
About this episode
This show exists to help you make smart decisions with your money. But if we’re being honest, How To Money might not be as necessary if the financial system weren’t so confusing in the first place. For a lot of people, navigating modern money realities feels like swimming in shark-infested waters with high stakes, unclear rules, and the potential for costly mistakes at every turn. Our guest today is Professor John Campbell, author of the book Fixed: Why Personal Finance is Broken and How to Make It Work for Everyone. John is an economics professor at Harvard, who believes the financial system has a responsibility to serve ordinary people with products they can understand, afford, and safely use. Today, we’re talking about what’s broken in personal finance and what real solutions could look like. We specifically discuss:
- Disparities in financial products
- Complexity in personal finance
- Problematic financial products
- Human behavior when it comes to money decisions
- Dangers of loyalty
- Limitations of individual responsibility
- What a rebuilt financial system could look like
- Balancing protection and freedom
- … and additional topics!
Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
- John Campbell: Be sure and check out John’s new book, Fixed.
- Credit card perks: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
- Money Gears: Knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
- Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
- Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!
And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!
Best friends out!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get every episode summarized
Each time How to Money publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from How to Money

Friday Flight - Car Insurance Competition, Early Retirement Increasing, & HOA Ho...
How to Money

Build a Retirement You'll Actually Enjoy w/ Wes Moss #1187
How to Money

Ask HTM - 3% Mortgage Paydowns, Brokerage Account Tax Bills, & Am I “Extra” For...
How to Money

Friday Flight - America’s Debt Debacle, Perpetual Shopping, & Mystery Vacations...
How to Money