Personal finance can feel overwhelming—especially for U.S. college students and young professionals balancing tuition, part-time jobs, social life, and future goals. Textbooks rarely cover practical money management, and scrolling TikTok or YouTube often leads to conflicting advice.
That’s where financial podcasts come in. They’re accessible, engaging, and packed with real-world strategies you can apply immediately. Whether you’re looking to build credit, save money, start investing, or just stop stressing about debt, the right podcast can serve as your personal financial mentor.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best financial podcasts for students and young adults in 2025, exploring what makes them unique, their pros and cons, and how they can help you master your money.
Why Podcasts Work So Well for Students
- Convenience: You can listen while commuting, working out, or cleaning your dorm.
- Relatable voices: Many hosts are young professionals who’ve been in your shoes.
- Free education: No tuition, no textbooks—just earbuds and Wi-Fi.
- Diverse perspectives: From Wall Street experts to side hustle entrepreneurs.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Podcasts
When curating this list, I looked at:
- Relevance for students/young adults (budgeting, credit, investing basics).
- Clarity and accessibility (no heavy jargon).
- Entertainment value (because boring finance = ignored finance).
- Practical tips you can use immediately.
Top Financial Podcasts for Students in 2025
1. The Dave Ramsey Show
Best for: Debt payoff and financial discipline.
Dave Ramsey is one of the most recognized voices in personal finance. His podcast focuses heavily on debt-free living, budgeting, and financial responsibility. For students struggling with loans or credit card debt, his “baby steps” method provides a clear, structured path.
Why it’s good for students:
- Simple, no-nonsense advice.
- Inspires discipline around credit cards and loans.
- Great stories from young people who achieved debt freedom.
Drawback: Some find Ramsey’s anti-credit stance too extreme, especially for those who want to build credit responsibly.
2. BiggerPockets Money Podcast
Best for: Students curious about investing and entrepreneurship.
This podcast dives into real-life money journeys. Guests range from young professionals who turned side hustles into six-figure incomes to investors who retired early.
Why it’s good for students:
- Encourages creative side hustles.
- Relatable success stories from everyday people.
- Introduces real estate and investing in a friendly way.
Drawback: Can sometimes feel advanced for complete beginners.
3. The College Investor Podcast
Best for: Student loan strategies and beginner investing.
Robert Farrington, the founder, is passionate about helping millennials and Gen Z with student loans and starting to invest. Episodes are short and packed with actionable insights.
Why it’s good for students:
- Specific advice on loan repayment.
- Explains investing basics in under 15 minutes.
- Tailored for younger listeners, not retirees.
Drawback: Short episodes mean topics aren’t always deeply explored.
4. Her First $100K: Financial Feminist
Best for: Women in college and young professionals starting their financial journeys.
Hosted by Tori Dunlap, this podcast focuses on money management, gender equality, and empowerment. She covers everything from salary negotiation to side hustles.
Why it’s good for students:
- Relatable for young women navigating workplace dynamics.
- Strong emphasis on financial independence.
- Entertaining and empowering tone.
Drawback: Some men may feel the branding isn’t targeted toward them (though the content is useful for all).
5. So Money with Farnoosh Torabi
Best for: Broader money and career advice.
Farnoosh Torabi interviews authors, entrepreneurs, and finance experts, offering a blend of money talk and life lessons.
Why it’s good for students:
- Wide range of topics (debt, career, saving).
- Practical Q&A episodes.
- Great for those interested in balancing career and finance.
Drawback: Some episodes lean toward career coaching more than strict money talk.
6. Stacking Benjamins
Best for: Students who want money advice without boredom.
This podcast uses humor and storytelling to teach finance. It’s lighthearted but still educational, making it easier to absorb lessons.
Why it’s good for students:
- Fun and engaging.
- Covers a wide variety of financial topics.
- Good for easing into finance without feeling overwhelmed.
Drawback: Humor-heavy style isn’t for everyone.
7. Afford Anything with Paula Pant
Best for: Long-term financial independence and smart decision-making.
Paula Pant emphasizes the idea: “You can afford anything, but not everything.” The podcast teaches how to prioritize spending and invest for financial freedom.
Why it’s good for students:
- Helps shift mindset from scarcity to intentional living.
- Great for those thinking beyond graduation.
- Introduces concepts of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early).
Drawback: Some episodes are long and deep, which may not fit quick commutes.
8. Money for the Rest of Us
Best for: Understanding big-picture investing and the economy.
David Stein simplifies complex financial concepts, helping listeners understand investing, markets, and economic trends.
Why it’s good for students:
- Bridges the gap between basic budgeting and advanced finance.
- Teaches long-term thinking about money.
- Great prep for students entering finance or business majors.
Drawback: Less focused on student-specific topics (like loans).
9. Millennial Investing (by The Investor’s Podcast Network)
Best for: Young adults ready to build wealth through investing.
This podcast explores stock market strategies, entrepreneurship, and wealth-building, tailored to millennials and Gen Z.
Why it’s good for students:
- Beginner-friendly investing strategies.
- Guest experts share career + finance advice.
- Inspires long-term wealth thinking.
Drawback: Heavier on investing than budgeting basics.
10. Financial Decoder (Charles Schwab)
Best for: Students who want to understand behavioral finance.
This podcast explores why people make financial mistakes and how to avoid them. It’s a mix of psychology and money management.
Why it’s good for students:
- Helps identify emotional spending triggers.
- Great for understanding personal money behavior.
- Builds financial self-awareness.
Drawback: Produced by a financial institution—sometimes feels corporate.
How to Make the Most of Financial Podcasts
- Take notes: Jot down 2–3 actionable tips per episode.
- Apply immediately: Test advice with your own budget or habits.
- Mix and match: Don’t stick to one podcast—get multiple perspectives.
- Share with friends: Money talk becomes easier when discussed in your circle.
Honorable Mentions (Worth Checking Out)
- Planet Money (NPR): Entertaining economics.
- The Side Hustle Show: Practical gig economy ideas.
- Money Guy Show: Straightforward investing advice.
- Journey to Launch: Focus on financial independence.
Conclusion
Podcasts are one of the easiest, most enjoyable ways for students to gain financial literacy. From practical budgeting strategies to investment basics and motivational stories, the podcasts on this list can serve as a financial toolkit for navigating your 20s.
Key takeaway: Money management doesn’t have to be stressful or boring. With the right voices in your earbuds, you can build habits that set you up for a lifetime of financial success.