Shows
Academics and Their MoneyThe $48K Wake-Up Call: Lessons in Money and Academia with Tanya Golash-BozaWhat happens when your first raise kicks you off state healthcare? Tanya Golash-Boza learned the hard way that more money doesn’t always mean more breathing room.In this episode, we talk with Tanya about the financial wake-up calls that shaped her academic career—from losing food stamps after a small negotiation win, to realizing that a $10,000 fellowship wasn’t “extra” money, but part of a bigger budgeting lesson.She shares how one offhand comment from a colleague led her to start saving for her kids’ college with just $50 a month—and how those small steps paid off...2025-07-3135 minAcademics and Their MoneyAcademia as a Business: Side Hustles, Strategy, and Salary with Ramon Goings“Get the Bag, Not Just the Title” — Ramon GoingsWhat would you do differently if you could start your academic career over? Ramon Goings has a few answers—and he’s not holding back. In this episode, we chat with the founder of Done Dissertation about the biggest financial lessons he’s learned as a professor, business owner, and scholar.Ramon explains why your first academic job offer sets the tone for your financial future, and why prestige should come after pay. He shares how he leveraged grant structures, salary negotiations and outsourcing to build long-term we...2025-07-1732 minAcademics and Their MoneyPart 2: Starting a New Academic Job? Breaking Down Your Retirement Plan’s Investment Choices—Without the JargonIn this second installment of our two-part series on workplace retirement plans, host Neeka Miremadi helps academics navigate the next step after choosing between plan types—evaluating the investments within those plans. Whether you're comparing 403(b) and 457 plans or just want to make better use of your current retirement account, this episode walks you through how to assess fund quality, fees, and provider options like a PhD (without making a 10-page report like Inga did).Neeka breaks down key concepts like expense ratios, target date funds, and asset class diversification, and shares real-world examples of how investment me...2025-07-0314 minAcademics and Their MoneyStarting a New Academic Job? Here's How to Pick the Right Retirement PlanStarting 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...2025-06-1913 minAcademics and Their MoneyLeaving Academia: Janine Sam on Giving Up Tenure for IndustryIn this episode of Academics and Their Money, we talk with Janine Sam—a former professor turned financial planner—about her transition from academia to industry, and all the financial lessons she picked up along the way. Janine opens up about the realities of academic workload, the myth of flexibility in higher ed, and what ultimately drove her to pivot careers.We also dive into:What it’s like to teach and live abroad (including tax surprises!)Her experience negotiating salaries in both academia and industryHow she weighed the cost of a PhD against her future earnin...2025-06-0528 minAcademics and Their MoneyTenure, Textbooks, and the Long Game with Melisa GalvanIn this episode of Academics and Their Money, we’re joined by Melisa Galvan—professor, textbook author, and all-around academic powerhouse—to talk about what she wishes she'd known before starting her academic career. From the high-stakes stress of negotiating as a new PhD, to managing a 4–4 teaching load in Los Angeles, Melisa shares the financial trade-offs she’s navigated in pursuit of a life in higher ed. We discuss the tension between financial survival and professional growth, the dangers of putting your personal life on hold for professional milestones, and why retirement planning should start long before you...2025-05-2225 minAcademics and Their MoneyUnraveling Money Mindsets & Adjunct Academia with Shannah GameIn this episode of Academics and Their Money, we sit down with Shannah Game—host of Everyone's Talking Money and author of Unraveling Your Relationship with Money—to explore the often-overlooked emotional side of finances. We dive into the challenges of adjunct teaching, misconceptions about academic salaries, and the mental baggage many of us carry about money. Shannah shares exercises to help reframe your money mindset, including how to practice financial forgiveness and ask the right questions about your money habits. She even gave us some “homework” to do and dig into our relationship with money!Here’s your hom...2025-05-0831 minAcademics and Their MoneyGratitude & the Side-Eye: Nicole Pulliam on Making Peace—and Money—Beyond AcademiaIn this deeply honest and empowering episode of Academics and Their Money, we’re joined by Nicole Pulliam—tenured professor, certified coach, and unapologetic truth-teller—as she shares her unexpected journey through academia, the power of belief, and the real talk no one gives you about money in higher ed.Nicole opens up about what it felt like to pursue a PhD she never imagined for herself, the joy and constraints of life as a professor, and why her gratitude for the academic world now comes with a healthy dose of skepticism. She discusses the “golden handcuffs” of tenure...2025-04-2436 minAcademics and Their MoneyBalancing Academia, Finances, and Well-Being: A Conversation with Jasmine CobbIn this episode of Academics and Their Money, Neeka Miremadi and Inga Timmerman interview Jasmine Cobb about her insights on navigating academia while managing finances. They discuss how early-career academics can set themselves up for financial success & personal happiness, with Jasmine sharing how she wished she'd maximized retirement contributions and stayed true to personal passions amidst the pressures of tenure. The conversation delves into the taboo surrounding money in academia, the importance of salary transparency, and the growing acceptance of side gigs for professors. Jasmine also shares how she teaches her kids to separate labor from money, helping them...2025-04-1035 minAcademics and Their MoneyBreaking Money Myths: Academic Funding, Immigrant Guilt, and Failing Upward with Zeina SalameThis episode of Academics and Their Money explores the intersection of money, culture, and academia through the experiences of Zeina Salame. Raised by immigrant parents with a strong emphasis on financial security, Zeina shares how cultural expectations shaped her career path and relationship with money. Despite earning a PhD in theater and securing a tenure-track position, she still grapples with financial anxiety, risk aversion, and the challenges of navigating academia’s limited compensation.The discussion highlights key themes such as financial literacy gaps, the emotional weight of money decisions, the importance of mentorship, and the hidden financial re...2025-03-2735 minAcademics and Their MoneyUnderstanding Taxes as an Academic: Common Considerations and ShortcomingsIn this episode, Neeka Miremadi breaks down the complexities of taxes for professors, for those new to academia or continuing. She covers essential tax concepts, including how W-2 income differs from self-employment income, the importance of understanding calendar-year taxation, and how additional consulting or freelance work impacts tax obligations. Neeka also highlights common tax pitfalls, such as under-withholding for those with multiple income sources or married professors filing jointly. She provides actionable steps to help listeners assess their income sources from the previous year and prepare for tax season with clarity and confidence. While not offering tax advice, she...2025-03-1309 minAcademics and Their MoneyCareer Pivots: Aline Silva's Journey from Academia to IndustryIn this episode of Academics and Their Money, hosts Neeka Miremadi and Inga Timmerman interview Aline Silva, who shares her transition from academia to industry. Originally from Brazil, Aline entered academia after struggling to find a stable career during the 2008 financial crisis. She reflects on how her financial mindset evolved, noting the peace she found through smart decisions like contributing to a 401k. Aline also discusses leaving her PhD program in marketing, where she felt disconnected from her research interests, and how it ultimately aligned with her personal and family goals. She contrasts the realities of academia with her...2025-02-2735 minAcademics and Their MoneyAcademic Career Decisions: What to Consider and What It Means for Your MoneyEpisode Overview:In this episode of Academics and Their Money, Inga Timmerman breaks down the financial and career considerations that academics should keep in mind when evaluating job offers. Whether it’s your first job or your fourth, making informed decisions can set you up for long-term financial success. Inga shares insights from years of experience negotiating with professors across the country, highlighting key factors that impact your financial well-being. Key Topics Covered:✔ Long-Term Career Opportunities:Consider how a job will position you for future opportunities.Weigh short...2025-02-1218 minAcademics and Their MoneyMoney Matters for Academics: The Key Questions to Ask YourselfFinancial planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about designing a career and life that bring you fulfillment. In this episode of Academics and Their Money, Inga Timmerman explores the key financial and career decisions academics face, from choosing the right location to navigating tenure. She breaks down how defining your financial needs can lead to greater happiness and career satisfaction. Along the way, she shares actionable insights on skill assessment, strategic planning, and the essential questions academics should ask when reevaluating their paths. Tune in for an episode packed with practical advice to help you take control of you...2025-02-0516 minAcademics and Their MoneyWelcome to Academics and Their MoneyWelcome to Academics and Their Money, the podcast where we dive into the unique financial challenges and opportunities academics face. Whether it’s navigating salaries, investing, financial planning, or career decisions, we explore how money shapes life in academia. Join us as we bring you insightful conversations, expert advice, and real stories to help you make informed financial choices and build a more secure future. 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 Academ...2025-02-0501 min