:33

Did Dev Patel’s character make the best strategic decisions on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? What should you do with a sudden windfall of money? And can money buy happiness? We tackle all these questions and deliver lots of fun facts about the movie (and real-life lottery winners)!

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Gilmore Girls Pilot | Episode 003

Pennies and Popcorn

Gilmore Girls Pilot | Episode 003

00:00 / 47:11

Family drama and money go together like autumn weather and a hot cup of coffee. It’s time for Gilmore Girls! We dig into the pilot episode and delve into whether it really made sense for Rory to go to that private school, how much it probably cost, and why the HECK Lorelai didn’t know how much tuition would be before Rory applied.

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Holiday Special! Home Alone and the Cost of Christmas Travel | Episode 002

Pennies and Popcorn

Holiday Special! Home Alone and the Cost of Christmas Travel | Episode 002

00:00 / 1:04:12

Just how much did that fabulous McCallister home cost? What might the take have been like for the wet bandits? And uh … was it smart to have 15 people fly to Paris at Christmastime? It’s time to delve into all the financial details of Home Alone! And we dig into a few of those killer plot holes, too.

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Saturday Night Live | Episode 001

Pennies and Popcorn

Saturday Night Live | Episode 001

00:00 / 40:26

Welcome to our very first episode of Pennies and Popcorn – the show about real money lessons from the world of TV and movies. In this episode, we examine two awesome SNL skits – Don’t Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford, and a spoof of the Lexus December to Remember campaign.

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Welcome to Pennies and Popcorn

Pennies and Popcorn

Welcome to Pennies and Popcorn

00:00 / 7:31

Welcome to Pennies and Popcorn! We’re the show about real money lessons from the world of TV and movies.

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