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
Money Gives You Options: Emily Roberts on Finances in Grad School
In this episode of Academics and Their Money, Neeka Miremadi and Inga Timmerman sit down with Emily Roberts, founder of Personal Finance for PhDs. Emily shares her journey from pursuing a PhD in biomedical engineering at Duke to building a career as a financial educator for graduate students and postdocs.
She opens up about how saving during grad school gave her the freedom to take career risks, why adopting an “emerging professional” mindset (instead of a perpetual student identity) is crucial for both finances and wellbeing, and how academics can avoid under-earning by negotiating and reaching for more.
From practical tips on budgeting, saving, and avoiding lifestyle traps, to insights on university financial wellness resources, side hustles, and the power of negotiation, Emily offers graduate students and postdocs a roadmap for building financial security and freedom during their training years and beyond.
About Emily:
Dr. Emily Roberts is a personal finance educator specializing in early-career PhDs. Through her business, Personal Finance for PhDs, she equips graduate students and postdocs to make the most of their money. She gives seminars at universities and for associations; interviews graduate students and PhDs on her podcast; creates courses and workshops on taxes, investing, and more; and coaches individuals. Emily holds a PhD in biomedical engineering from Duke University and lives in San Diego with her husband and two children. Visit PFforPhDs.com/podcast/ to listen to or read transcripts of the 250+ episodes of the Personal Finance for PhDs podcast.
Negotiation episode link: https://pfforphds.com/how-to-negotiate-your-salary-post-phd/
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.