What We Spend

Latest Episodes:

Laying the Foundation Sep 17, 2025

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It’s not always easy being a woman in construction. But for Alden, a union carpenter in Massachusetts, the challenges come with a big payoff: the most financial stability she’s ever had.

The Cost of Feeding America, from Giving Done Right Sep 15, 2025

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Sharing an episode of Giving Done Right, a podcast from the Center for Effective Philanthropy about how to make an impact with your charitable giving.

Shifts in federal policy and funding have profoundly impacted the nonprofit sector, and it has never been more urgent that donors act decisively and wisely. You’ll hear from experts across the social sector who shed light on the rapidly shifting landscape of need and the crucial, but complex, role of charitable giving in filling critical gaps. In this episode, Julie Butner, president and CEO of one of the largest food banks in the U.S., reveals that food bank clients are often working families who simply can't afford basic necessities. She explains how modern food banks have evolved far beyond emergency food distribution to address root causes through healthcare partnerships, nutrition education, and community gardens. The eye-opening conversation challenges common misconceptions about who needs food assistance and addresses debates about the roles of government and private philanthropy.

You can listen to more Giving Done Right at https://link.mgln.ai/whatwespend.

Here Comes the Bill Sep 10, 2025

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Dan is a university post doc in the midwest. He’s getting married next spring— and discovering just how expensive weddings really are.

Death Admin Sep 03, 2025

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A few years ago, Alissa suffered the devastating loss of her husband. In the aftermath, she was left to navigate not just grief, but all the financial questions and decisions that came with his death —finding work, supporting four kids, and the emotional weight of figuring out how to use the money he left behind.

If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com

Joint Accounts Aug 27, 2025

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Charli is a filmmaker living in the Bible Belt. They’re on the brink of a big step in their relationship – moving in together and merging finances.

If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com

New Grad, Now What? Aug 20, 2025

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Jacob just graduated college in Wisconsin — but his degree in computer science might not mean what it used to. Now, he’s struggling to land a full-time job and questioning what comes next.

If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com

Business is Booming Aug 13, 2025

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Mick owns a fireworks shop in Indiana. We'll follow him during the week leading up to July 4th — his busiest and most profitable time of year.

If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com

Surviving DOGE Aug 06, 2025

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Scotty is a federal employee in Washington, D.C. He's made it through multiple rounds of DOGE layoffs, but the uncertainty has forced him to think more seriously about the future—and whether, even if he keeps his job, he can afford the life he wants.

If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com

I Try to Be Transparent About My Level of Privilege Jul 30, 2025

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Morgan works as a consultant, but her income is not the only thing making her life possible. She’s opening up about her financial privilege, her relationship to it, and why she thinks more people should do the same.

If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com

How To Be a (Working) Rock Star Jul 23, 2025

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Mel is a touring musician based in Pennsylvania. But despite her many successes in the music industry, she still has to work odd jobs to fund her rock star dreams.

If you want to be on What We Spend, we'd love to hear from you. Write us at whatwespendpodcast@gmail.com

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