So Money with Farnoosh Torabi

Today’s episode is a powerful conversation about legacy, love, and how technology is reshaping the way we protect our wealth and our families. My guest is Martha Underwood [https://getprismm.com/team], a 25-year tech veteran and the founder and CEO of Prismm [https://getprismm.com/], a digital vault platform that helps families and financial institutions securely manage documents, streamline inheritance transfers, and reduce the chaos that often comes with crisis. Prism was born out of Martha’s own family emergency—when her father was injured during Hurricane Irma and no one could locate the documents needed to access care or funds. Since then, she’s made it her mission to protect consumers—especially women—from being left out or left behind when it matters most. In our conversation, we talk about the rise of AI bias and what it means for your money, the real risks of becoming unbanked, and how your data—yes, even your browsing history—can be used to make financial decisions about you without your knowledge or consent. Martha also shares smart, practical advice for how to start important legacy conversations with your aging parents, and why women must play a leading role in shaping the future of financial technology.

Today’s guest is no stranger to reinvention—or to messiness. Maryam Banikarim [https://www.maryambnyc.com/maryam-banikarim-bio] is a powerhouse C-suite executive turned podcast host whose résumé reads like a tour through media, hospitality, tech, and purpose-driven leadership. She’s served as Global CMO at companies like Hyatt, Gannett, and Nextdoor. But in her latest chapter, Maryam is pulling back the curtain on the glossy LinkedIn life and telling the truth, the messy, nonlinear, sometimes gut-wrenching truth, about what it really takes to build a career, a family, and a sense of self. Her new podcast, The Messy Parts, [https://www.themessypartspodcast.com/] is a must-listen for anyone navigating personal and professional pivots. It’s raw, wise, and often hilarious, featuring guests like SNL alum Ana Gasteyer, Broadway composer Tom Kitt, and billion-dollar founders Cass and Mike Lazerow. In our conversation, Maryam and I talk about everything from career burnout to billion-dollar regret, the emotional toll of job loss, the value of taking a pause, and why being honest about your struggles is the key to building true community. She also shares why she believes now is the exact right time to have these conversations—and why you don’t have to be “perfect” to be successful.

This week: Topics covered include the financial implications of divorce, starting an investment account for children, addressing a toxic workplace, and planning for a new business venture. Farnoosh also discusses a concerning trend on TikTok about 'stay at home girlfriends' and provides practical advice on managing personal finances and investments effectively. Additional discussions include tips for college students to gain an edge in their fields and the decision-making process behind forming a business entity.

Today’s guest has long been a trusted voice in the world of smart shopping and consumer advice, and now she’s turning her attention—and resources—to a new mission: empowering midlife entrepreneurs. Trae Bodge [https://truetrae.com]is a journalist, television commentator, and consumer expert who’s helped millions save at the checkout. However, after the passing of her mother in 2023, Trae felt compelled to do something more profound and personal. In this episode, we discuss her newest venture, the Threadneedle Alley Foundation [http://www.threadneedlealley.org], a nonprofit she recently launched to provide $5,000 grants and mentorship to midlife entrepreneurs facing financial hardship. The organization is named after the street where her mother ran a beloved small business for decades, and this work is Trae’s way of honoring that legacy while addressing a gap she’s long observed in her professional life: great small business ideas without the resources or support to thrive. We explore why midlife is often the perfect time to launch a business, the biggest misconceptions around starting over at 40 or 50, and how we can all think more creatively and fearlessly about what’s next. Trae also shares some Prime Day shopping tips [https://truetrae.com/amazon-prime-day/] and how to make sure you’re not getting duped by false “deals.” Whether you’re dreaming up your second act or just trying to save a little money this week, there’s something for you in this conversation.

Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist, behavioral finance expert, and New York Times bestselling author. His works, The Laws of Wealth and The Behavioral Investor have transformed how we think about investing by shedding light on the emotional and cognitive biases that often shape our financial behavior. He also serves as Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions [https://orion.com/thought-leader/daniel-crosby], guiding advisors in helping clients align their investments with what matters to them. Today, Daniel is here to discuss his latest book, The Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning. [https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Wealth-reflections-money-meaning/dp/1804090441] This book challenges the conventional approach to wealth by diving into its emotional dimensions. It explores how financial well-being is not just about accumulation but also about aligning money with personal values and meaning. Daniel encourages us to reflect deeply on what it means to live a wealthy life—not just financially but emotionally and spiritually.