My Two Cents: Finance for Teens & Young Adults

Mahima @ The FinIQ Initiative

"My Two Cents" makes sense of the financial world with real talk, relatable stories, and practical advice you can actually use. Whether you're a teen just starting out or a young adult ready to take control of your money, this podcast gives you the mindset, tools, and tips to build a financially confident future and build your financial identity. Hear from students, entrepreneurs, and experts as we break down how to make smart money moves, starting today.

  1. 4d ago

    Behavioral Insights into Investing: Overconfidence Bias

    In this episode of My Two Cents, we explore overconfidence bias: the tendency for investors to overestimate what they know, how well they can predict the market, or how skilled they are at picking winners. Listeners will learn how overconfidence can lead to too much trading, too much risk, and too little attention to what could go wrong. Research mentioned in this episode: Barber, B. M., & Odean, T. (2000). “Trading Is Hazardous to Your Wealth: The Common Stock Investment Performance of Individual Investors.”  https://faculty.haas.berkeley.edu/odean/papers/returns/individual_investor_performance_final.pdf Gao, H., Shi, D., & Zhao, B. (2021). “Does Good Luck Make People Overconfident? Evidence from a Natural Experiment in the Stock Market.”  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0929119921000547 Hoffmann, A. O. I., & Post, T. (2014). “Self-Attribution Bias in Consumer Financial Decision-Making: How Investment Returns Affect Individuals’ Belief in Skill.”  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214804314000597

    8 min

  2. 5d ago

    Behavioral Insights into Investing: Why Smart Investors Still Make Bad Decisions

    Why do smart people still make investing mistakes? In the first episode of the series Behavioral Insights into Investing, My Two Cents explores how behavioral biases like overconfidence, herding, loss aversion, and the disposition effect can shape the way individual investors trade, react to risk, and make decisions. This episode also looks at why financial literacy matters, especially for teens who are increasingly interested in investing. Educational and awareness purposes only. Not investing advice. Research used in this episode: Schwab 2026 Teen Investing Survey: 95% of teens are interested in learning more about investing, and 70% are very or extremely interested in investing. (aboutschwab.com)Systematic review on behavioral biases affecting individual investors: EmeraldBehavioral biases and individual stock investor behavior/performance: ScienceDirectFinancial literacy and behavioral biases in investment decisions: Frontiers in Psychology / PMCFinancial literacy moderating behavioral biases and investment decisions: Emerald

    10 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    Teen-to-Investor Playbook with Gio Ahern: Investing terms, PE vs VC, and Health tech

    In this episode, Mahima interviews Gio Ahern, an investing partner at Andreessen Horowitz, discussing his journey from high school to a career in investing. They explore the daily life of an investor, essential skills for young investors, and the differences between private equity and venture capital. Gio breaks down complex investment terms and shares insights on trends in healthcare technology. He also offers practical advice for young adults on personal finance, resources for learning about investing, and the importance of starting early with brokerage accounts and index funds. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the nature of money and investing, emphasizing a steady and boring approach to personal finance.

    34 min

  4. 11/13/2025

    Scam-Proof Your Brain (Part 2): Digital Scams

    In Part 2 of our "Scam-Proof Your Brain" series, we examine three digital scams that disproportionately affect teens: online shopping fraud, imposter scams, and cryptocurrency investment schemes. Mahima explores the phenomenon of perceived financial success in cryptocurrency, highlighting how social media influences investment behaviors and contributes to fraudulent activities by exploiting herding behavior. The episode also discusses other digital scams exploiting present bias and authority bias.  Episode references peer-reviewed research from the University of Rhode Island, Harvard Medical School, the National Institutes of Health, and the University of Vaasa.

    12 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    Scam-Proof Your Brain (Part 1): Scholarship & Job Scams

    In Part 1 of our "Scam-Proof Your Brain" series, Mahima examine's fake scholarship and job scams - two of the most common frauds targeting teens. Discover how scammers exploit scarcity and urgency manipulation to bypass critical thinking, and learn why optimism bias makes even smart people vulnerable. This episode references peer-reviewed research from Taylor's University, the Better Business Bureau Institute, and the FINRA Foundation.

    11 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    Teen Finance 101: A Real Conversation With a Financial Advisor

    In this episode, Mahima interviews financial advisor Nicolle Willson, of Team Hewins, who shares her journey and insights into financial planning. They discuss the role of a financial advisor, the importance of early financial habits, and practical money management tips for young adults. The conversation also touches on the future of personal finance, including digital trends and the importance of building a healthy relationship with money.

    30 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    Your Health, Your Wealth: Green Smoothies and Smart Spending

    This episode explores the financial aspects of wellness, discussing why healthy living can feel expensive and how to make smarter financial choices around food and fitness. Mahima highlights the growth of the wellness economy,  factors contributing to high prices, and offers global examples of affordable health solutions. The episode concludes with practical tips for integrating health and wealth, emphasizing the importance of building habits that are both cost-effective and beneficial for long-term wellness. Quick note: This podcast is just for info and learning - we’re not promoting any apps or products.

    11 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    Your Health, Your Wealth: The Teen Guide to Health Insurance

    Are you a teen / young adult? Heading to college in a few years? Starting a new job? Traveling out of your country for vacation or study abroad program?  If you answered yes to any of these - this episode is for you.   Learn the basics of health insurance, including key terms like premiums, deductibles, and copays. Explore different health insurance models around the world, practical tips for navigating health insurance and common myths that need debunking.

    12 min
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About

"My Two Cents" makes sense of the financial world with real talk, relatable stories, and practical advice you can actually use. Whether you're a teen just starting out or a young adult ready to take control of your money, this podcast gives you the mindset, tools, and tips to build a financially confident future and build your financial identity. Hear from students, entrepreneurs, and experts as we break down how to make smart money moves, starting today.

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