Academics and Their Money
Ever feel like you’ve got a PhD in your field but only a 101-level understanding of your finances? Welcome to Academics and Their Money, the podcast where we make money talk as smart—and as entertaining—as you are. Because let’s be honest: knowledge is powerful, but a well-earned paycheck doesn’t hurt either. Whether you’re a fresh PhD navigating that first real paycheck, a tenured professor pondering what’s next, or a former academic with some ‘unique’ insights—this show dives into making your intellect work for you, tackling the financial quirks of academic life, and uncovering the untold money stories behind the ivory tower.
If you’re a fan of Planet Money, Freakonomics Radio, or HerMoney with Jean Chatzky, you’ll feel right at home here. But fair warning: this isn’t another boring money podcast. We keep it real, relatable, and just a bit irreverent to make finance feel fresh. Let’s get smarter about money—and wealthier—together!
Academics and Their Money
Starting a New Academic Job? Here's How to Pick the Right Retirement Plan
Starting a new academic job? One of the biggest—and most overwhelming—financial decisions you'll face is choosing a workplace retirement plan. In this episode of Academics and Their Money, Neeka Miremadi walks you through a clear, approachable framework to help you understand your options and make a confident choice.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series on workplace investing. Today’s focus: how to choose which type of plan to enroll in, such as a pension vs. an investment-based plan, and how to think through contribution options like pre-tax vs. Roth.
We cover:
- The difference between defined benefit (DB) pensions and defined contribution (DC) plans
- When a 403(b), 457(b), or 401(k) might be a good fit
- Contribution strategies
- Pre-tax vs. Roth contributions—and why having both can offer flexibility in retirement
- The unique features and flexibility of 457(b) plans
Neeka also shares real-life examples from co-host Inga’s career to help ground abstract concepts in practical scenarios. Whether you’re risk-averse, mobile, or just trying to make sense of your options, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take your first step.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into choosing a provider and navigating investment options inside your plan.
Resources Mentioned in Episode:
Our Website: www.attainablewealthfp.com
XYPN Find an Advisor: https://advice.xyplanningnetwork.com/
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If you’ve got questions, suggestions for future topics, or just want to say ‘hello,’ you can reach us at https://attainablewealthfp.com/schedule-a-call/.
Any product or financial recommendations provided by Academics and Their Money, Inga, or Neeka are made solely in the author’s opinion and do not constitute professional financial or legal advice. All content is for educational purposes only.