College Is Expensive. Here’s How Smart Parents Plan for It.
Four-year college isn’t the default anymore… but saving for your kid’s future absolutely is. Today, Nicole breaks down the modern playbook for affording college whether your kid is a newborn, or if they’re applying to colleges now. This is your simple guide to 529 plans, custodial accounts, Coverdells, prepaid tuition plans, and the newest government-backed savings option making headlines. If you’ve ever wondered, “What happens to a 529 plan if my kid doesn’t go to college?” Nicole will teach you a smart move there, too. Check out Nicole’s financial literacy course The Money School Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Watch video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram Here’s what Nicole covers today: 00:00 Are You Ready for Some Money Rehab? 01:11 Where To Start If You Have a Newborn 01:28 Everything You Need to Know About 529s 04:44 Where To Start If Your Kid Is in Grade School 05:42 The Pros and Cons of Custodial Accounts 08:17 Where to Start if Your Kid Is in High School 10:32 Tip You Can Take Straight to the Bank All investing involves risk, including loss of principal. This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
Lucy Guo’s Billionaire Playbook: Startup Secrets, Hidden Money Rules, and the Power of FOMO
Lucy Guo built one of the most talked-about AI companies in the world before most people finish college. Then, she made headlines when she dethroned Taylor Swift as the youngest self-made female billionaire. Today, she joins Nicole to talk about how she grew wealth, and how you can borrow the money lessons that only show up after you’ve already “made it.” Lucy tells Nicole about growing up bullied for not being able to afford the cool brands, scrappy strategies she used to save money when she was building her first company, and navigating the strange attention of being labeled a billionaire while most of that wealth still isn’t liquid. She explains the routines that kept her disciplined, the hard boundaries she set around lending money after getting burned, and stories of her wild money hacks like booking refundable flights to eat free meals in the airport lounges. Nicole and Lucy also dive into the hidden playbook of startup money and the creator economy: how Lucy’s fundraising secret is to manufacture FOMO, why the wealthy borrow instead of sell, and the monetization strategy all creators should adopt. Check out Nicole’s financial literacy course The Money School Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Watch video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram Keep up with Lucy on Instagram and learn more about Passes Here’s what Nicole covers with Lucy:00:00 Are You Ready for Some Money Rehab? 01:17 Lucy’s Routine and the Impact of Success on Hustle 03:39 Childhood Bullying05:08 Lucy’s Confidence Reset 08:20 Unpacking “Paper Wealth” and Liquidity 13:40 Should You Lend Money to Friends? 14:35 Lucy’s Investing Thesis 18:34 FOMO Strategy in Fundraising 22:22 Billionaire Money Tips 25:03 The Robbery Attempt 27:38 Money Saving Hacks 33:43 Stigma Around “Work Hard, Play Hard” 37:24 Passes and the Creator Economy 53:45 Lucy Guo’s Tip You Can Take Straight to the Bank
Can Airbnb Hosting Really Make Your Taxable Income $0? | Bonus Depreciation Explained
Today, Nicole breaks down the viral tax strategy everyone on social media is talking about — the claim that buying a short-term rental can legally wipe out your taxes. She explains the simple idea behind bonus depreciation, why it creates massive upfront write-offs, and how real estate investors use upgrades and accounting strategy to dramatically lower taxable income. But she also pulls back the curtain on the part influencers skip: why a $0 tax bill doesn’t automatically mean you made money, how much cash you still need to spend, and the risks hiding behind the hype. The Money Rehab Episode About Whether Home Ownership is Overrated Check out Nicole’s financial literacy course The Money School Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Watch video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram 00:00 Are You Ready for Some Money Rehab? 00:53 Bonus Depreciation 101 03:10 What Changed with the Big Beautiful Bill 03:38 What Qualifies (and What Doesn’t) 04:22 Fact-Checking the Viral Airbnb Example 05:37 The Caveats 05:54 Cost Segregation Study Workaround 07:36 Don’t Let the Tax Tail Wag the Dog’ 09:10 Tip You Can Take Straight to the Bank
Neil Patel Risked His Parents’ Life Savings… Then Built a $100M Marketing Empire. Here’s How He Did It
Neil Patel’s origin story involves borrowing from his parents’ life savings to keep his startup alive. Not only did his plan work, but he built a million-dollar company, advised companies including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft— and, he paid his parents back. Today, Neil breaks down the money lessons he learned once he made it big. He shares why he still drives a minivan despite being able to afford something bougie, the unusual way he teaches his kids about taxes, and the important distinction he makes between success and wealth. Then, Nicole and Neil get tactical and dig into the future of getting discovered online. Neil explains why traditional search is dead and how to adapt, what founders can do if they have a $0 marketing budget, and the SEO do’s and don’ts of naming your business. Check out Nicole’s financial literacy course The Money School Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Watch video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram Check out Answer the Public, the free tool Neil mentioned in this conversation Find more of Neil’s work and resources here Here’s what Nicole covers with Neil: 00:00 Are You Ready for Some Money Rehab? 01:09 Launching Crazy Egg and Borrowing From Parents 06:42 Next Ventures and Kissmetrics 09:43 Do’s and Don’ts of Naming Businesses 15:31 NP Digital’s Massive Success vs Personal Success 21:19 Neil’s Perspective on Wealth, and the “Big R” Framework 29:32 Hot Takes on Money 30:07 Teaching Taxes Through Ice Cream 32:15 Living with Less and Financial Goals 38:45 Trust Funds and Regrets 42:09 Actionable Digital Marketing Advice for Business Owners 42:26 Choose Your Fighter: Email List, Website or Instagram? 44:59 Why Traditional Search is Dead 46:59 SEO vs AEO 55:29 Marketing Tips for a $0 Budget 01:00:49 Tip You Can Take Straight to the Bank
The Money Trail of the Epstein Files
Millions of pages from the Epstein files have been unsealed, but they leave behind even more unanswered questions about how the money and criminal network actually worked. Today, Nicole traces the financial trail behind Jeffrey Epstein’s fortune—what we know, what prosecutors could never fully explain, and how a man with no real business amassed hundreds of millions of dollars. Nicole breaks down Epstein’s mysterious rise from Wall Street suit to shadowy “financial consultant,” the ultra-wealthy clients who funded the majority of his income, and the explosive reputational fallout that continues to ripple across corporations, universities, and global power players. She also sets straight the rumors that Epstein created Bitcoin, and explains the real financial consequences of association in today’s markets. Check out Nicole’s financial literacy course The Money School Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Watch video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram Here’s what Nicole covers today: 00:00 Are You Ready for Some Money Rehab? 00:18 The Epstein Files: A Who's Who of Power 00:58 Following Epstein's Money Trail 04:42 Financial Fallout of the Epstein Files 06:20 The Bitcoin Theory 07:28 Ongoing Legal Battles and Reputational Risks 09:22 The Power of Survivors All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments.
Dirty Money, Tax Loopholes and Legit Lessons in the Art World
For some collectors, art is about beauty, meaning, and power. For others, it’s a convenient place to clean dirty money. Today, Nicole breaks down the hidden financial playbook behind the global art market, and why some billionaires treat paintings less like décor and more like offshore bank accounts. From subjective valuations and private appraisals to tax-free warehouses, art-backed loans, and regulatory gray zones, this episode walks through the exact five-step system the ultra-wealthy can use to store, grow, and sometimes quietly clean massive amounts of cash. You’ll hear how a $5 million painting can magically become a $20 million asset on paper, why some of the world’s most valuable art never leaves storage, and how auction houses legally facilitate transactions that banks never could. Then Nicole pulls it back to real life — what this reveals about how wealth actually moves, why valuation is often narrative-driven, and how everyday investors can borrow the thinking without needing a Picasso or a private jet. Check out Nicole’s financial literacy course The Money School Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Watch video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram Here’s what Nicole covers today: 00:00 Are You Ready for Some Money Rehab? 00:18 Art as an Investment 01:14 How the Wealthy Buy Art 02:18 Freeports and Tax Havens 03:20 Reappraisal and Inflating Art Value 04:46 Using Art as a Financial Tool 06:16 Money Laundering Through Art 07:16 Lessons for Everyday Investors 08:17 Investing in Art Without Millions All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments.
How to Build $100K in Five Years
Your first $100,000 in investing feels impossible—until you see the math. Today, Nicole breaks down why the first $100K is the hardest money you’ll ever make, what changes mathematically once you cross it, and the path to get there… without a hot stock tip, crypto bro, or dumb luck. Nicole walks through a real, doable five-year plan based on the average U.S. salary —including exactly how much to invest each month, where to put your money, and how the beautiful power of compound interest quietly accelerates behind the scenes. Try Nicole’s Compound Interest Calculator Check out Nicole’s financial literacy course The Money School Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Watch video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram Here’s what Nicole covers today: 00:00 Are You Ready for Some Money Rehab? 00:18 Why Your First $100K Is the Hardest 02:53 Year-by-Year Investment Plan 03:05 Year 1: Building the Habit 04:00 Year 2: Gaining Momentum 04:33 Year 3: Growth Year 04:59 Year 4: Push Harder 05:37 Year 5: Reaching the Goal 06:00 Reality Check: Life Throws Curveballs 06:33 Passive Income 07:20 Your Next Steps and Resources All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments.
Broke, Bullied, and Then... Christina Aguilera Called: Hollywood Hair Stylist Chris Appleton’s Story
From Kim Kardashian, J.Lo, and Ariana Grande, Chris Appleton has styled the biggest names in Hollywood, but his journey getting there was not easy. Today, Chris opens up about the hustle it took to go from a small-town salon in the UK to red carpets, and the bumps in the road along the way. Chris shares the financial trauma, internal battles, and deep personal work it took to get to the top—and stay there. He gets vulnerable about the struggles behind the success: coming out after being in a heterosexual relationship, the breakthrough moment with Christina Aguilera that allowed him to beat his imposter syndrome, and why the word “fine” isn’t in his vocabulary. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources Find video clips from the pod on Money Rehab’s Instagram and Nicole Lapin’s Instagram Check Out Chris’ Book Your Roots Don’t Define You Find a Financial Advisor or Financial Coach from Nicole’s company Private Wealth Collective Here’s what Nicole talks about with Chris: 00:00 Money Rehab Presents: Chris Appleton 03:01 Childhood Struggles and Financial Trauma 06:53 Telling the Hater Inside to Quiet Down 10:54 Navigating a Scarcity Mindset 13:44 Chris’ Erewhon Smoothie 16:27 Chris’ Early Hustle Days and Evading Train Conductors 21:52 Moving to LA and Chris’ Big Break with Christina Aguilera 26:07 Chris’ Coming Out Story and Hitting Rock Bottom 32:05 Why “Fine” Isn’t Fine 34:52 Why the Hair Salon Feels Like Therapy 38:01 How Chris Built His Reputation and How to Sell the Sizzle 41:46 Lessons from Kim Kardashian 44:42 Chris’ Take on Marriage, Relationships and Self Love 45:01 The Importance of Self-Love and Selectivity 48:46 Chris’ Tip Listeners Can Take Straight to the Bank
How Kindness Became a Billion-Dollar Business Strategy with Daniel Lubetzky
Is kindness an asset or a liability in business? Daniel Lubetsky—founder of Kind Snacks—makes a strong case for kindness as a competitive edge. He joins Nicole to share the behind-the-scenes story of buying out a private equity firm for $220 million to preserve his direction, the difference between being nice and being kind, and why values-driven leadership isn’t just idealistic—it’s strategic. Plus, how he’s helping the next generation of founders build principled, profitable businesses through Camino Partners and Shark Tank. Keep up with Daniel on Instagram Learn more about Camino Partners Read Daniel's Op Ed
How to Stop Overpaying the IRS
Today, Nicole rips the veil off one of the most costly mistakes you're probably making with your money—and no, it's not skipping some secret tax loophole. It's way more basic than that: leveraging how tax brackets work. And avoiding tax talk? It’s bleeding your paycheck dry. Nicole breaks down how the system really messes with you if you’re not paying attention, and how a few strategic (and totally legal) moves can stop the IRS from taking more than its fair share. Bottom line: this episode could be the difference between donating thousands to the government... or keeping it in your wallet.
Caught on Tape: A $100K Insurance Shock Uncovered
Today, Jonathan Aguilera who we're calling the “Robinhood of life insurance”—pulls back the curtain on how certain life insurance policies, especially Indexed Universal Life (IUL), are often misunderstood, aggressively sold— or even predatory. Jonathan has gone viral for helping policyholders get refunds on problematic policies, and today, you get to be a fly on the wall during a live call with a policyholder and the insurer, as Nicole and Jonathan work to help this policyholder get back $100K.
Science-Backed Financial New Year's Resolutions That Work
Every New Year, the same tired money resolutions rear their heads: “Make a budget,” “Save more,” “Track spending.” While those tips aren’t wrong, they’re also not going to change your financial life unless they’re backed by a strategy that actually works with your brain—not against it. In this episode, Nicole cuts through the noise and shares three New Year’s money resolutions that are rooted in behavioral science, psychology, and real research on human behavior. These aren’t just feel-good goals—they’re practical, proven shifts that will help you create lasting financial change without relying on willpower alone.
If You Do the Chores, He Gets the Promotion: The Hidden Economics of Domestic Labor with Eve Rodsky
Women report doing 64% of the domestic labor in their household and the 73% of the mental labor. Eve Rodsky, author of the book and movement Fair Play, has championed not only this research, but also strategies to level the playing field. Today, Nicole and Eve talk about how to make your relationship more fair— and the financial consequences if you don't. Click here to learn more about Eve's work, click here to find Fair Play resources.
How to Create an Investing Plan Like a Billionaire— Even If You're Not One Yet
Have you ever wondered how Warren Buffett came up with his investment strategy? Today, Nicole pulls back the curtain. In this episode, Nicole breaks down how the investing pros create their investing theses, how they stress-test their own ideas, and three famous real-world examples that paid off. Then, Nicole will explain how you can create your own strategy— and how to easily execute on it... today. Paid endorsement. Brokerage services provided by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Investing involves risk. Not investment advice. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool by Public Advisors. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. See disclosures at public.com/disclosures/ga. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and investment values may rise or fall. See terms of match program at https://public.com/disclosures/matchprogram. Matched funds must remain in your account for at least 5 years. Match rate and other terms are subject to change at any time.
Heather Dubrow on Real Estate Wins and Fails, First-Date Refunds and Financial Red Flags
Heather Dubrow (Real Housewives of Orange County) is the real deal; she’s built wealth, made mistakes, learned the hard way, and she’s not afraid to talk about any of it. Today, Nicole and Heather dive into the Dubrows' recent real estate wins and failures, how she and her husband divide financial roles, and how they rebuilt trust after being scammed out of $2 million. Plus, because Heather is the most hilarious, Nicole gets Heather's hot takes on viral money stories.
A Crisis of Financial Confidence is Reshaping the American Dream— Here's How to Navigate It, With U.S. Bank
This episode gets personal. A new survey from U.S. Bank found that many Americans are making smart choices with their money, but many feel progress is elusive because the goals people care about (buying a home, retiring comfortably, building wealth), depend on economic forces beyond their control. Today, Nicole helps you learn the research-backed strategies to improve confidence and work towards your financial goals. To help unpack these strategies, Nicole is joined by U.S. Bank's Scott Ford, Head of Wealth Management at U.S. Bank, and Kate Phelan, California Regional Director of Strategic Wealth Planning and Advice. They cover how to prepare for buying a home, what to prioritize at different life stages, how to approach retirement in a world where it’s getting longer and less predictable, and what small money wins you can start today to build real momentum. They also talk about how to prepare for disaster, and Nicole opens up about rebuilding her life and studio after losing her home in the LA fires. Whether you’re rebuilding from life’s curveballs or just trying to get your financial footing, this episode is packed with real-world advice and heart. Read about U.S. Bank's findings Learn how U.S. Bank can help you with your financial goals All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments.
How To Rewire Your Brain for Success, Make (A Lot) More Money and Supercharge Your Confidence with Mimi Bouchard
Try Activations with a free 14-day trial and exclusive discount at activations.com/moneyrehab. Today, Nicole talks to Mimi Bouchard. She has built a practical, science-backed system for rewiring your brain to create real change in your life. Mimi shares hacks for productivity and confidence, the neuroscience behind manifestation, and how a quick audio pep-talk helped her get out of her own way and build real wealth.
From Crypto to Embryos and Pets: What You Can and Can't Put in a Prenup with Laura Wasser
Nicole has long said that everyone— not just celebrities or billionaires—should have a prenup, and to make that case, she’s joined by the GOAT of divorce law: Laura Wasser. Known for representing A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Johnny Depp, and Britney Spears, Laura brings more than just star power—she’s a fierce advocate for smarter, healthier relationships built on clear communication, especially around money. In their conversation, Nicole and Laura dive into everything from crypto and pet custody to embryos and outrageous prenup clauses—yes, including rumors like the alleged “addiction clause” in Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s agreement. Laura also shares some of the wildest prenup requests she’s encountered and offers a refreshingly honest take on why asking for a prenup (or postnup) isn't divorce planning, it's marriage planning.
What the Greatest Investors Are Investing In Right Now
Nicole breaks down the latest moves from three of the biggest names in investing—Bill Ackman, Cathie Wood, and Warren Buffett—and reveals what you can actually learn from watching the pros. Copying their portfolios might sound like a shortcut to success, but it’s not a cheat code—it’s homework. Nicole shows how studying their strategies can help you spot market themes, understand investor psychology, and fine-tune your own approach. From Ackman’s conviction bets to Cathie’s innovation plays to Buffett’s timeless discipline, you’ll walk away knowing how to learn from the best… while making your own money moves. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any financial decisions or investments. All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Availability of the Investment Plans tool on Public.com is not a recommendation or endorsement of the tool. Public.com does not provide investment, tax or legal advice. For additional disclosures about Investment Plans, go to public.com/disclosures.
Beyond Selling Sunset: Emma Hernan on Setting the Record Straight, Bootstrapping and Running a Family Business
If you only know Emma Hernan from Selling Sunset, buckle up—because that's just part of her story. Emma isn’t just a reality TV star and luxury real estate agent; she’s a self-made business powerhouse who started investing in her family company as a teen and went on to build a vertically integrated food empire from scratch. In this episode, Emma opens up what it’s really like running a family business, and why she believes in being her own rich boyfriend. Of course, we talk Selling Sunset too—how the show’s fame reshaped her life, the financial realities behind filming, and the drama that’s about to explode this season. Bonus: if you’re watching on Spotify or YouTube, you’ll spot her adorable dog trying (and succeeding) to steal the spotlight.
Ever notice that we will talk about everything before we talk about money? Sex? No problem. Politics? Bring it on. Money? Totally taboo. But not for long! Nicole Lapin— the only financial expert you don’t need a dictionary to understand, New York Times best selling author of Rich Bitch, and host of Money Rehab— is here to rehab your wallet, so you can get your financial life together once and for all. Episodes are just ten minutes-ish... no frills, just bite-sized tips and tricks so you don’t waste any time. And Nicole wants to hear from YOU! Email the money questions you want answered to moneyrehab@moneynewsnetwork.com and Nicole will help–and you could even join Nicole on the show for a one-on-one intervention.
