Best Podcasts for Learning About Finance—Without the Jargon

Reading about money isn’t always everyone’s idea of fun, but the beauty of a good podcast is that you can learn while you are doing other things. Driving in the car? Put on a podcast. Cleaning the house? A podcast could be an excellent way to keep you company. The ability to multi-task while listening makes them quite powerful. The best shows are calm, clear, useful, and fun to listen to.

We took the time to research the podcasts that will help you along your financial journey. The goal was to find podcasts that explain how money works while also providing concrete steps to implement into your life—turning concepts into practical tips. Many of the shows below appear on respected roundups, including Investopedia’s 2025 list of top personal finance podcasts.

Planet Money (NPR)

This is the “economy explained” in plain language. Episodes are short and story driven. You’ll hear about prices, wages, and the trade-offs behind everyday news. The tone is curious, not loud. It’s good if you want to understand the “why” behind your money decisions. Listen here: npr.org/planet-money.

NerdWallet’s Smart Money

Reporters answer real questions from folks and lay out a plan. It’s practical and current. Topics include credit, mortgages, investing, and consumer decisions. If you want step-by-step guidance, this is the show for you. Listen here: nerdwallet.com.

Jill on Money

Jill Schlesinger, CFP, takes live questions and gives direct answers. She is a longtime journalist and analyst, and it shows. The advice is steady, not hyped. It’s a good match if you want retirement and investing decisions explained in plain English. Listen here: jillonmoney.com/podcasts.

The Clark Howard Podcast

Clark focuses on saving money and avoiding scams. Episodes are built around practical consumer choices. If you’re cutting recurring bills or protecting yourself online, this show could help. Listen here: clark.com/podcasts.

BiggerPockets Money

Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench interview guests and do “money makeovers.” The focus is real stories with clear takeaways. Good if you like long interviews and practical action steps. Listen here: biggerpockets.com/podcasts (look for “Money”).

Afford Anything

Paula Pant’s motto is simple; you can afford anything, but not everything. That frame helps you make choices with time, energy, and money. Expect interviews and Q&A with a behavioral lens. It’s useful if you want to think clearly before you act. Listen here: affordanything.com/podcast.

Optimal Finance Daily

Short daily episodes that read top money blogs with permission. Good if you like a quick dose. Topics include budgeting, simple investing, and more. Listen here: OLDPodcast.com.

Money for the Rest of Us

J. David Stein explains how money works and how to invest without anxiety. The tone is calm. The aim is confidence, not hot takes. If markets make you nervous, this is a good match. Listen here: moneyfortherestofus.com/episodes.

The Money Guy Show

Two planners, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, explain the “why” behind common rules. There’s a steady weekly cadence and lots of free tools. Expect checklists, tax talk, and clear priorities. Listen here: moneyguy.com/show. Resources and flagship framework: Financial Order of Operations.

So Money (Farnoosh Torabi)

Fast, candid interviews plus a weekly mailbag. Farnoosh is an experienced journalist, and it shows. Episodes are focused and practical. It’s a strong pick for working professionals. Listen here: podcast.farnoosh.tv.

HerMoney (Jean Chatzky)

Clear advice for women on pay, investing, and daily money choices. The tone is supportive, not preachy. Episodes use expert guests and real stories. Listen here: hermoney.com/podcasts.

Financial Feminist (Tori Dunlap)

Money guidance through a feminist lens. Good if you want plain talk and policy context. It’s popular with Millennial and Gen-Z listeners. Listen here: herfirst100k.com/financial-feminist-podcast. Learn more about Tori: Her First $100K.

The Money with Katie Show

Millennial voice. Weekly episodes that connect work, culture, and practical money. It’s a fit if you want data plus personality. Listen here: moneywithkatie.com/the-money-with-katie-show.

Friends That Invest (formerly Girls That Invest)

Investing explained in simple terms for women. If you’re new to markets, this is a friendly entry point. Listen here: friendsthatinvest.com.

Brown Ambition

Money and career advice for women of color. Expect honest talk and practical steps. This is a good pick if you want salary moves and life planning in one place. Listen here: brownambitionpodcast.com.

Final thoughts

You don’t need every show. Pick one or two that fit your schedule. A short daily update may be enough, and if you prefer a deeper dive, a weekly interview might be better. These podcasts share a goal: make money choices easier. Start with the topic that matters most to you—debt, saving, or investing—and try one episode the next time you are multitasking. Then, take one small step.

The podcast recommendations provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Members are encouraged to consult a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.