First Things First – On Both Millennials and Podcasts
What is a millennial? Surely you’ve heard this term, but if you’re not one, you might not know exactly who is. The Millennial generation includes about 80 million people who were born between approximately 1982 and 2002. These usually tech-savvy and socially-driven people emerged into the decision-making phases of adulthood in the wake of the Great Recession. “They’ve subsequently had to deal with one of the toughest job markets; and for those fortunate enough to find work, low wages and overwhelming amounts of debt that hinder any savings efforts.”
What is a podcast? Ok, if you haven’t heard of millennials OR podcasts, you might be living under a rock. Podcasts are like commercial-free radio broadcasts about specific topics. They take big lumps of information and cut them up into bite-sized pieces in an entertaining, often free form. Between 2006 and 2012, the percentage of podcast users increased by 163% and that was only the meager beginning of podcast popularity. Many of the podcasts popular in 2017 are dramatic sagas, comedy sets, and rambling rants in addition to informative discussions. Regardless of content, one thing is for sure, people are listening – like 57 million Americans monthly!
How are Podcasts Changing the Game for Millennials?
Millennials get a bad rap for having unconventional beliefs regarding finances, travel, definitions of success, and planning the future for ourselves and our families. “They’re often described as pampered, lazy and entitled. And, with regard to personal finances, many believe millennials don’t have a firm grip on their money.” But luckily, this diverse generation is also very adaptable.
Young adults who know nothing about managing money will know everything about finding resources to help them manage their money. Instantaneous knowledge, expert advice, or protection against the unknown is at the push of a button (or now at the sound of two words, ”Ok, Google…”). When challenges arise, Millennials are not as much lazy, as resourceful.
In fact an entrepreneurial or DIY, digital approach is standard these days. Need to know about an upcoming personal finance issue? There’s a blog from someone who just found the resolve for that. Looking for the fine print in a mortgage (for a home you can’t believe you just bought!)? There’s an app for that. Setting up a 401K you know absolutely nothing about? There’s a podcast for that.
Personal finance podcasts for millennials are changing the game. They are making little mini-experts on the topics of personal finance, the stock market, and entrepreneurship, and more. Podcasts and the many resources at our fingertips offer new, powerful ways to learn about money.
Top Personal Finance Podcasts for Millennials in 2017
This extensive list is compiled from multiple other lists of ‘top’ financially-related podcasts PLUS some of my own experiences listening to them. Everyone has their own style of learning something new, and some of these might be good for you, others not so much. There are also plenty more to choose from, so explore the podcast universe to find your favorites. But if you were born between 1982 and 2002, sound advice: listen to at least one of these life-changing personal finance podcasts for millennials and break the stereotype!
Millennial Money Minutes – Stacking Benjamins – Listen Money Matters – Rich Dad Radio Show
The Dough Roller Money Podcast – You Need a Budget (YNAB) – Money Girl; Quick and Dirty Tips – Feed the Pig
Motley Fool Answers – Freakonomics Radio – So Money with Farnoosh Torabi – Two Guys and Your Money