Child Star Finances (w/ Josh Peck)

Summary

Financial Tea with Mrs. Dow Jones

Episode: Child Star Finances (w/ Josh Peck)

Date: June 25, 2026
Host: Haley Sacks (Mrs. Dow Jones)
Guest: Josh Peck

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Overview

In this episode, Haley Sacks (aka Mrs. Dow Jones) sits down with actor, comedian, and social media star Josh Peck to unpack the realities of child star finances. Together, they break down what Josh actually earned during his Nickelodeon days, how becoming the breadwinner as a child shaped his outlook on money, and how he’s navigated personal finance into adulthood. They cover everything from the myth of residuals to building generational wealth and the influencer economy. Josh shares candidly about his upbringing, his relationship with his family, and the lessons he’s carrying into his own parenting.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. How Much Did Josh Peck Actually Earn as a Child Star?

• Earnings Breakdown (02:16, 15:57):
  • Started with $3,000/episode on the Amanda Show.
  • Finished Drake & Josh at $15,000/episode across 60 episodes (~4 years).
  • Total gross: $900,000.
  • After agent/manager/taxes: netted about half — ~$450,000.
  • “So really, we were making about $125,000 a year.” (Josh Peck, 02:44, 16:28)
• Reality Check:
  • Not “set for life”; comparable to a dentist’s salary spread over just four years.
  • No residuals on kids’ TV from that era: “There’s no residuals on Kids TV. From back then, at least. Which is okay. But... the final episode, we were done.” (Josh Peck, 19:31)

2. Financial Insecurity, Mindset, and Family Dynamics

• Josh’s Upbringing (14:46, 17:17):
  • Raised by a single mom, income fluctuated between low middle class and broke.
  • Became the breadwinner as a teen, supporting both himself and his mother.
  • This bred deep financial insecurity and obsession with frugality.
  • “If you haven’t ingrained in you that you never want to be broke again, you will run like your pants are on fire for as long as you can.” (Josh Peck, 17:17)
  • Used to stress over minor expenses/late charges, seeing them as huge failures.
  • Mom was supportive in building his financial literacy later on.

3. Negotiating as a Young Actor: The Industry Context

• Limited Leverage (20:10):
  • Few negotiation opportunities; only one network for kids’ programming.
  • Couldn’t play networks off each other — “take it or leave it.”
• On Not Having Residuals or Group Negotiations:
  • “None of the child actors did that.” (Host, 19:55)
  • Compared to shows like Friends, where adult cast negotiated collectively.

4. Long-Term Financial Habits and Philosophy

• Frugality Stays (30:53):
  • Still scrutinizes convenience charges and keeps close eye on expenses.
  • Values investing in time-saving luxuries (e.g., childcare) over flashy purchases.
  • Avoids rapid lifestyle inflation.
  • “I try to be pretty on top of that and I just don’t change my lifestyle much.” (Josh Peck, 31:03)
• Investment Strategy (24:26):
  • Index funds, boring compounding, long-term perspective.
  • Avoids speculative or risky “get rich quick” schemes.
  • “Good old-fashioned boring investing. Sounds right up. Sounds really hot.” (Josh Peck, 24:29)
• Financial Security:
  • Maintains more liquidity than strictly necessary; it’s “not optimized,” but feels safe given his childhood.

5. Parenting, Generational Wealth, and Values

• On Raising His Own Children (21:57, 22:15):
  • Inspired by Warren Buffett: “Enough so they can do anything, but not enough that they can do nothing.”
  • Wants to give his kids security but also the freedom and drive that comes from striving.
  • Open to subsidizing meaningful-but-low-paying careers if his children choose them.
  • “It means everything,” to be able to fund his kids’ education funds and support them.
• Financial Team and Influences (23:27):
  • Praises his accountant, his mother, and his Big Brother from the Big Brother Foundation (Dan), who writes books on finance.

6. Life as an Influencer vs. Traditional Hollywood

• New Revenue Streams (44:56):
  • Social media offered new, steady income sources: first brand deal in 2014 for $5,000 via Vine.
  • “Social media made me confident to marry my wife. It made me confident enough to have kids because I knew… something comes up every couple weeks, every couple months, and it’s. It’s everything.” (Josh Peck, 46:19)
  • Brand deals now range from five to six figures.
• Content Creation Process:
  • Consistency and creative output are key, but “it’s not easy money.”
  • Social media income allowed for more professional/personal flexibility than acting.

7. Lifestyle Choices, Real Estate, and Asset Allocation

• Premise on Asset Building (29:54, 30:13):
  • Skeptical of flashy real estate; values flexibility (“house rich” stresses him out).
  • Understands why high net worth individuals focus on assets and tax incentives.
• Lifestyle Inflation:
  • “Don’t adjust your lifestyle for a really long time… pick those small ways to upgrade your life but don’t overhaul it.” (Josh Peck, 50:26)
• Monthly Cost of Living (31:56):
  • Overhead is around $30–$40K/month, largely due to children and helping his mom.
  • Thinks carefully about each major expense, and values spending on time/family over things.

8. Marriage & Family Financial Dynamics

• Combining Finances (39:06–39:11):
  • No prenup, everything combined.
  • Wife raised with financial security but no flash, which balanced Josh’s own anxieties and made him healthier about money.
  • Wife’s “value of enough” and sense of boundaries keeps their family grounded.
  • “She doesn’t have any of my isms. It’s so annoying. I love that different way of looking at money in life.” (Josh Peck, 40:04)
• On Supporting Parents (43:03):
  • Josh still supports his mom, but she’s respectful of the money because “she was there for every second of it.”
  • Values letting his mother enjoy small luxuries in her 80s.

9. Favorite Purchases, Mistakes, and Money Moments

• First “Rich Person” Purchase:
  • Took a Bali vacation using social media money; flew premium economy, splurged on checked bags. (52:02)
• Most Expensive Mistake:
  • Rode an investment all the way up and all the way down; didn’t lose principal but missed gains. (52:23)
• Surprising Spending Habits:
  • Spent $9,000 at Costco last year, mostly due to family size. (53:00)
• Advice on Building Wealth:
  • “You don’t get rich quick… buy things that you cannot look at for the next 30 years.” (Josh Peck, 24:31)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “If you haven’t ingrained in you that you never want to be broke again, you will run like your pants are on fire for as long as you can.”
  – Josh Peck, (17:17)

• “There’s no residuals on Kids TV. From back then, at least. Which is okay. But... the final episode, we were done.”
  – Josh Peck, (19:31)

• “I want [my kids] to know that the true, you know, virtuous jobs that unfortunately don’t pay in our society, like, that they can choose that as an avenue and hopefully I can subsidize them.”
  – Josh Peck, (22:15)

• “Good old-fashioned boring investing. Sounds right up. Sounds really hot.”
  – Josh Peck, (24:29)

• “I was the number one person on Vine… and then King Bach beat me, and he deserves it.”
  – Josh Peck, (45:06)

• “Don’t adjust your lifestyle for a really long time… pick those small ways to upgrade your life but don’t overhaul it.”
  – Josh Peck, (50:26)

• On spending at Costco:
  “She’s like, oh, yeah, you spent $9,000 at Costco last year. I was like, what?”
  – Josh Peck, (53:00)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:16: Josh breaks down what he earned on The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh.
• 14:46–18:40: Josh discusses childhood financial insecurity, becoming breadwinner, and money mindset.
• 19:31: Reality of TV residuals for child star work—there are none.
• 20:10: Negotiation differences between child stars and adult actors.
• 22:08–22:38: On building generational wealth for his kids.
• 24:26–24:44: Investment philosophy: index funds, compounding, long-term thinking.
• 30:53–31:13: Discussing monthly overhead, childcare, and frugal habits.
• 39:06–40:07: Family finances and the influence of his wife’s healthy money attitude.
• 44:56–46:43: First influencer brand deal and how it changed his finances.
• 50:26–51:09: Advice on not “overhauling” your lifestyle after early success.
• 52:02–53:32: Rapid fire: first splurge, money mistakes, and surprising spending.
• 53:44: Reflections on transparency and financial lessons learned.

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Tone & Style

Relatable and humorous, with honest transparency about topics often shrouded in celebrity mystery—especially childhood earnings and long-term financial planning. The conversation balances pop culture savvy, financial nitty-gritty, and personal reflections, all delivered with warmth and wit.

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Recap Takeaway

Josh Peck’s story busts the myth of the “child star fortune” and shows how early financial challenges and family responsibilities shaped not just his career, but his conservative, long-term approach to money. Whether discussing compound interest, supporting his mother, or TikTok brand deals, Josh remains grounded, candid, and refreshingly focused on what actually matters: stability, flexibility, and freedom from financial stress.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

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[Josh Peck]

We started out making $3,000 an episode on the Amanda show, and then by the time we finished Drake and Josh, so that was like 60 episodes total for the whole show. The average rate per episode was about $15,000. So over four years we wound up making about 900 grand. But I think we probably between agent manager and taxes, we cleared half of that. Yeah. And then.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And you're working so much.

[Josh Peck]

Working so much. And so really are. We were making about 125,000 dol in a year.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

This is Financial Tea. Okay, guys, welcome back to Financial Tea, the podcast where I teach you how to build wealth with a side of market drama, money scandals, and of course, financial pop culture. And today we have Josh Peck in the stew. We're in Los Angeles, our first California episode. Josh Peck, welcome to Financial Tea.

[Josh Peck]

What an honor. I'm so glad to be here in la. LA looks good on.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Thank you so much. You've really only seen me with L. A on me.

[Josh Peck]

I think it's the right. I think it works.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

We can be in a community. But first, let's get into the MDJ Market report. What's up, sippers? Welcome to the MDJ Market Report, where I tell you the stories you need to know to see where the money's moving this week. And today is actually a special summer travel edition. I've just been getting a ton of questions about how to get away this summer. Get those, you know, cute Instagram pics by the beach without going absolutely, completely broke. I know. It's something I'm thinking about, too. I had such a crazy year. I'm trying to take vacation, but damn, those flights to Europe will get you like. It is insane how much money everything is. And by the way, just to do a quick state of the summer travel union, literally, airfares have gone up by 26.7% and lodging is up 30%. So you're not imagining it if you think that things are so expensive. And that's why 90% of millennials and 77% of Gen Z are actually choosing to stay, stay in the US and road trips are becoming super popular. So, like, if you have her stock, I'm jealous of you because everyone's going to be renting cars. So, yeah, this market report is going to be all about what's happening economically that will affect your summer travel. And then I'm just going to give you tips for how to still get away despite it, how to deal with friends with money. If you have any other questions, let me know. But yeah, you deserve to have a break, even if things are more expensive. So 78% of Americans are going to take a trip this summer, which is way up from 2025. It was only 61%. But honestly, what made me pee in my damn pants while I was researching this segment is how people are getting creative like, you know, you might want not want to do a road trip. You might actually want to go away internationally, which is great and there are ways to do it on a budget, but you are definitely gonna have to skip Western Europe. And that is why we are seeing bookings to the Czech Republic up 149%. You know what else is up? Bookings to Kyrgyzstan. Those are up 135%. Catch me in Kyrgyzstan, guys. Australia is up 58. But the ultimate crown goes to our friend Krakow, Poland, where a pint of beer will set you back less than $3. So everyone is popping off in Poland this summer, guys. We're having a Poland girl summer. See you there. See you in Kyrgyzstan. Like go for it. Live, laugh, travel somewhere random where your dollar goes far. Speaking of which, let's go through my best money saving travel hacks. So I sort of just got at this. But number one is yes, go to destinations where your dollar goes. Avoid the Amalfi coast and Mykonos at all costs. Go to Poland, go to Czech Republic, go to Kyrgyzstan. Like you can go to these other cities that will give you that European vibe without requiring a second mortgage. I do this a lot in Greece. I go to Greece every summer. But you will never catch me in Mykonos. You'll never catch me in Santorini. I go to these random ass small islands. It is very inexpensive to get lodging there. The food is reasonably priced. Of course the flight to Athens is expensive, but just going to lesser known places in a known place is a good idea. Okay, my other really good tip, I do this with airfares all the time. And you can do it with hotels too, but book refundable rates early just to secure your spot. Like, I do this all the time booking flights, especially with points. It's really easy to cancel them. You just get the points back. But I heard about this app called Price Sync PR I, S Y N C and they will help you like check the listing before the trip. You can also just manually do this and then just keep an eye on it and see if they do slash the price. And if they do, cancel the original booking and just rebook at that cheaper rate. It's such a good hack. Like I said, I always do this with airfare. And I'm going to start doing this with hotels too. Because when I was in Bermuda, oh my God, I went on the vacation to Bermuda and I got price gouged at the Rosewood. So honey, you better be using Price Sync number three. Book a chic, affordable Airbnb a Few blocks away from the hotel that you really want to stay at and then use resort pass to buy a day pass to that hotel that you really want to go to. And these are like 30 to $40. But you will get full access to their pool deck, the lounge chairs, the elite poolside service. We actually did this in Bermuda at the Rosewood because I couldn't get a room. We were there from like 8am to literally 9pm and we had a really weird loser hotel. But it didn't matter because we got the same luxury experience as people paying like two grand a night to sleep there. And then we just didn't have spend that much. Food is so expensive at those hotels too. So it just cuts the cost down of everything because you're going to have lunch but you can't afford lunch and you know to buy a bed. And then also I would say like this is the summer of road trips. I am scared of doing a road trip with more than one person. Like I wouldn't want to be smushed in the back of a car with so many people. But you know, flights are so expensive right now. Definitely look into just driving. There's so many cool routes and it's going to save you so much because airfares are so, so freaking expensive. Like I'm so upset that spirit is gone. We need more budget airlines. And then I also just wanted to talk quickly about traveling with friends cuz I know this game so well. I've gone on trips with my girlfriends for the last like four or five summers and we've never had an issue with money. And so I think the biggest thing is just to make your budget upfront. I always have used an app to track expenses I will literally pay for split wise. I just cancel it right after the trip. It's worth it. So you got the pro experience. I think the biggest thing is just don't assume that everyone has the same amount of money to spend. Like for me, when I started to do better financially, I would tell my friends like, oh, I will pay for the nicer room for us. I'll pay for the difference if you will, you know, book the trip and plan everything. And so but even if they weren't down for that, like there was never any shame about someone having a different kind of budget. And I will say that you also need to always settle up before the flight home. I always think that it's the best thing to do is the night before the trip ends where you already have a little bit of anxiety about going home. Like and you're packing and you're, you know, thinking about all the shit that you've been forgetting about. Don't wait until you're rushing through airport security or you're distracted or you're back at work. Just do it while you're together. Split everything. It's so much easier. You can talk about it face to face. And I will also say, be careful about who you go on vacation with, because if it's awkward to discuss money with someone before the trip, it's going to be even more awkward during the trip. Okay, now let's get into today's episode with the Incredible Josh Pack. I was obsessed with Drake and Josh growing up, and it has been such a pleasure to get to know Josh. Like, he is truly an incredible human, and he was so open. We talked about everything from growing up at Disney Star, what it really looked like for him to be the breadwinner of his family as a child, and also the actual finances of Drake and Josh because it's a little ugly. Okay, Love you guys. Stay rich. Okay? Every single summer, I go to Greece. It's like my favorite thing in the world. And I'm trying to plan my July trip right now, but travel is crazy right now, and you guys, like, we have to be strategic about how we book it. So Monarch is the personal finance app that tracks everything. Accounts, investments, saving goals, and spending. And you can get your first year of Monarch for half off just $50 with promo code Financial T. And Monarch is basically like having a financial advisor in your pocket. And I'm a very visual person, so Monarch is so good for me. They have diagrams and visualizations that make it easy to see patterns and detect spending associ with the dreaded lifestyle creep. They also help identify financial goals for you, which is huge because sometimes the problem is just like, not knowing where to begin. And you can ask Monarch's AI assistant anything about your finances, like, how much did I spend on travel last summer? Can I afford this vacation without touching my savings? And another cool feature is that you can split the check without the headache. With Monarch's bill split, you literally just scan the receipt. Everyone claims what they got and then settles up without a separate app needs needed. So use code FINANCIALTEA monarch.com to get your first year half off at just $50. That's 50% off your first year at monarch.com with code FINANCIAL T. Did you know that three out of four US homes have toxic chemicals in their tap water? Even though contaminated water looks clear, it could put you at risk for devastating health concerns. And surprisingly, standard fridge and pitcher filters do little to remove most contaminants. And bottled water contains microplastics. What's the solution? Well, it's Aquatru, the countertop water purifier. Tested and certified to remove 84 contaminants, including chlorine, lead, forever chemicals and microplastics. Its patented four stage reverse osmosis system goes way beyond ordinary filters for pure health water you can trust. No plumbing, no installation. Aquatrue has been featured in Business Insider, Popular Science and was named best countertop water filter by good housekeeping. Join 98% of customers who say their drinking water is cleaner, safer and healthier. Go to aquatrue.com now for 20% off your purifier using promo code financial tea. Aqua Tru even comes with a 30 day best tasting water guarantee. That's aquatrue.com a q u a t r u.com promo code financial t, f I N A N, C I, A, L, T E A. So I always do rapid fire questions at the beginning. So like, watch out, they're coming. Yeah. So smart content, you know how it is. So watch out, they're coming. First of all, Josh, what was your best and worst purchase of the week so far? Early.

[Josh Peck]

I mean, we're just starting only Tuesday. Geez Louise. I know. Oh, I'm going to see my mother in Florida, you know.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Oh, that's a big one. You gotta go see mama, the Jewish

[Josh Peck]

mother meetup in South Florida. And I, you know, it's crazy, you know, this straight of her moods.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

No good. The straight of her moods. It all goes back to the straight of her moods.

[Josh Peck]

And I do, you know, I am an avid follower of you. So if you're gonna buy flights right

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

now, gotta use your points, you gotta use them.

[Josh Peck]

But I was actually able to find a nice flight and it's a red eye. Okay, are you ready for this? You tell me.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Okay, you tell me.

[Josh Peck]

I'm a financial guru.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Okay.

[Josh Peck]

Because I do separates. I do, you know, sometimes you gotta separate it. You can't find it in a round trip.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Oh, I always do separate.

[Josh Peck]

Right.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

It's very smart.

[Josh Peck]

Better.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yep, yep.

[Josh Peck]

I found a one way flight. LA to Florida Delta first class. It's 690.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Oh, that's great.

[Josh Peck]

Great.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Oh my God, that's great.

[Josh Peck]

I feel great about it.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I mean even like, whatever, if you're taking the red eye, you're still to me, I'd rather fly well at a weird time.

[Josh Peck]

Totally agree.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You're Josh Peck. To me, you're just, you know, greatest guy in the world, media darling. Like, favorite Instagram follow. So, so funny. But obviously you started on all of our favorite show, Drake and Josh, so you are a very first child star in financial tea. So how much did you actually make on Drake and Josh? Like, did you have visibility into your paycheck, into where it went?

[Josh Peck]

Like, I mean, I came from, like, a lot of financial insecurity growing up. I had a single mom, only child, and we sort of vacillated between being low middle class and then being broke. But she worked in sales, so sometimes we had, like, a great year, and I was getting, like, a new pair of Jordans. And then other times I was, like, calling my grandma to, you know, help us pay for dinner because we had, like, $0. So then when I started working, and on Drake and Josh specifically, and I've talked about this, and it was funny because when I was writing my book, I was much more. I. I wasn't very transparent with the financials of it. And my friend Ryan Holiday, who was sort of like, my book him. He's the best.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. All of his books.

[Josh Peck]

The Stoic books.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, the Stoic books are so amazing.

[Josh Peck]

Two of his biggest notes, because I was like, ryan, I don't want a ghostwriter, but I need, like, a producer. Yeah. Like, someone to send pages to and you can guide me. And one of his biggest notes was like, I would be honest with how much you made. He's like, because to not. Is to not bring people in fully and to give them the full picture.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

And I talk about this. So I think we made. We started out making $3,000 an episode on the Amanda show. And then by the time we finished Drake and Josh, so that was like 60 episodes total for the whole show. The median rate, like, Right. The average rate per episode was about $15,000. So over four years, we wound up making about 900 grand. But I think we probably, between agent, manager and taxes, we cleared half of that. Yeah. And then.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And you're working so much.

[Josh Peck]

Working so much. And so really, we were making about 125,000 a year. People always will say, like, well, compared to so many other tougher jobs, like, who are you to say anything? And I go, I'm not. The only reason I say it is because no one assumes that, you know, or I should say. But people always assume that it's so much more, and why would you ever have to work again? But of course, if you made the salary of a dentist or something like that you couldn't just stop working after four years?

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, 100%. And I want to get back, back to your money story. Because, you know, you, like you said your family didn't have money, but then suddenly as a kid, you became sort of like a breadwinner. So how did flipping that financial dynamic in your household sort of affect your mindset towards money and affect your relationship with your mom?

[Josh Peck]

I just think in general, like, it's. If you haven't ingrained in you that you never want to be broke again, you will run like your pants are on fire for. For as long as you can. And I have. And I saw that in myself forever. Just a deep financial insecurity that drove everything I did and would force me to be very obsessive in bad ways about, you know, these small little micro transactions where I was like really not good at looking at the big picture of things. Because I was so obsessed on just month to month expenses. Because I couldn't get over when something would, you know, I would punish myself if. If for some reason I got a late charge of $20 or something. Cause it just felt so irresponsible. And God forbid I should go back. My buddy Robert has this quote. He says if I get a parking ticket, I go, all right, well, I took one for the team today. Like someone in the world was gonna get a parking ticket.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I'd love that.

[Josh Peck]

It's my turn. And thank God I have the means. And hopefully someone who doesn't have the means didn't get that ticket today. Cause they were busy writing mine.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

That's beautiful.

[Josh Peck]

So I have a better perspective now. But like, at 20, a parking ticket would have floored me. Yeah. A speeding ticket? No, a 500 ticket. I would have been devastated, like weeks or days. But like, to like climb out of that hole of like, how irresponsible. And now what?

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And you held yourself to this really high standard, which is so funny because it's like the work that you do is so joyful and like brings so much levity to people's lives and you make so many people laugh and happy. But then it's like the other side of it is sort of like, you know, you're being really hard on yourself about the financial part of it.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah, I think it was. I just. When we finished doing the show, when I was 19 years old, I had like a little bit of a Runway, but I had to get to work because that certainly wasn't enough money. Supporting my mom and I for four years to kind of not have to worry after another year or two, you

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

sort of touched on this. But of course, like. Like you said, everyone who sees you starring on a huge Nickelodeon show, like Drake and Josh, they're gonna assume that you're set for life. They don't understand it.

[Josh Peck]

Sure.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

But. So what does it actually look like now? Are you earning any residuals? How much is that?

[Josh Peck]

No, there's no residuals on Kids tv.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Wow.

[Josh Peck]

From back then, at least.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Wow.

[Josh Peck]

Which is okay. But. Yeah, there was. It was one. The final episode. We were done.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You were done?

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And did you know, like, anything about the terms and negotiations for that early acting work? Like. Like, were you involved at all? Like, you said it went up to 15k by the end. Like, was that just sort of. Okay, this is what it is.

[Josh Peck]

Was.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Were you privy to, like, you know, any of those talks? Cause now you hear about, oh, the Friends cast all negotiated together, and, like. But on Gilmore Girls, they didn't. And so they got screwed. And so, you know. But I feel like none of the child actors did that.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah. It was a different time, and I think it was. There was only one sort of. There was only one place to do it. Right. I remember growing up and watching shows, like, all that and such a good show, Kenan and Kel, and dreaming of being like, wow, like, there seems to be one place where kids are getting to act at a higher level. And so I think we all sort of accepted that. It wasn't as though we could then go to five other networks or go to YouTube or somewhere else and say, like, well, if you don't give me the opportunity, I've got a bunch of different avenues. It was sort of like, take it or leave it.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

But in the same way, I talk a lot about, like, investing in your human capital and your skills. And it's like, even though you don't have residuals, you got something so valuable from the show, which is that you are burned into the culture. And, like, I. You're. It's earned. Like, I think that even if you hadn't been on the show just because of who you are, you would have found this huge career in media. But there is something to be said, too, for the fact that, like, you have been in our lives since. For so long that now, like, when people see you, there's this familiarity, and it, like, has put you in this different level of social media.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah. I feel very lucky that at that age I had to figure out what was next. And I think the reason why I've been lucky enough and I Give Drake a lot of credit too, as far as like expanding his career and how successful he's been in music and touring and whatnot. And same thing for me, whether it was getting to do Oppenheimer or Ice Age. Ice Age or I did this show called Grandfathered where I played John Stamos son on Oppenheimer, which I just wish I could tell Chubby Josh it was all gonna work out.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. That's amazing.

[Josh Peck]

But yeah, I wonder if I would have had that same drive and desire if I knew that I had a really soft cushion to fall back on.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I love that. And do you think about that with your own kids, like, in terms of generational wealth? Like, are you scared to give them too big of a cushion because you don't want them to not have that grit?

[Josh Peck]

Well, there's that Buffett quote. Right. Like give em enough so they can

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

do anything, but not enough that they can't do anything.

[Josh Peck]

Right.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

And so I wanna make sure that they never have enough to do. Nothing. Nothing. But I also, I want them to be passionate in whatever they do. I want them to know that the true, you know, virtuous jobs that unfortunately don't pay in our society, like, that they can choose that as an avenue and hopefully I can subsidize them in some way because they're meaningful and important jobs.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

But which honestly, I feel like it's better than like even like my parents put my sister through med school. Yeah. And I'm like, putting a doctor in the world is. Is like, what a great use of money.

[Josh Peck]

What a gift.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. What a gift. Like, do whatever you need to do to keep this girl working because it's like, we need doctors.

[Josh Peck]

Looking at my kids 529 every month and knowing that, you know, I'm able to put a little money away every month. Yeah. Through beautiful compound interest. I love it. And the wonderful Vanguard Fund Heaven a V that they'll be, you know, 18 and. And have money to go to a four year. If that's what they choose. Like, it. It means everything.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And how did you gain that financial literacy to, you know, even know about 5, 29 were people brought into your life to help you manage your finances. And even now, like, who's on the team?

[Josh Peck]

You know, I'll give a lot of credit to my mom, who early on, I think just sort of the stakes and what she was going through as a single mom trying to navigate the world, she wasn't as good with money as she was sort of later in her life. And I think There was just a bit of survivor mode, which is understandable. And, and so. But then she was incredibly helpful for me with navigating that stuff, putting great people around me. I have an incredible accountant and I have a big brother from the big brother foundation since I was young.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I love big brother.

[Josh Peck]

It's the best. Since I was 8 years old. And he was the best man at my wedding, Dan.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Wait, really?

[Josh Peck]

He's the best guy I know and I love that he writes books on finance, so.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Oh my God.

[Josh Peck]

He's been incredibly helpful. So I would say, like that triangle of my mom and a wonderful accountant. Shout out. Andrea, we love you. And Dan, I've been really lucky, but I've also been like, growing up the way I did financially, like, it clicked for me immediately where I was like, ah, got you like index funds.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

Like 5 to 7% interest.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Like, you don't get rich quick.

[Josh Peck]

9% on a great year maybe. And like buy things that you cannot look at for the next 30 years and like, not have to look at it every day. I was like, oh, good old fashioned boring investing. Sounds right up. Sounds really hot.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, though. That's how I am too. I'm like, I couldn't be me. When people talk about like getting rich quick and all, it's like, I mean, you must get a lot of deals of angel investing and be part of this company. Yeah. And so, but, but you're more.

[Josh Peck]

I never do it.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

I'm missing out.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

I hear. I mean, I'm, I'm starting to maybe like dabble slightly in that, but. And look, I see people all around me who've taken big swings and have done really well. But I'm like, it's also, I think like the theme of our conversation has been like, taking that silver lining and, and treating it as the blessing and in the sense of these things, these hardships, challenges that we go through. And I had to make sure my mom was okay my whole life. So I couldn't at 19 and 20, take the same swing as a YouTuber that I'll see who might become a millionaire like that. But it's like, but they didn't have to worry. They knew they could always sleep on someone's couch. I knew I could, but my mom can't, like, she's 70, so I knew that I had to keep my shit together as much as I could.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, you wanted stability more than you wanted like these to get rich quick. Yeah. Yeah, I love that. I completely relate to that. And I also think that, like, there's no right financial there. Okay. There's a financial book that I love called, that everyone's read called the Psychology of Money. And in the book, it's the whole thing. He's telling you all the things to do. The index funds, emergency fund, how to pay off debt, why you are the way you are, you know, the whole gamut of a finance book. And then the last chapter, he explains that he doesn't do all this stuff. Stuff that actually what makes him and his wife feel comfortable is to, like, have a little too much in savings.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And like to, you know, maybe, like, they don't take that much risk and like, just because of who they are, they found a financial life that feels really safe for them, but it's not necessarily the one that's the most optimized, but it's the one that works for whatever traumas they're bringing in, which we know your. Your relationship with money is set by the time you're seven years old. So we carry a lot of baggage.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So it's about figuring out how it works you the best.

[Josh Peck]

I'm the same way. Like, knowing that I have a bit of liquidity for, like, those rainy day moments.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. Probably makes you feel really good.

[Josh Peck]

And sometimes I'll talk to, like, my financial advisor and he'll start glitching. He'll be like, it's just sitting there.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

I'll be like, you better believe it, Richard.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You better believe it, Richard.

[Josh Peck]

And he'll be like, what? Treasury bonds? Like, buy some treasury bills?

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Nope, nope. You better keep your hands off Richard. You have a really long term, reasonable outlook with money. I assume you bid in your fair share of rooms, like, filled with rich celebrities. So what do you think is sort of the worst financial advice that celebrities give each other or take to give each other?

[Josh Peck]

I'm not sure. I mean, we had Mr. Beast on the podcast and he was like, if you make your personality your thing, like getting that Lamborghini or getting that fancy prize, like, first of all, best case scenario, you get it and then it's going to become something else.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

It's just not going to live up to the hype. But I would say, like, Like, I just don't think there's any world where you need to posture in any like. Or peacock in any way anymore.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

In my particular business, like, I don't think you need the watch, I don't think you need the car.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

I. I don't think you need. Are there other businesses? I guess if you're A realtor. You should have a nice car ideally.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Oh yeah. Cuz you're. Maybe you're driving people around. Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

I guess you don't want to like pull up like in a 98 like Accord. Even though that would be sick. Like you show up to like a listing in a 2001 Mitsubishi.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Sort of obsessed.

[Josh Peck]

I'm buying from this gu.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I'm like they got value. That's what I care more about. It's like does this person know a dollar?

[Josh Peck]

And there's also like such like you can dress beautifully for like inexpensively and it's mean.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Mango. Mango.

[Josh Peck]

Come on.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Gotta love a little mango quince quits. Oh great. Great podcast sponsor.

[Josh Peck]

We love lasting that. That rich people are buying it. We need multiple homes for. Can't live in all of them.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Can't live at all.

[Josh Peck]

It's gonna become such a stress.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I know. I really. That freaks me out more than anything. Josh is being house rich. Yeah. And I see it all the time. Even with people who have one home. Because in New York it's so ex. I mean it's expensive here but like it's. And to do the renovation and on the Upper east side now it's like this whole peacocking of renovations. Everyone's talking about how long the renovations take. All my renovations, four years. They're delayed. Oh, it's going to be five. Like it's like this. They want you to know that how much renovation they're doing. And I'm like it couldn't be me. I want to rent in New York forever, ever. I love renting.

[Josh Peck]

And what's the maintenance in like all these buildings? We're talking about four or five thousand dollar a month maintenance.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

No. It's so crazy. And I'm like why wouldn't I rent and invest my money and then maybe I'm gonna buy a house that's like a second. A second home but like a you

[Josh Peck]

know, a tax incentive state.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

That's what I was thinking. I'm like Pennsylvania, bring me there. They've got lower tax rate. And it's like go there on the weekends and like it's. You know, we'll be great. But like even there it's like I'm not gonna do the whole thing.

[Josh Peck]

And it's also the stress of you get that place and then it's like we're not there. It's just sitting.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And what about the air conditioner?

[Josh Peck]

Who's watching it?

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, who's there?

[Josh Peck]

It's a money fit.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

But in the same way when you get to a certain level. Like for rich people, they. When you're really rich, you're trying to figure out how to spend your money in the most incentivized way. And real estate has a lot of tax advantages and it is something that is. You're incentivized is good to pass down to hs.

[Josh Peck]

Sure.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So I think that for really rich people, a lot of times the way that you see them spend money is less even about like peacocking and more about like how can I spread my wealth out so that I. Cuz income is the worst kind of money to have Income is so easily taxed. So you want assets. Cuz assets only get taxed really when you sell them.

[Josh Peck]

Yes.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So the more that you can have your money in, in physical things or even stocks, whatever. That's really good.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah, it makes sense. Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. But I think that like for me, like for me I would, I don't. I'm like couldn't be me. Okay, so what's a financial habit that you sort of kept from your struggling years that you feel like still serves you today?

[Josh Peck]

Again, like silly things like convenience charges and whatnot. Like I think I'm pretty. I try to be pretty on top of that and I, I just don't change my lifestyle much.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Like even if you make money, you never increase.

[Josh Peck]

No, I absolutely increase his ness. I mean, look, I started making money when I was a single guy. Now I'm married with three kids.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Three is a lot of kids.

[Josh Peck]

And I still have a Barbara, I still have a mother.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, you got a mother.

[Josh Peck]

That I want to make sure she's okay and she deserves a good life and I want to make sure she's always taken care of. So yeah, I have a healthy overhead, but it doesn't feel like I feel like our luxuries like if we have someone who maybe helps out with the kids for a couple hours during the week or whatever, like that allows my wife time to take care of herself and not feel inundate, you know, constantly inundated. It allows me to work so like those kind of luxuries, I think. As opposed to like something incredibly showy or material.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. Like the one you're buying back time.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Which I really think is the best way to use your money.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So what would you, what do you think is your like overhead per month?

[Josh Peck]

My overhead per month? I don't know, probably I like 30 to 40,000 maybe. A month.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

Somewhere in the there.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And how much is it like per kid? Like do you know when you have A kid, like, oh, it's going to increase it this much or it's not that linear.

[Josh Peck]

Well, you know, because I. I think the big expenses come with child care in the form of, like, you know, either if you have someone who helps when you have a bunch of kids and. Or just preschools are expensive. Right. Like, even, like, my kids are in public school, but, like, which was important to me. Yeah. But, you know, usually preschool isn't free anywhere, so that's going to run you, you know, know, at least, I don't know, two grand a month.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. And in New York, it's insane. Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

Easily private school between a grand and two grand a month.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. That's so much.

[Josh Peck]

Well, the private school hustle is bananas. Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I think it's really great that you're just, like, out of that.

[Josh Peck]

I feel lucky in that way. And look, we. We moved to a place where, like, the taxes and the living reflects. Like, it's not. There's no free lunch. But it was like, I really wanted to have my kids grow up in. In a way that allowed for them to be exposed to everyone as opposed to just an elite few.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I know. That's what I struggle with on the Upper east side, too, where I'm like, I love being by the park, and I love, like, that area, but I also hate that it's a bubble. That's how I feel about members clubs, too. I'm like, it's great that, like, you're in this members club, but then you are so isolated with who you can meet. And to me, like, my favorite people are, like, weird comedians. Like, I started my career doing improv. I'm sorry, like, comment stand up.

[Josh Peck]

I know, I know. Ucp.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Even worse.

[Josh Peck]

You were at ucb. Great. I bet. You were great.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I mean, I don't know.

[Josh Peck]

I'm hoping there's no performances.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yes. I'm sure I was, like, an advanced study. I was loving it. But, like, those are still a bunch of my friends. And it's like. Like, we've taken completely different paths in life. And, like, I. Like, I would never meet them if I was in a bubble.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You know, like, it's like, those are the people who expand your world and who are, like, who connect with you on a different level versus what you have. What a boring thing to be friends with someone based on, like, your socioeconomic status. I would rather connect with someone about anything else. What books I read, what, how, like, mostly vibe. Are you funny? That's really it.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

I find people constantly need others to People need new people in their lives to be pre qualified.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I agree. That's such a good way to put it.

[Josh Peck]

And I'm like, just live a little bit. Yeah. Like have that conversation at the supermarket.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Like, you know, some one that is true. But you know where the one place I don't think it works is dating.

[Josh Peck]

Okay.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Because I think that with dating actually being pre qualified is helpful because if you're going to build a life with someone, it sort of helps if someone has like a similar life to yours.

[Josh Peck]

Sure.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You know, where like I've tried to date people who are like, really different than me and like, want really different things because I'm like, oh, this is interesting. Like they're expanding my world view, all of this. But then it like actually becomes that like your idea of the future is so different than theirs that like, it's never going to match up.

[Josh Peck]

What have you found? Was sort of one of the worst traits that someone you dated where it, it immediately just kind of messed things up between you two.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

When people are like. And I hate when people complain about their jobs. I understand that a lot of jobs suck. And like, I'm not saying that you can't complain, but it's like when you like, I wouldn't want to listen to someone for the next 40 years talk about a life, complain about a life that they're not making any effort to change. You know, like, understand that we all have to do everything, every, like, do things that we don't want to do to get paid. And I. But like, when like, I dated this doctor who I feel like was really like gaming the system. Like, like not going into work sometimes because he was like, they don't pay me enough. Like, and I just was like, sort of weird. Like, I didn't love interesting. You know what I mean? I was like, I don't.

[Josh Peck]

Like, he like works in an er.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, no, he literally worked in the hospital. And he'd be like, yeah, I was woodworking today. And I was like, didn't you have work? And he was like, I left my

[Josh Peck]

pager at the gym. Yeah, someone.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, someone needed you. Yeah. So I was like, okay, great that you're like getting yours. But also like, I'm not a badass in that way. Like, I'm like, I dot my eyes, I cross my TE's. Like, I want to do the best job that I can at what I do. Like, that matters to me. No matter what you're doing, be the best that you can be. And I think also, like, if you're going to have kids with someone like that's who you want to have kids with is someone who's like bringing that energy even if they're not making as much money as you, as long as they're like passionate. You know. Starting something new is so nerve wracking and can take a long time to warm up to do doing before I launched my business or my podcast or started writing my book, it was always the hardest part right before I took like that final leap of faith. But in every case I have been so relieved that I decided to take the risk and it helps to have a partner like Shopify on your side to help Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Alo Yoga and Skims to brands just getting started started. So get the word out like you have a marketing team behind you. You can easily create email and social media campaigns wherever your customers are scrolling or strolling. Best yet, Shopify is your commerce expert. With world class expertise in everything from managing inventory to international shipping to processing returns and beyond. Everything is all in one place, making your life easier and your business operations smoother. It's time to turn those one what ifs into with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com financialtea Go to shopify.com financialtea that's shopify.com financialtea okay, so a lot of people want to start a business but get stuck in the complexity. But Fora removes that barrier by giving you a fully built foundation so you can focus on growing your travel business, not logistics. Fora is a modern travel agency platform designed for entrepreneurs who want to build and scale their own travel business without starting from zero. It combines technology, training and supplier relationships into one unified system. Instead of sourcing partnerships on your own, Fora connects you to a network of over 7,000 preferred travel partners partners unlocking access to VIP client perks like upgrades, resort credits and late checkout. Fora is built to help you launch quickly, operate professionally, and scale with confidence without the traditional barriers to starting a business. Become a Fora advisor [e-mail] financialtea that's F O R A travel.com financialtea and make sure you tell them that we sent you you for travel.com financial tea. You got married relatively early by Hollywood standards.

[Josh Peck]

Super young. I mean we met when I was 24. She was 20.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

That's crazy.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So what was like your financial alignment strategy with your Wife, when you were transitioning from dating to marriage, like, did you combine assets? Do you keep things separate?

[Josh Peck]

Yeah, everything is combined. Sort of. Very standard.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. But no pretty prenup.

[Josh Peck]

No prenup. What's great about my wife is that she grew up, like, in a. In a nice way, but, like, nothing, like, crazy over the top. But I don't think she ever had to worry and had any financial insecurity, which is also a gift I'd like to give my kids.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Like, sounds like you are.

[Josh Peck]

I don't think it's a bad thing.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You know, I don't think. I don't. I think that's a real gift, to not have that stress.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Being a kid is hard enough.

[Josh Peck]

It's totally hard enough. So it was interesting because, like, in. You know, she's not about. She grew up in a beautiful home, so it wasn't about the things. Right. Like, her standard of living was lovely and nice, but, like, it was never about a fancy car or the belt buckle or, like, whatever. The things that I grew up caring about. Yeah. She has made me so much healthier when it comes to money. It's kind of crazy. I love that she doesn't have any of my isms. It's so annoying. I love that different way of looking at money in life.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

What do you think her ways are? Like, what has she taught you?

[Josh Peck]

Sometimes she'll call me and be like, I'm about to go spend $300. I'm like, live. Live a little, like. And, like, obviously, like, that's, you know, like, it matters to her when she's gonna go and spend some money and whatnot. And she's thoughtful about it, but she doesn't have any of that. Like, those deep fears that are irrational,

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

but it's also interesting that you know they're irrational.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

When you see. I mean, there's a lot of portrayals of couples on social media and how they deal with money. And it's sort of like this joke. Joke of, you know, the wife pranking her husband by being like, I paid the mortgage, and him being like, lol. Like, funniest joke ever. You know, like those videos where it's like, the woman is sort of like, I went to Target. Like, I slipped and fell and, like, spent $5,000. Whoops. Honey, like, don't look at your credit

[Josh Peck]

card bill at Target. Yeah. Could you. How could you take you all day? I know you have to, like, 10 carts.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I mean, a lot of people will clear their schedules.

[Josh Peck]

I love Target run at, like, 9 o' clock at night that there's a real dream. And they don't know from that because you're a city girl.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Nobody grew up. House, double house. I had a house in Bedford, and so we would go and they had really good snacks.

[Josh Peck]

What a gift. Just walking the aisles in a nice Target with a fountain beverage.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, a fountain beverage, yes.

[Josh Peck]

Just throwing stuff in the cart because. Why not?

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Why not? Yes, yes. You know, it does add up, but, like, who am I? And I'm buying art supplies, by the way. Am I ever using them? No, but I'm gonna buy, like, 1200 different markers, canvas. Yes. I need it.

[Josh Peck]

I need it.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Brings out the artist in me. But. So do you feel like, on the way that social media portrays, like, relationships and money, like, how do you feel about that?

[Josh Peck]

I don't know. I feel lucky that my wife's like, I don't want to be in your social media for the most part. Like, we're not a social media couple. I don't show my kids.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

When you show your wife, though, rarely do you feel like it outperforms?

[Josh Peck]

No. Here and there. I mean, like, people enjoy seeing it. And she has her own, you know, social media profile. Like, I actually think she wouldn't mind if I asked her more, But I'm, like, conditioned in a good way. Like, she's not going to do sticky bits with me. Yeah. Because she has, like, healthy boundaries. I'm like, what are those? Yeah. Like, yeah, Like, I don't recognize him. I'm like, yeah. You know, they're about to yell, action. Get on your mark. And she's like, I'm a whole person. Like, I did not grow up the way you did. And it's healthy. And she's like. And in so many business decisions I make where, you know, something will be a good rate, like, something that could be some good money, but just long term. It's just like, it's not a net positive for where I'm trying to go or what I'm trying to do. And she'll be like, for. For what? Like, we're okay.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

That's so good. So she also teaches. She teaches you the value of enough, but also how to say no.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah. Which is everything.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

Literally for someone like me.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So you support your family financially, Obviously. It's like a. Takes a village to raise three kids and, you know, equal partners, all of that. But you also support your mom, and it sounds like you have really good boundaries with your mom, with your wife about. Or, like, a good relationship with your wife about. Sharing money. But, like, with your mom, do you ever feel like you have to be like, she needs to call you and be like, josh, I'm about to spend $300.

[Josh Peck]

You don't know Barb.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I want to know Barb. No Barb out there just, like, swiping the card, living.

[Josh Peck]

No, she's super respect because she knows she was there for every second of it. I'm surrounded by people who really understand where. Where we all came from. And it's a pleasure. And she's 82. She had me later in life.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

What a guest.

[Josh Peck]

She's turning 82 on Wednesday. I'm going to go see her.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So sweet.

[Josh Peck]

And. And so let her enjoy.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Let them.

[Josh Peck]

So if she wants to order avocado with her cob set salad, let her.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Let her.

[Josh Peck]

Come on. Come on. You know, I'm like, get the good locks. You don't have to get the Costco locks. Costco has great locks. But I'm like, if you want to get the higher end, Nova for your bagel, live a little.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

How does the money compare as an influencer versus an actor?

[Josh Peck]

When I was 15 years old and started making money on Drake and Josh, it was sort of like, I was like, okay, this. This gives me a lot of power. Like, and it gave me a lot of security. And I was like, I'll never. I'll do everything within my power to be able to provide for the rest of my life. It was a terrible feeling as, like, a little kid where I was like, I saw my mom struggle, but I couldn't do anything about it.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. You said, call grandma.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

That was the only lever you could pull. And then you were like, wait, I am the lover.

[Josh Peck]

I am Grandma.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I am Grandma.

[Josh Peck]

Grandma.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And grandma is me. Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

And then I went through, you know, again, it was spending a lot of my 20s with that financial insecurity because I had a little bit of a cushion. But it was constantly, you know, praying that the next job was going to bring something in so that I could add to that cushion or at least not have to deplete it too much. And then when I started on social media, it was the first time that I could, like, do a job and work at something and make money pretty instantaneously. And it was revelatory. Yeah. I'll never forget it. It was 2014. I'd never been on vacation. I was 27, maybe, and I was dating Paige, who's now my wife, and I'd gotten really big on Vine.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Oh, I was big on vine, too.

[Josh Peck]

Rip.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. Rip. But it broke us.

[Josh Peck]

All the best.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

And I got my first.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You must have been huge on Vine.

[Josh Peck]

I was the number one person on Vine.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

No, you weren't.

[Josh Peck]

Well, yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

That is insane.

[Josh Peck]

And then King Bach beat me. And he deserves it.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

He deserves. Wait, number one on Vine. Holy shit.

[Josh Peck]

I was the number one person on there. And I remember.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Was it. Were people monetizing Vine?

[Josh Peck]

Well, the first brand deals came about. Wow. I remember it was like, July. And it was July of 2014, and I got this brand deal with this dating company called Badoo.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Okay. Badoo.

[Josh Peck]

Of course, of course, of course. And they were like, we'll give you five grand to make a Vine. And I was like. And they were like, we'll PayPal you. And they were in Europe. And I'm like, this probably is not gonna turn out, but okay. Worst case, I spent an hour making this video, and they don't send me the money, and I'll take it down. And it hit, like, I posted it, and within an hour, it hit my PayPal. And I was like, like. And they were like, you want to do, like, a couple more this month? And I was like. And it was. And I remember within that month, I made like, $20,000 from social media. And I called my wife and I was like, let's go to Bali. I love that her boss was going to Indonesia and was like, we know it really well. Like, do you want to come with us? And I was like, ah. Like, so expensive.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And.

[Josh Peck]

And I, like, never felt comfortable to leave la. I'm like, what if I get an audition? And, like, that's the one, right?

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

And I was like, let's go, let's go. Let's do it. Wow. And like, so I feel very grateful to have to have social media because it made me confident to marry my wife. Like, it made me confident enough to have kids because I knew that always being at the mercy of the gatekeepers, maybe I'll get that TV show, maybe I'll get that movie, and it'll be a great financial hit, but it could be a year in between. Two years.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So hard.

[Josh Peck]

But this. It's like, if I continue to work at it all the time, like, data has shown that something comes up every couple weeks, every couple months, and it's. It's everything.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So how much now do you get for brand deals?

[Josh Peck]

It vacillates, but sometimes it can be five figures, sometimes it can be six figures. It depends.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Hell yeah. We love it. I know there's. It's so. And if. But it's not easy money. Like, Josh, you are making so much content and it's so funny. So, like, what's your process there? Like, is it just your brain? Like, you've just always had this, like, genius for the social content, or like,

[Josh Peck]

I keep it up, I always do it. There's certainly people that are, like, way better than me. And I also sometimes go, you're going to be 40. Like, give it up, kid. But, like, people wanted people enjoy it.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

If you're not allowed to quit, I want you to be Barb's age in doing it. I need the videos.

[Josh Peck]

I would love to be, but it's. You're so right. Because I, you know, you'll hear people go, whether it's actors or social media people, and they're like, well, this one deal netted me X. You know, I made $50,000 for, you know, this two weeks in this movie, right? And people go like, are you kidding me? Like, I have to spend an entire year to make that money. And I'm like, well, yeah, but it

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

is an entire year to make that money.

[Josh Peck]

It was 50 weeks of them getting no work and a million auditions, a

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

million failed attempts, and their mom driving them to auditions when they were little. And like, just like from, like, it's so much human capital built. And like, I know. I feel like that too. That, that that's what's. I feel like you're the same where you started young enough, where it wasn't this, like, defying career, the influencer thing at least. Or like, and now it's so interesting to see people, like, pursue it. Just like, I feel like on the preface of the fact that, like, it is hiring or whatever, but it's like, it doesn't really make sense to me because it's not. The money is like, it doesn't. The amount of time and effort that you have to put into it. It's like you have to really love it. How do you think about diversifying your income streams? Because you have your podcast, you have social media, you have real. You have your house.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah, you have.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And you're doing acting still. So are you thinking about out, like, any others? Like, what's like, your number one?

[Josh Peck]

I would probably say yeah, the. The podcast is great. Social is great.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

And then Josh has the best podcast. It is so funny. The guys podcast, it's so good. It's literally loved having you. But the girlies love it.

[Josh Peck]

Like, so glad.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

It is really, like, it's just. It's a treat.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah, we try to be girl Girls,

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

guys, no, you are girl skies. But also you're just like have the best energy and you're so funny.

[Josh Peck]

We're basically like two old Jewish men. You are 30 something bodies.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You need your own curb your enthusiasm. Like it's sort of that vibe.

[Josh Peck]

It's fun. We have a great time and we get to have on great people and just complain. It's a wonderful complaint.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I love it.

[Josh Peck]

But yeah, I would say those are sort of the major things. But then, you know, as far as I did the show on Disney for a season called Turner and Hooch and that was a few years ago and that was like this great year of making like steady income.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Hell yeah.

[Josh Peck]

That was like a nice like weekly paycheck. So, you know, showbiz can be great. It's just you want to make sure that you have something to pay for the times where it gets slow.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

In the book, I talk a lot about like if you have unstable income, like whether you're in show business or maybe you have your own business where you are getting paid like every two months or something, like understanding what your average is that you need to live and like then you know, still creating like a salary system for yourself. Because I think it's really confusing otherwise to like feel safety if you're just always having inconsistent income and then you have those periods without it. Like you need to like be good about having your savings and like spending within your means.

[Josh Peck]

I just think like, don't adjust your lifestyle for a really long time. Like if you start making money, like whatever you needed to do to survive, like within reason, like, you know, pick those small ways to upgrade your life but like, don't overhaul it. Like I've seen it happen so many times.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

So many people I've come up with and work with, like they had one or two great years of money and then they bought a house that reflected those years. Yeah. And I'm like, what are you going to do if it gets tight? Like, I can't, I. I'm too neurotic. But like I didn't buy, you know, I didn't buy a house till I was, you know, 37 years old, 36 years old. And I knew that, God forbid, like everything fell to like I could sustain it for a good amount of time.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

But what's also cool too is I love that you took the power back and you have the social media to like make money from your pocket. And I, I think it's so interesting that you had that fear of la. Like that comes so much from, like, needing to provide. And like, you, you. You know, what do you say? Like, once you were broke, like, you're gonna run like your pants are on fire to never be broke again. That's so interesting.

[Josh Peck]

It's also a version of what's important to you, like now, especially with kids. Like, had I not done the social, I do get offered things that would take me away for a month or two that I'm not terribly passionate about. That would be a good way to make income. But I'm like, but you.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

A brand deal from home.

[Josh Peck]

I have to spend two months doing something that I feel like isn't great. Yeah. So I feel lucky, able to kind of pass on those and make money in other ways.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

I love it. So let's do a few more rapid fires and we'll wrap it up.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So what was the first rich person thing you bought when you felt successful?

[Josh Peck]

Taking that. That vacation to Bali was kind of it. And I didn't have to sweat it. And we flew. I don't mean to brag. Premium economy on the Pacific. We were doing just fine. Okay. That extra leg room, I checked a couple extra bags. Just for the fuck of it.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Just for the fuck of it. You needed it a month.

[Josh Peck]

Bali. Sure.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

What's the most expensive mistake you've ever made?

[Josh Peck]

Oh, I got some good advice on something that I invested in years ago, and then I just, like, never checked back in. And I literally wrote it all the way up and wrote it all the way down. Like, I didn't lose my principal, but,

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

like, I could have been sold at the top.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

And I, like, literally just like. Like a full arch.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Maybe that's why we need to just be passive investors. Oh, if I secretly audited your bank statements, what would surprise people the most?

[Josh Peck]

Oh, this was a good example. We were at. My wife and I were getting a membership at Costco because we were using, like, family membership for years.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Love.

[Josh Peck]

And the woman was like, do you spend a lot at Costco? And I was like, I don't know. Reasonable amount. She's like, because we have the higher end membership that you get 2% back at the end of the year, but it's like 150 as opposed to 100 or whatever. And I was like. She's like, well, let me look at your account. She's like, oh, yeah, you spent $9,000 at Costco last year. I was like, what? I was like, I. And like, it makes sense now. When I think of kids and gas for the cars, and there's just so much stuff. All the hot. $30.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Josh Peck]

So good.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

So good.

[Josh Peck]

They got rid of the onions and the accoutrement.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

That. That was the most important part for me. It's like a frozen yogurt with no topping.

[Josh Peck]

What do they call it? A loss leader? Like, it's.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, yeah, it's a loss. It's like a. Like something that gets you in the store. I think it is a loss leader.

[Josh Peck]

Yeah. Like, he's willing to take a loss on you. Yeah, yeah. They'll never raise the rate.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah, he shouldn't. We need it. Okay. Well, Josh Pack, you are a dream. This was so fun to have you on the.

[Josh Peck]

This was so wonderful.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You are the best. Thanks for your financial transparency.

[Josh Peck]

No problem.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Being the best I could.

[Josh Peck]

I do listen to the pod. And so I was like, I got to come with the numbers. Otherwise people are going to be like, you weren't transparent enough. But what can you do?

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

You were so transparent. I think you were. You gave us a lot. Are there any numbers?

[Josh Peck]

It was messier.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Yeah. That's the issue, Josh, is you're. You're too good. Like, it's like you live within your means. Your kids go to public school, so, like, take care of your mom. Like, you, like, don't. Like, I feel like you probably drive a very, like, dependable car.

[Josh Peck]

Drive a mom. A white Tessa.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

But you know why? Cuz you prioritize security. Hey. And I. So I think that you spend exactly in line with your values. And, like, you're not here to, like, peacock or anything. You just never want to be broke again, and you want to give that stability to your kids and to your family. Stay rich, my love.

[Josh Peck]

Stay rich.

[Host (Financial Tea Podcast Host)]

Spring just slid into your dms. Grab that boho. Look for that rooftop dinner, those sandals that can keep up with you. And hang some string lights to give your patio a glow up. Spring's calling. Ross, work your magic.