Best Investing Podcasts for Beginners
Skip the stock-picking shows. These 7 podcasts teach real investing skills: asset allocation, tax strategy, behavioral finance, and building wealth with index funds.
Don't have time? Here's what you need to know:
- 1Start with the Bogleheads on Investing podcast and The Money Guy Show for the strongest investing foundation
- 2Two podcast episodes per week for a year gives you more investing education than most people get in a lifetime
- 3Skip shows that focus on stock picks, day trading, or hyping specific investments
- 4The best investing content feels boring -- that means it is teaching principles instead of selling excitement
7 Podcasts That Teach Real Investing Skills
The Bogleheads on Investing Podcast: Named after Vanguard founder Jack Bogle, this show interviews top financial experts about index investing, tax efficiency, and retirement planning. Episodes are 30-45 minutes. Perfect for beginners who want evidence-based strategies without hype.
Rational Reminder: Hosted by portfolio managers Ben Felix and Cameron Passmore. Each episode breaks down an investing question using academic research. Topics include factor investing, the role of bonds, and why most active managers underperform. More detailed than most, but incredibly educational.
The Money Guy Show: Brian Preston and Bo Hanson focus on practical personal finance and investing. They frequently discuss 401(k) strategies, Roth conversions, and how much to save at different ages. Good for people who want actionable advice tied to specific income levels and life stages.
More Shows Worth Adding to Your Queue
ChooseFI: Focuses on financial independence but covers excellent investing fundamentals. Their episodes on tax optimization and expense ratios are standouts. Afford Anything: Paula Pant interviews financial experts about real estate, index funds, and the psychology of money. Great mix of practical tips and mindset.
The Plain Bagel: Richard Coffin explains investing concepts clearly with a Canadian perspective that still applies broadly. Topics like how ETFs work, market efficiency, and bond pricing are covered well. Animal Spirits: Ben Carlson and Michael Batnick discuss current market events and investing history in a conversational, accessible format.
| Podcast | Best For | Episode Length | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogleheads on Investing | Evidence-based index investing | 30-45 min | Biweekly |
| Rational Reminder | Deep academic research on investing | 60-90 min | Weekly |
| The Money Guy Show | Practical financial planning by age | 45-60 min | Weekly |
| ChooseFI | Financial independence + tax optimization | 60 min | Weekly |
| Afford Anything | Psychology of money + real estate | 45-60 min | Weekly |
| The Plain Bagel | Clear concept explanations | 15-30 min | Weekly |
| Animal Spirits | Market commentary + history | 45 min | Weekly |
Getting the Most Out of Investing Podcasts
Listen during your commute or while exercising. Two episodes per week for a year gives you roughly 100 hours of financial education -- more than most MBA courses cover on personal investing. Start with the Bogleheads podcast and The Money Guy Show for the strongest foundation.
Take notes when you hear a concept you do not understand, then look it up later. Our investing glossary covers most common terms. Do not try to implement every strategy you hear about. Pick one simple approach (like a three-fund portfolio of VTI, VXUS, and BND) and stick with it.
Tip: Beware of podcasts that recommend specific stocks or promise market-beating returns. The best investing podcasts teach principles, not stock tips.
Want the full framework? This 2-hour ETF course teaches you exactly how to pick, buy, and hold profitable ETFs — from zero to confident investor. Under $15.
What to Skip
Avoid shows that focus on day trading, options strategies, or cryptocurrency speculation. These target entertainment, not education. Also skip any podcast where the host sells a course at the end of every episode -- the free content is usually just a sales pitch, not useful instruction.
The best investing content is boring. If a podcast makes you excited to trade, it is probably bad for your returns. If it makes you feel confident about staying the course with index funds and automatic contributions, it is doing its job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn investing basics from podcasts?
About 20-30 episodes (roughly 2-3 months of regular listening) will give you a solid foundation. After that, most episodes will reinforce what you already know with new angles and examples. You do not need to become an expert to invest successfully -- the basics cover 95% of what matters.
Are YouTube channels better than podcasts for learning?
Both are good. YouTube is better for visual concepts (reading charts, understanding fund pages), while podcasts are better for in-depth discussion and interviews. Ben Felix's YouTube channel is excellent for research-backed investing topics.
Should I follow investing advice from podcast hosts?
Follow the general principles (low costs, diversification, long-term focus) rather than specific recommendations. Every host has different circumstances than you. The value of podcasts is building your knowledge so you can make informed decisions for your own situation.
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Alex Harrington
CFA Level II Candidate, Finance & Economics
Alex Harrington is an independent ETF researcher and personal finance writer with over 8 years of experience analyzing exchange-traded funds. A CFA Level II candidate with a background in economics, Alex has reviewed 800+ ETFs and helped thousands of beginners build their first investment portfolios through clear, jargon-free education.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.