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Haley Sacks
So you had taxed dollars cash in your bank account. How fast do you think you could have blown through that if like you weren't careful?
Savannah
I've already spent it. No, I'm just playing.
Haley Sacks
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Savannah
Oh, my gosh.
Haley Sacks
Well, actually, we had Olivia Atwood, but she's British.
Savannah
Yeah. I'll give you all the ust.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. Yeah. And I'm so excited for you to be here to spill all of the financial secrets.
Savannah
Girl. Thank you for having me. I've been a fan of you since I discovered you during the pandemic. So it was like an unreal one. I know.
Haley Sacks
Yeah, right?
Savannah
We were all going through it.
Haley Sacks
We really were.
Savannah
You helped me get me through it, like, mentally and financially. So, yeah.
Haley Sacks
So nice. But first, let's get into the MDJ Market Report. Okay, guys, welcome back to the MDJ Market Report. I got the four stories you need to know to understand where the money's moving this week. First things first, I know that everyone is upset that Big Tech has taken over the Met gala and Lauren and Jeff bought the big event for $10 million. But, like, guys, why are we surprised? They already took over the freaking S&P 500. Okay, let me break it down. So Big Tech released their earnings last week, and they had one of their best quarters in years. And subsequently, the stock market hit near record highs. But meanwhile, consumer confidence just hit its lowest level since 1978. So, like, worse than the 2008 crash, worse than Covid. So, like, how can this be true? How can it be so hard for like, like people to, you know, be able to afford groceries? Their wages aren't. Rate aren't going up. But, like, the stock market is doing so well, and it's because The S&P 500, which is a weighted index of the top 500 companies in America, is being driven completely by the magnificent seven tech stocks. So that's Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. So, like, the MAG7 now make up for 33.7% of the entire index, which is up from just 12.5% in 2016. And in 2025, 42% of the market's total return came from those seven companies. So, like, when Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft go up, the whole market looks healthy. Even if groceries are high and people have stagnant wages, the risk is that if the tech stocks get keep winning, the market looks great. But, like, if they slow down, the illusion will break. Jeff and Lauren aren't just walking the red Carpet, you guys, they're also running the stock market too. To their world. We're just living in it. I'm waiting for my yacht invite this summer. JK would never say yes because obviously I am in protest of them. Just like Zendaya, not going to the Met gala. Okay, now let's talk about Friends, a more fun story, because Lisa Kudrow, very out of pocket, was in an interview this week and said that the members of the Friends cast each make $20 million a year off of the show and residuals, which, honest, is just proof that negotiation is the highest paying skill that you will ever earn and becomes so much more powerful when you bargain collectively. I'm going to talk about how you can do this in your life, but first let's just talk about how they did it with Friends, because it's crazy. And by the way, I cover this so in depthly in future rich person, you've got like one more week to get the preorder bonuses. So make sure that you pre order the book@MrsDaoJones.com but basically, when Friends launched, the cast wasn't paid equally. Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer were considered the leads and made paid more. Will they, won't they? They were on a break. You know, they're getting the big bucks for that. But then by season three, the gap became a problem. So the cast, instead of, like, getting mad at each other and, like, competitive, made a decision that they were just going to negotiate everything as a unit or not at all. So, like, if you wanted the show to keep going and it was a hit show, you had to play by the rules of everyone on the cast together. There were no side deals, no one getting picked off. And that collective leverage is what got all six of them to a million dollars per episode by the which was the highest TV salaries ever at the time. And what's even crazier is they negotiated back end participation, meaning they got a percentage of syndication revenue. And Friends generates about $1 billion a year, which is insane. Each cast member gets 2% of that, which is $20 million a year, 22 years after the show ended. And I just want to be clear, like for context, Sex and the City, they didn't negotiate as a group and they don't get this money. Lauren Graham did seven seasons of Gilmore Girls and said she gets basically no residuals from streaming. These are the same jobs with completely different outcomes. And the lesson is, is that you will never be able to outwork a good deal. And like, one negotiation really can pay you for decades. And most importantly, leverage, especially collective leverage, is where the real money is. So I always think about this in terms of like, fertility benefits at work. Like, if that's something you really want from your company, find other people in the company that really want that and go together to hr. Because when you work as a group to ask for something, it gives you a lot more power. Okay, our third story. We're gonna pour one out for Spirit Airlines. They did just shut down. And while people do love to hate Spirit, I flew them to Las Vegas to see Taylor Swift. It was fine. Its existence really did keep flights cheap for everyone. And economists call this the Spirit effect. Because, like, when Spirit flies a route, airlines like Delta and United and American are sort of forced to compete with those $40 fares. And so when Spirit leaves, prices can jump like 20% or more. So, like, even if you never flew Spirit, like me, obviously budget diva, you benefited from it. And so now that that pressure is gone, higher ticket prices are going to happen. We're going to have fewer ultra budget options, and of course, 17,000 people are out of work. But the bigger issue here is, like, it's not even really about the airlines. It's more about just like competition disappearing, which I feel like we've been seeing so much. So when low cost players die, prices don't just stay low out of kindness, like, they rise because they can. The lesson is really that competition is what keeps your cost of living in check. And when it disappears, you are going to feel it, even if you don't realize why. Okay, and for our final story, we need to talk about this chart. Yeah, we're going to talk about a chart. Guys, it's going viral. It's from Goldman Sachs, and it's basically about rich people who. Rich? Wrong. Because it turns out that higher earners are actually the most broke. According to Goldman Sachs, nearly 40% of Americans making over $300,000 say that they live paycheck to paycheck. So that is higher than people making 50k to 100k. So yes, I am saying that someone making $400,000 is more likely to feel broke than someone making $75,000. And you might be like, haley, why? Well, it's because above $300,000, lifestyle creeps sort of just become structural. You start to like, get the private school tuition going. You got the mortgage, you got the childcare, the car leases, the second home, the vacations. Like these aren't even splurges anymore. They sort of just become fixed costs. Goldman Calls it luxuries becoming necessities. And once that happens, your income goes up, but your savings rate sort of just like disappears. So the real lesson is wealth is not about how much you make, it's about how much you keep. So if your salary increases, increase your savings rate and your investment rate right away. Automate that, because otherwise you will fall into this trap too. And if your lifestyle rises as fast as your income, I promise you that you will always feel broke at every level. So it's so important that you do this. Well, I have so many questions for you, but we always start the show just by asking these three icebreakers. So the first one, what are your best and worst purchases of the week?
Savannah
Oh, my God.
Haley Sacks
Of the week.
Savannah
Honestly, my best purchase of the week, probably the dinner I had last night. When you have dinner with good company like that, that's everything. So I. We went to an omakase spot here in New York.
Haley Sacks
Okay.
Savannah
Anything, Sushi. I'm always all about it. So, you know, you get the susten. And you know, being on Survivor, I'm like, any excuse to buy more food. Like, let's bring it on. Right? Especially the good food. Worst purchase of the week, probably anything I'm buying in the airport.
Haley Sacks
Yes.
Savannah
You know, that shit is Mark. I usually try to, like, get all my snacks before I go and everything, but I think that, I don't know, I just kind of forgot this time. And it's really more the principle for me.
Haley Sacks
You know, I used to be obsessed with buying magazines at the airport, which I literally think was my worst financial habit.
Savannah
Yes, yes, they'll get you. And there's something about going in the airport where I kind of start to think, like, oh, like it's a free pass. Like, I'll get all the candy, I'll get all the snacks, I'll get all the everything. But no, you can't slip into that.
Haley Sacks
And then you become the person at 8am who's drinking.
Savannah
Yes. You're like, we've all been there in the last.
Haley Sacks
We have, we have, we have, we have. Okay. What gives you the financial ick?
Savannah
Oh. Oh, my God. Honestly, probably when people complain about circumstances that they get themselves into. I don't know, dude. I have some friends in real life. We're going to keep the names out of it, of course, but it's kind of things where you can't complain that you don't have enough money for the bills when you're spending money on stupid shit. Right. It goes back to this airport example, Right. Even if it's saving, like, three to five dollars, I get a time, like, I'm believer. Like, that shit adds up. And that kind of mindset is going to seep into any other area that you have, whether it's the airport, whether it's going to the grocery store, whether it's going to the mall, and then letting yourself slip. So people who are in that kind of vibe, I'm like, we got to get it together.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. Like, the person, like, borrowing. Taking the money out of their 401k to pay up their credit card bill. They have a Porsche.
Savannah
Yes.
Haley Sacks
It's like, babe.
Savannah
You know, it's wild because I'm in Atlanta now. You see a lot of that in Atlanta.
Haley Sacks
Oh, really?
Savannah
Yeah. You see a lot of people who almost, like, put up a front. I've lived across the country. I used to work as a journalist. And so you move around a lot for that job. And in Atlanta in particular, you have so many people or restaurants or, I don't know, just. Just anything, really, that puts up a front at times for being into the aesthetic. Wow. They'll have the nicest clothes, they'll have the nicest watch, but they'll be broke. And I'm like, you guys, like, what are we doing?
Haley Sacks
This whole idea of faking rich is really just, like, taking over the culture.
Savannah
It's wild and it's frustrating to watch, but, you know.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. What? Well, okay. So do you feel rich today? I do.
Savannah
I do. Yeah. And that's not because I have, like, you know, millions of dollars in my bank account. But I think a big part of feeling rich is not having worries. Right. They say money can't buy happiness, and that is so true. But it can relieve a lot of anxieties.
Haley Sacks
Yes, I agree with that. And you can buy therapy. It can buy you time off from work if you're really stressed. Like, it can really support your mental health. It can support your actual health. It can take away trouble. Like, you know, family is having issues. You know, can't buy happiness. I feel like. Is not true.
Savannah
No, 100%. You know, my cup feels so full. Like, I mean, I'm leaving New York today, but I'm gonna go back and see my partner and be with people who I love. And just, you know, I feel like I have a lot to be grateful for. So, like, in the scheme of life, I feel. I feel very rich in the scheme of life.
Haley Sacks
That's so nice.
Savannah
I know. It's very wholesome.
Haley Sacks
No, I, like, feel it from you. You have a bright Light. Thank you.
Savannah
And it's not just the lighting in the studio.
Haley Sacks
No, both, Both, both. Okay. So Survivor, obviously, cult fandom people are so obsessed. Everyone that I know who watches Survivor could not believe that you're coming. Like, you're really a fan favorite. They love you. And they're like, she's so pretty. She's so good. They love it. So I think people are very curious about the financial details of reality television. And obviously, you're on Survivor. You won. It's a $1 million cash prize, which is a lot of money. How much of that are you actually getting after taxes?
Savannah
Oh, my God, girl. It is painful. Yeah. It's actually devastating. So I have already paid my taxes, obviously, from the past year, and I think I paid about. Of that million dollars. 380. Oh, gosh, girl. It was like a punch to the gut because that's more money than I have ever made in a year by far. Especially when I was working as a journalist, like, my first couple jobs out of college, I was like, at 30k a year, you know, and so to sign a checkover essentially for that, that high, it was. It was unreal. It hurts.
Haley Sacks
It's so funny, too, because with, like, big liquidity events, people are supposed to plan in advance with their tax strategy. Like, say you're a founder who's going to sell their company. They would, like, a good accountant would tell you, like, okay, you need to, like, prepare for this. Like, maybe you move to a low or no income.
Savannah
Sure.
Haley Sacks
Tax state. You're, you know, putting all of these ducks in a row so that if you do have that big payout, you're not getting hit with that big tax bill.
Savannah
Right.
Haley Sacks
But if you go on reality television, how can you plan to win a million dollars? Like, it's. So you probably didn't think you were going to win Survivor.
Savannah
Well, I will say I went in feeling very.
Haley Sacks
Oh, you did?
Savannah
Yes. But at the same time, like, I wasn't necessarily in the mindset where I'm like, oh, like, I got to financially plan for that money.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
Like, I was so confident, but at the same time, I was so focused on just getting out there and kicking butt, I wasn't thinking about the second part of the year at all. And it is interesting because depending on what state you're in or even what country you're in, because for Survivor, they accept Canadians for US Survivors. So you can be from the US or you can be from Canada. Canadians get to keep all that money. They don't have to pay taxes to the U.S. right. I know. It's so. And there actually was a winner who was from Canada a few years ago. And so the money that's in her pocket is a little different from the money in mine. But at the same time, living in Atlanta, like, I'm very grateful that I'm there and not, like, I don't know, probably California.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. Oh, yeah. 100%. And is it one giant check?
Savannah
Girl, this is actually. It's. It's sickening. So we played the game in summer. Okay. And you play the game, you can get like, a very small advance of maybe like $10,000. But other than that, they're keeping that money.
Haley Sacks
What?
Savannah
Because with Survivor or maybe other reality shows, I'm not sure, but there is. There are NDAs in place. So I know who the winner is. Our cast knows who the winner is, but they. Production doesn't want that to get out. And so they have that, that. That check at the end of the day, that's kind of looming. We have to wait until the finale airs, though, before we get that payout. And so for me, our finale aired in December. No. Yeah. So I was. I was waiting a long time, very patiently, but literally, like less than 20 after the finale aired. I see that. That $1 million straight deposited into my bank account.
Haley Sacks
Oh, my.
Savannah
It's the weirdest feeling. And that whole day I was checking. I would check every, like, 20 minutes. Okay, is it there yet?
Haley Sacks
Is it there yet? Is it there yet?
Savannah
Just so eager to see, you know, what my. My hard work paying off. Yes.
Haley Sacks
Well, it does sound like it was actual work, though. Like, you went. You weren't just like, I'm going on Survivor. You were like, no, no, bitch. I'm, like, going here to win.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
So how do you lock in for that season?
Savannah
You know, it' one of the very first quotes that Survivor production showed of me before the season even started, this was in the promos, but it's a clip of me laughing and saying, this is going to be the easiest million I will ever make. And, you know, when I said that, I was kind of joking, like, kind of leaning into it, but also, seriously, like, my previous job, I wasn't really getting a lot of money. I thought, you know, a million dollars in a month's work, essentially, that sounds pretty good to me. I can be starving for that amount of time. I can, you know, put up with other people's BS or lie to people and strategize and sleep on the dirt for, you know, I've done crazier Things for, For smaller amounts of money, I'm sure. But, you know, once you're out there, you really realize that any preparation that you've done, like, it can't just be preparation from the past few months.
Haley Sacks
Months.
Savannah
Right. It's almost like my entire life, I feel like, prepared me to go out there. And that extends to my work as a journalist, you know, which builds this. This mindset, this tenacity in you for when you're determined to get the story. And, you know, I'm not even kidding. 40 people say, no, I don't want to interview with you. I have no interest in doing this. Like, how, how are you going to make that work at the end of the day, by the deadline? Right. It builds this mindset of, you know, when, when you're up against the wall, how do I get through that wall? How do I get over that hump? And that's what really carri. But other than that, like, the months before I went out there, girl, I was. I was training like a crazy person. I was doing a mix of hot yoga. I would do boot camps. I did a lot of pilates or legree classes, which is so good for your core strength. I would do sprinting outside. I would try to talk to anyone and everyone ever. Because with Survivor, it's such a social game and you're out there with.
Haley Sacks
That's so interesting.
Savannah
Yeah. So, like, I would be in random places like the grocery store or maybe my apartment complex, and I would see someone who I've never met before and I would just try to engage with them and try to.
Haley Sacks
To lie to them.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Right.
Savannah
Well, actually, this is wild. This was a couple weeks before I left for the show and I got pulled over by a cop and I was like, oh, my God, this is. This is terrible. I was like, this is a perfect time to practice my lying skills. I know. And so this. I feel so bad about this now, but the cop pulled me over and he was like, hey, you know, you made like an illegal turn. And I just, I start, like, crying and I'm like, I'm so sorry. Like, this, this is bad. I'm gonna get bad karma for this. But I was like, I have to pick up my mom from the airport. Like, someone in our family just passed away. My mom's. I know, I know, girl. Well, long story short, I rabbit out of the hat and I didn't get a ticket. Damn. I had to practice that lying. I know. And I feel bad. I know. So if that police officer was your 10,000 hours right. Literally all condensed together into one.
Haley Sacks
I love that. And we. Okay, so you have that money in your bank account. You have around like sounds like 600 and like $40,000 around. How much is it? 380. After taxes?
Savannah
Yeah, no, no, before. So after taxes, I gave 380 to tax.
Haley Sacks
Oh, okay, so it's like 6, 620. Okay, so you had. So you had 620,000 taxed dollars cash in your bank account. How fast do you think you could have blown through that if, like, you weren't careful?
Savannah
I've already spent it.
Haley Sacks
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Savannah
Did you believe me?
Haley Sacks
Such a good liar.
Savannah
Good, good.
Haley Sacks
Oh my God. I was like, damn, this is financial tea.
Savannah
I know. You were like. In a way, I was sad, but
Haley Sacks
I was also like, okay, but juicy. Like, we're gonna be so viral.
Savannah
No. Oh my God. I. Girl, honestly, I love to travel.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
And there's such a big part of me where I'm like, I want to freaking and pack my bags, get on the plane, the first class Delta 1 and just go everywhere. The feeling is kind of like when you go to college, Right. And you get that new sense of freedom. I grew up in a really religious home, so when I went to college, I had that new sense of freedom and I went kind of crazy. Okay. Yeah. And so I feel like I almost have that same sense of whoa. Like I could go crazy. And I see it kind of seeping into my everyday life in some senses. Like, I used to never ever go really out to eat. Like I would make, oh, I'm all my own meals to save money. Now I'm like, you know, fucking door dash, it's more expensive, but like, okay, I'll do it. You know? And so it's like little things like that that have kind of started to creep up. I feel like I could have gone through the money really fast, but I. I was good and I invested most of it.
Haley Sacks
Oh, well, we definitely want to know about that. What'd you invest in?
Savannah
So I pretty much just gave it all to my financial advisor.
Haley Sacks
Okay.
Savannah
Yeah. And this is someone who my parents have used. Someone who I trust. Trust deeply. He's managed my money for probably about five years and everything. So it's just. Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Do you know what his fee structure is?
Savannah
Oh my God. I think it's. And maybe cut this out because I could be wrong, but I think it's like 1 per 1 to 2%. Does that sound right?
Haley Sacks
Yeah, it sounds right. I think that honestly, like financial advisors, though I are, Unless you have really complicated finances, can be a little bit overrated because you end up up spending so much money just to have someone do things that are really basic. Like, I'm sure if we looked at what they're actually doing, it's like there's putting them in low cost index funds.
Savannah
Yeah. That's part of it. I think there are individual stocks though as well that he's, he's got his. I know.
Haley Sacks
Ear to the ground. Yes. He's got those good tips.
Savannah
So my first couple years. Well, in, I think in my, in like two or three years with him, he had like essentially almost doubled my money. Yeah.
Haley Sacks
So he's, he's, he's doing a good job.
Savannah
Yes, Bob, thank you. We love Bob.
Haley Sacks
You did the hard work of winning Survivors Survivor and now he's doing the hard work of making sure that you stay rich.
Savannah
Yes. Yes.
Haley Sacks
Okay, Bob, shout out to Bob. Yes, in the first 30 days. So immediately you're just giving him the money or like what'd you do with the money? Like did you buy, did you splurge on anything? Like you had to?
Savannah
Of course.
Haley Sacks
Obviously I always tell people to do that too. Like if you got a bonus at work or something, like take 10 or 20% and have fun.
Savannah
Yes.
Haley Sacks
Then be serious with the rest. But like financial anorexia never works.
Savannah
Yes, exactly. And so it's interesting because I always kind of grew up with a warped anxiety about money. My parents were on welfare when they unexpected surprise, baby. And so we grew up being very, very frugal. So having this money and especially having this money so quickly was like, you know, it's like, damn, like, what the fuck? Like, that's wild. And so, yeah, per my, per Bob's advice, essentially I invested most of it, but I kept around like 40k that I kind of want to play with. And so, so we, the first thing we did was we went on a trip to Thailand. Two week trip.
Haley Sacks
So fun.
Savannah
Yeah. And you can make the money stretch there.
Haley Sacks
Yeah, it's like amazing.
Savannah
Yeah. And so we, we stayed at some really nice spots. We ate like all the good food. We had like so many massages. Yes. And for me, Thailand has kind of been like a dream trip. So being able to go and not only that, but go with my partner who has been through this wild ass ride with me. Like, like, it was just, it was the best. It was the best. You know, I will say I'm also some like, I love material stuff.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
And Survivor, they don't give you a trophy. They just give you the money and they give you the title. And so I was like, you know, I want to buy my own little trophy. So my trophy is actually this watch.
Haley Sacks
Oh, let's see.
Savannah
Yes. Okay. You have like the magic. Yes, I know.
Haley Sacks
Let's see. But yours is small.
Savannah
Yes. Yes.
Haley Sacks
This is a small panther. Silver.
Savannah
Yeah, it's a two tone.
Haley Sacks
Oh, Two Tone. It's so pretty.
Savannah
Thank you.
Haley Sacks
Did you buy that full price? You walked into Cartier.
Savannah
Yeah, I did.
Haley Sacks
Damn, girl.
Savannah
And so the cool thing about this
Haley Sacks
though is how much was it?
Savannah
It was. I think it was about 10.
Haley Sacks
Okay.
Savannah
Wow. But the way that I look at it too is I, like, the first few times I would put it on, I would feel like, oh, my gosh, like, this is so special. I can't believe I bought this watch that I've been wanting for a very long time and I bought it for myself. And I realized I'm like, Like, you know, I really need to be more intentional when I put this thing on. And so what I do every morning is when I put on my watch, I think about what it means. I'm like, gonna get a little emotional talking about it, but, like, I think about what it means. I think about the hard work that it took to earn this. I think about the tenacity that I had to show and that I had to demonstrate in order to get this, this material Trophy.
Haley Sacks
Right.
Savannah
But that's how I start my day every day. Now that I put this shit on.
Haley Sacks
That's so, so intentional.
Savannah
It is. And I. I mean, I feel like if we. When we make big purchases like that, I mean, don't get me. Have some nice clothes. But I don't really think about maybe the shirt that I'm wearing or the bag that I'm carrying in that. In the same way that I think about this watch.
Haley Sacks
That's so cool. I also feel like so many purchases lose their luster.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Like most things do. That's why I always say, like, with impulse shopping, if you're struggling with impulse shopping, wait three days before you pay.
Savannah
Yes.
Haley Sacks
So you just leave it in your cart. You won't, like, you're gonna forget about it. But when it comes to something that you really, really want, like, it's okay to really want something and to save up for it and to make it happen. And I had the same experience with my. Although. Yeah. So I got it when I signed my book deal for Future Rich person. Yes. And I was like, okay, this is gonna be probably. It's a culmination of so much work. It's gonna be so much work. And I really wanna mark this occasion and get myself something. And I'm gonna do that. When I put it on, like, really think about everything. But I will say that it has not lost its luster.
Savannah
When did you get yours?
Haley Sacks
I got mine about. I would say 18 months ago.
Savannah
Oh, my God.
Haley Sacks
But I didn't buy it firsthand.
Savannah
Oh, okay.
Haley Sacks
So with watches similar to, like, cars or boats, the most they ever have in value is the. When they're brand new, and so they depreciate. And so most of them do, at least, because, like, there's a lot of these on the market. Like, you know, we're sort of basic with our cardio watches. Girl, I hate to say it, they're basic.
Savannah
There's something about basic, though. Like, basic for a reason. It's a classic.
Haley Sacks
It totally does. And I do understand the allure of, like, having the day of going to Cartier. Like, that's so chic.
Savannah
Yes.
Haley Sacks
Meanwhile, I'm, like, with a woman named Donna in Chinatown who I, like, trust with my life, and she's like. Like, I got a guy on the phone and his name is Oscar, but you can't tell anyone that.
Savannah
Well, my concern would be, like, that I would get something fake.
Haley Sacks
Oh, no, she's. I have the paper. It's. It's under.
Savannah
Oh, nice.
Haley Sacks
Okay. So I would never have bought it if it wasn't under warranty.
Savannah
Okay.
Haley Sacks
So it's basically, like, a guy who worked at Cartier who got it for a discount, and then he resold it to Donna, and then Donna got it for me, and so then I was able to get it for a little bit less, but it's still expensive.
Savannah
Yeah. I was going to say the gold ones are, like, crazy. Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Especially now, the price of gold. I got it before it peaked.
Savannah
Oh, my God.
Haley Sacks
I will say I love that. And I do think that, like, jewelry, especially as, like, a memento of moments, it really does hit. Yeah. So I'm with you on that. Okay, so you're talking a lot about your partner. Did it affect your relationship with them at all that you had this windfall? Like, is there the expectation that, like, you're gonna pay for more things? Do they feel like you. They are entitled to some of your winnings? How do you guys split finances?
Savannah
Yeah. So I love that you asked this question, because, honestly, that was one of my. I don't wanna say fears, but it was on my mind when I was coming back from Fiji, and I'm like, all right, I'm about to get this big payout. And just for context, we've been dating for about two years. So when I went through all the survivor stuff, that had been just about one year that we had been together.
Haley Sacks
That's fresh.
Savannah
Very fresh. And especially when it comes to finances, because you Know that first year you're soaking in the relationship, you're not necessarily having a lot of those tough financial decisions or conversations, I should say. And so actually when I was away filming Survivor, we ended up moving in together. So he picked out a place for us. Wow. He paid most of the rent and he's. We're. We're moving again to a place that's a little cheaper. So he's going to pay all the rent now. It's. It's honestly really nice. I don't.
Haley Sacks
So you have a sugar daddy? Is sort of what I'm hearing actually.
Savannah
And I was. Girl, I was so worried. Not worried, but I was very mindful that with this income that I was going to have to pay a little bit more.
Haley Sacks
And he was going to ask you to contribute.
Savannah
Well, cuz he knew that you got a million dollars.
Haley Sacks
You're like, so I want to be your sugar baby.
Savannah
Exactly.
Haley Sacks
Even though I'm rich now. Let's. I know that I still have not.
Savannah
It was just a good year. Yeah. Permanent.
Haley Sacks
It's also hard too because it's like the, the winnings are everywhere. Like you can't do that.
Savannah
So I think a big part of it though is really funny. It is. But like, I think it's just built into him that he wants to be a provider. Yes. I love that. Sexy. Yes. Because like there are absolutely men out there that would and do expect women to go half and half enough and like that that's cool for them. That's not me. Yeah. That's not how I want to be living my life. And you know, I'm so grateful to my partner for always like being like, I want to take care of you as much as I can. Like, girl, like, you know, do your thing. I think a big part of it is also regional. Like when I lived in California, like there may maybe is more of an expectation that men and women split things
Haley Sacks
more like the more liberal places where women are seen more as, as equals. Where is that expectation?
Savannah
Literally when you go to the South,
Haley Sacks
I know those antiquated values and we are milking that.
Savannah
Exactly. And don't get me wrong, the south, like we have our own set of issues as well.
Haley Sacks
Of course. But you know, there are good, there are perks.
Savannah
Yes, exactly.
Haley Sacks
I'm all about women staying rich at the end of the day. Like I'm a feminist, but I'm also like, you know, his money. Our money. My money. My money.
Savannah
Yes, yes. And so I mean like, I'll also offer like we're going on vacation soon. And I'm like, babe, like, let me get the hotel tell, please. So nice. Yeah. And it's the kind of thing where, like, he wants me to be successful with my finances, but I also want to help as much as I can and, like, you know, almost give him a thank you for just being such an incredible man and partner and supporter, you know?
Haley Sacks
Yeah. I love that.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Did you, like, get him anything, like, to sell it? Like, you got yourself a watch. You're like, no watch for you, though.
Savannah
No comment.
Haley Sacks
Yeah, no comment. No comment.
Savannah
We're working on it
Haley Sacks
with. Was there anyone else in your life, though, where money did affect the relationship?
Savannah
Let me say this. Yeah. I will buy him shit. Like, because I don't want it to sound like I'm just hoarding. Montama.
Haley Sacks
No, no.
Savannah
Well, because, like, all. I bought him, like, some clothes the other day. You know what I mean? Because I'm like, hey, this would look so good on you. And I know, like, he's not gonna spend money on himself in that way. I'm like, babe, like, I want you to, like, let me get you these shirts, you know?
Haley Sacks
So it's sort of a purchase for you, though. Yeah.
Savannah
There's some mutual benefits. Right.
Haley Sacks
I will say, like, women do love. Like, I love to buy. Whenever I've dated anyone, I bought them clothes.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Because. And it is sort of just like a gift for yourself.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Because you're like, ooh, like, now, like, my boyfriend is wearing this outfit that I really like.
Savannah
We're both going to be looking good.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
I get the hot boyfriend. Yes.
Haley Sacks
Okay. That's so. So there was never even the question of, like, okay, you're going to be contributing more.
Savannah
No. Like, he never even asked.
Haley Sacks
You would have. It sounds like you would have gotten the ick, too, if he had asked, because probably.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Just it's like a financial value, yours that you are taken care of, which is okay. Like, everyone has their. And maybe also it comes from childhood, like, with all the welfare stuff, like, you want to feel safe and supported.
Savannah
Yeah. I mean, that's. To me, like, it's such a sexy thing when a man wants to say, like, let me take care of you. Like, let me be that provider. And I don't know, you just feel so manly when he does that stuff. Like, I like, I like. It turns me on.
Haley Sacks
But I think that also you're coming at it from a perspective of having your own money on the side.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
So it's like, if you're in the position where the man is taking care of you, but you have nothing else, then it makes a relationship really imbalanced because you're sort of stuck. Yes, but with you, I mean, you have made lots of money, you have lots of money compounding in the market. If you want to leave, if you did any kind of fuckery, you could get out. Yeah, but so it's just sort of like a bonus that helps keep the spice alive, it sounds like.
Savannah
Right, Exactly. And I mean, like, I know women who are in positions like that where they don't necessarily have their own income and they are kind of trapped in. In relationships or situationships where they literally cannot leave. It's impossible because of their finances. And like, my partner, like, I plan on being with him for life. Like, you know, that's not too big of a concern. But for now, you know, it's working out okay.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. Great. And you'll. And you have that safety net.
Savannah
Exactly.
Haley Sacks
You always gotta have that. That getaway car.
Savannah
Yes.
Haley Sacks
Okay, can we talk about how clean beauty. You can't see me, but I'm doing that in quotation marks is basically the financial equivalent of saying, like, trust me, bro. It literally means nothing. If you've ever felt like your makeup is actively working against your skin, I need you to meet OG it is a certified organic makeup, but it performs like luxury, which is rare. Usually you have to pick a struggle. Most makeup, 80 to 90% filler and pigment, but OG flipped it. Their crystal Contour collection is basically skincare that happens to be making. And you guys, I was at Blue Mercury the other weekend, and I was trying all these different makeups, and OG was one of them. And it was like, I was like, oh, my God, wait, I love this brand. Like, it's like, once you try it, you're going to be obsessed. It's got green coffee oil, elderberry extract, cold press, jojoba. Ingredients I would normally be financially irresponsible for in Sephora, but now they're in my blush, and it's so easy. It's three sticks, so copper for warmth, rose quartz for flash, and opal for glow. And five minutes later, you will look like you drink water. You'll look like you mind your business. You'll look like you have zero debt. I use the copper stick, and it really gave me that ice summer in Europe glow without, like, suffocating my skin. If you're ready to raise your standards financially and cosmetically, go to og.com financialtea and use code financialtea for 20% off. Off. Okay, you guys have heard me Talk about built a lot. I have been a built girly since they came out. I ride for them because it's like your housing payment is your biggest expense and for most people it's doing absolutely nothing for them, which is rude. And that is where Bilt comes in. It is the membership for where you live that will actually give you rewards on your housing payments. And this is whether you rent or you own. Yes, even mortgages now. So every payment earns you points that you can redeem towards things like flights with partners like United and Hyatt Lyft rides, Amazon purchases. Personally, I love to use my built points for flights. Like I think they're super valuable and I just feel like if I'm paying to live somewhere I should also be paid to leave. You know what I'm saying? But here's the underrated part. Built now has a neighborhood concierge so they can book your dinners, they can book your workouts, they can find you new spots. Thoughts? Basically, Bilt will handle your life logistics while you collect points at over 45,000 places. It's giving personal assistant but make it financially responsible. Look, being an adult is so expensive. It should at least be working for you. Bilt is such a no brainer. Join@joinbuilt.com T that's J O-I-N B I L T.com T okay, so now that you have one Survivor. This is obviously you were saying that you spoke on a panel yesterday. Like what other revenue streams has this opened? So if you play it right.
Savannah
Yes. So here's the thing. I feel like I didn't play it as right as I should have. I know I'm having regret because during my season I was kind of active on social media but nowhere near the more the, the level of activity I'm, I am right now, if that makes sense.
Haley Sacks
Yes.
Savannah
So I wish I would have leaned more into let me make content when there was the content about the show. Yes. And I, I still am seeing like you know, attention and engagement online. I think people are really curious about all the behind the scenes stuff of Survivor. As someone who was a fan before I was a player, like I love sharing that tea but I am, I do wish I would have leaned into more of that content creation side. So other than the, the full million dollar winnings and everything, I'm on cameo. So I' like in comparison to the million dollars it's a small fraction but probably close to like $20,000 off cameo.
Haley Sacks
That's awesome.
Savannah
Yeah, it's, it's Wild, Because. And I like doing the videos for people. It's sweet. But people will pay, like, you know, like 70 to 100 bucks for a quick video from. From me for their, I don't know, mom's birthday or something, which is wild.
Haley Sacks
Have you ever gotten, like, a really weird request?
Savannah
Yeah. Yeah, girl. I had, like, can I share? Yes.
Haley Sacks
I'm dying for you.
Savannah
Even if it's inappropriate.
Haley Sacks
Oh, the more inappropriate, the better. I have, like, really pervy. Listen, listeners.
Savannah
So I posted a selfie on Instagram, and I'm wearing, like, a little dress, but, like, you. You can kind of see through the dress a little bit. You know what you were doing.
Haley Sacks
You knew you were doing. You said, you know, I didn't post enough during the show. So this is. This is.
Savannah
We gotta make up for it. Yeah, no, so I posted this, like, little selfie, you know, whatever. And so I got a cameo request, and it was from someone on Instagram who, like, I guess had seen the picture. And they start asking me about, like, my. My body, and they were asking, like, like, is your nipple pierced? And, like, all this stuff. And it was very invasive. But I made the cameo at the
Haley Sacks
end of the day.
Savannah
Yeah. Because, you know, here's the thing. Like, I. I didn't say anything in. In the cameo that, like, I wouldn't mind the public.
Haley Sacks
What did he ask you to say?
Savannah
I can't remember, like, because he had a bunch of different. Different questions.
Haley Sacks
So he. Was the cameo like, my nipples pierced or was it like.
Savannah
I don't know.
Haley Sacks
It was like, I'm your little girl. What was the vibe? I don't know. I don't know. Like, what did he want you to say?
Savannah
Oh, my God. So part of his request was, I'm gonna have a birthday. Would you come to my party? And then he said also, if the cameo was maybe, like, 80 bucks, he was like, I'll give you a bigger tip if you do this cameo in a bikini. Or, like, you know.
Haley Sacks
Cool.
Savannah
Yeah. Which I didn't do. I wore, like, a hoodie sweatshirt.
Haley Sacks
Okay.
Savannah
So looking like a bum. Yeah, exactly. But I kind of, like, mentioned that in the video. I'm like, you know, like, I. I don't think I'm gonna do that. Sorry. You know, like, it's just having fun with it and then, you know, just. Also just being a little cagey. Yeah.
Haley Sacks
You know, men love a little mystery, so when it's zipped all the way up, they want to know what's underneath.
Savannah
I know, I know. But, yeah, some people are Crazy.
Haley Sacks
And you definitely could take it that way, like a lot of reality stars then take it more to, like. To, like, the only fans route.
Savannah
Yeah. And no shade to that.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. Oh, my God. There's so much. Oh, my God. There's so much money in that, you know, and it comes with consequences, of course. But I also think that, like, it's given a whole generation of women so much economic security that if you can mentally handle doing it, it's something that, like, can be pretty powerful.
Savannah
Yes, 100%. But I don't think that's me.
Haley Sacks
Yeah, I think you sort of know.
Savannah
At least not right now. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Haley Sacks
Okay, so. So you won the show. Talk us through your decision to go back on after winning. Like, you weren't just like, wow, I just did one of the hardest things I've ever done and won it all. Like, maybe I should quit while I'm ahead.
Savannah
Yeah, no, I absolutely thought, like, that. I'm a big believer in if something scares you in life, it might be a sign that you should go for it. And, like, don't get me wrong, like, there's a lot of power of. Of listening to your gut, and if something feels unsafe, like, you know, in that kind of way, like. Like, don't pursue that. But my reason for being scared to go back for 50 was, oh, my God, what if I lose? What if I'm a first boot? Everybody's gonna make fun of me. And I realized I'm like, wait. Like, that's so egomania in my head right now. Like, why am I worried about that? Why am I worried about failure? I could very well fail. And what's the worst that's gonna happen if I do? I get to meet some incredible players who are probably gonna be on the season.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
I get to, you know, be out there and still get paid for being out there, because even the first boots, you make money.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. How much do you get paid to be on the show?
Savannah
So, typically, for a normal season, the person who's voted out first will make about $2,500. So for being out there on the island three days, you're making 2,500. For season 50, it was different. I think the only thing I can say right now is that the first boot makes a minimum of $40,000.
Haley Sacks
Whoa.
Savannah
Yeah. I was a third boot. And so, like, again, like, keep it. Keep in mind the money that I was making my first two jobs out of college. 30,000, $40,000 a year. I made more money in a month than I was when I first graduated, like, so I'm like, how could I say no to that?
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
Again, it's that principle of me. Maybe I don't need that, you know, whatever that. That amount of money. But I, I just as a. My, My principles, like, won't let me turn that down.
Haley Sacks
I think it does. Like, you're all of your. How we look at money is rooted in behaviors from when we were 7 years old. 100 get all this from childhood. So I feel like so much of this does come from the fact that, like, you grew up with scarcity, with fear around money. And so it's like someone's offering you a paycheck. You're never going to really be able to confidently. Even even though you know you have enough. Enough. I think that enough is probably a hard thing for you to really feel.
Savannah
Yeah, there will never. I don't think there will ever be enough, you know, which is like, I don't really love that mindset. I feel like maybe being insatiable in that way isn't, like, the healthiest way to think about money. And maybe I need to go to therapy for that. But at the same time, like, I think it also kind of has lit a fire in me in. In some cases. And, you know, for my first season, like, I was really determined out there. And, you know, there would be situations where I'm like, okay, I just have to push through this. This situation, through this one challenge. And it. I'm. I'm in pain right now, and it's hard and it hurts, and I'm really going through a lot. But I'm also one person away from winning a million dollars. That was always.
Haley Sacks
That's really exciting. Yeah. Okay, can you walk us through more of the finances of the show? Because you just said that for the season 49 for $2,500, if you. You're the first boot. So then what about the other levels? Like, if you're the. The. If you are the runner up, how much do you get? Like, and also, what are the finances of season 50?
Savannah
So I will say, I think, like, Survivor is probably one of the better paying shows. Like, I'm pretty sure, like Bachelor, Bachelorette, like, they don't make anything.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
I mean, they make probably plenty off, like, the brand deals and, like, the influence and they have to pay for outfits.
Haley Sacks
You don't have to do any glam,
Savannah
you know, I know. We're literally out there.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. Which we need. We'll talk about your big sweater later.
Savannah
Yeah. God, I love that one. But for Survivor, at least for most seasons, the runner up. So second place person, they get $100,000.
Haley Sacks
Oh, okay.
Savannah
Yes. And so it is a pretty big jump from second to first place. But that second place person, like, they're still walking away with a pretty nice paycheck. I think third place makes about 85. And then honestly, like, because I, like, I wasn't there for, like, the earlier boots, like, it's so hard for me to remember that pay structure. I think it goes up substantially, though, once you get to what they call the jury phase. And so that's like maybe the. The top 10 people or so they start making a decent amount of money.
Haley Sacks
That's great. And do you have to leave your. Your job to go on the show?
Savannah
So what's wild? It depends on people's situation with. With their work. And so I'll tell you a little bit about what people from my first season did. Um, I just. I took the time off unpaid. Other. I think most people took time off unpaid. One person on my season, I believe took, like. I don't. It's not medical leave, but it's like the short term. I think it was short term disability. And they weren't, like, totally honest about why they were leaving.
Haley Sacks
Practicing their lying.
Savannah
Yes, exactly. Right. You know, any way that you can. I think, like, in today's day and age, when you watch survivor players in 2025, 2026, like, it is people who have almost the luxury of being able to say, I can take the unpaid link. I don't necessarily need that paycheck. Whereas, you know, when you watch Survivor in some of the earlier seasons, like, you would see people who maybe come from a financial place where, like, they desperately needed the money. I think that is maybe one of the disparities. You see a lot of people from, like, you know, stable financial backgrounds playing the game, and it's because they actually can't afford to. To go out and play.
Haley Sacks
Love that. Oh, so you think that there's like a lot of sort of like. Like richer people on Survivor? Cause they can take a month off work, Right?
Savannah
I wouldn't necessarily even say rich, but, like. But like comfortable, financially stable. Yeah, exactly.
Haley Sacks
Okay, so it's like a reality show that attracts that. Yeah, because with America's Next Top Model, it was like they literally had to pay for their own food, pay for their own drinks. Like, it was so crazy. And they weren't making money from the show.
Savannah
Yeah. I mean, and I'll say this too. Like, there are people who go on the show and who are struggling or who are in debt. But I think, for the most part, you'll see more people who are comfortable, you know, leaving their. Their families and their jobs and their financial situations for a month, month and a half.
Haley Sacks
And what do you think is the biggest lie that the show tells through editing? Like, were you satisfied with the edits that you got on each season?
Savannah
I was, actually. Which is wild. Yeah. Because I think for the first season, I come across as a villain.
Haley Sacks
And so you want. You went in wanting to be a villain?
Savannah
I thought I might have some villainous tendencies. But here's the thing.
Haley Sacks
Honestly, I see it.
Savannah
Really?
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
Like, what do you mean?
Haley Sacks
No, just, like, I feel like you. Like, you have, like, a lot. What you give out could be different than what's going on inside, you know, Like, I feel like I'm very. Like, my cards are just all on the table. But, like, you. Your cards are more close to your chest.
Savannah
Yeah, it's.
Haley Sacks
It's sheep.
Savannah
And me.
Haley Sacks
I'm jealous. I'll be she. Yeah. That is she.
Savannah
So I think that my edit, because I did get, you know, accused of being a mean girl, and I heard a lot of people online who did not like my Persona on the show. And I think, you know, it is hard for. For editors to show a full picture of someone. Right. They have so many hours of footage, and you get one and a half hours a week to show, you know, up to 18 contestants. Like, you're, of course, only going to see a fraction of them. I love how editors showed my strong side and my fierce side and my bold side. I think that some people's perceptions of me, though, and I'm not just talking about the cast, but people in the real world who might say I give off mean girl energy when I'm not even really doing anything that mean. I think that's kind of a reflection of where our society is and how we view women who act in a certain way or who will say certain things or who will do whatever it takes to win a million dollars. Like, I'm not going out there to be Miss Congeniality. I'm going out there to win a million dollars. What? No. Like, you know, I don't need to be nice girl.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. And what does it take to win? I love that. And I think, like, so. And you see it in the workplace, too. A woman is a bitch. A woman is, like, you know, know, cold. All these things she, like, just because they're trying to, like, be a leader.
Savannah
Yes.
Haley Sacks
You know?
Savannah
Yeah. And you can see men who display those same attributes and no one's calling them a mean boy.
Haley Sacks
No. And that's not even a term that we use.
Savannah
Exactly.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. So, yeah, that should be the new thing.
Savannah
I know. Yeah, let's start it.
Haley Sacks
Yeah, we need boys.
Savannah
Exactly. So I don't know. That's an interesting. Survivor is like a reflection of what's going on in our society in a lot of ways. And I think that's. That's one of them, you know?
Haley Sacks
Yeah, definitely. And, like, when it came to winning, because you were saying, okay, you did all your hot yoga, your Pilates to get your core strong, but I also know that you had been watching since season one girl, day one fail. Yeah. So you, like, were sort of training in a way your whole life for this, it sounds like. So what does that look like?
Savannah
Like, like what? What do you mean? What do you mean, what does that look like?
Haley Sacks
I mean, like, okay, basically, like, I think that it's really impressive that you won Survivor because it, like, does require so much strategy, but also physical grit. And so I was wondering how you prepare for that and also what of those qualities you find make you successful in the real world?
Savannah
Oh, that's such a good question. Okay, so I think, like, grit is everything.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
Especially for my game in Survivor. But that's something I really just learned, like, from my work as a journalist. Like, wow. I mean, that industry is so hard. And I went into it, you know, not for the money, of course. I didn't give two shits about being on tv. Like, I genuinely wanted to make a positive impact in the world and I thought that journalism and communication was my best, you know, chance at doing that. And that industry is, you know, there's. There were years where I was waking up at 1:30 in the morning to go to work. There were years where I was working until midnight, night and working on weekends. So I had no life. You give up a lot to do that job. And when you're out there in the field, every day is full of surprises. And a lot of those surprises aren't really good surprises. Yeah. You'll find out halfway through your shifts that your story has changed and you still have to be on Air at 4pm with the lead story and you have to get interviews from X, Y and Z. And a lot of these things sound like they are daunting tasks and you're wondering, how on earth am I going to make this work? But at the same time, you don't have time to say, like, I feel sorry for myself or like, you don't have. You literally don't have time to feel defeated. You just go straight from, okay, I got this news. Now we're in action mode. Right. And it's this mindset that, you know, I literally spent 10 years building. And so when I'm. I'm in the game, but also in my real life now, like, I just kind of, you know, I react, and I. My reaction is that action plan.
Haley Sacks
Oh, that's so good. So you're never getting, like, so emotionally bent, out of shape. You're able to take a step back and look at things. Things clearly, and then figure out, okay, what's the most pragmatic next step.
Savannah
Yes.
Haley Sacks
I feel like you have to be very practical.
Savannah
Yes. And I think that actually is one of the things that, you know, it's a good thing in a lot of senses. I think that sometimes, though, I don't necessarily process those emotions because I just am so quick to go to, okay, my reaction. I'm gonna take action.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
And so those emotions do get kind of, like, bottled up, and then they'll come out, like, later, and I'll be a total mess. That's actually one of the things that happened in my first season. I just, like, had an emotional, like, breakdown because I had just been reacting and not processing, you know, and so.
Haley Sacks
Which we loved as viewers.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
That's the issue with reality tv. We're like, the more your mental health. Yeah. It struggles.
Savannah
It's fun to watch. It is fun. Not fun to experience. But, you know, life is all about finding that balance, though. Right.
Haley Sacks
I love that. So who did you trust that you feel like you really should not have trusted?
Savannah
You know, it's wild. My, like, in the game for my first season, probably my best friend out there. I know. And in real life, she is such a gem. Like, I love her. She's been there for me. She's been there for my partner throughout the whole process. But there was a point at the. You know, we're watching the season back, and I. I start to hear her say almost every week, like, sav is a big threat. Like, I will need to turn on her eventually. And at the very end of the game, she did turn on me. Yeah. And she turned on me and our other closest ally. And I was. I just remember being like, oh, my gosh. Like, I thought this woman's intentions were to go all the way to the end with me. And it felt, in a sense, almost like. Like when you're going through a breakup.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
And your partner might say, like, I I don't want to have anything to do with you. I'm done with you. It felt like I was rejected like that in that moment and just those thoughts of wait, but like I thought we were supposed to be together. Like, how can you be, you know, moving on without me? Like I thought we were gonna go to the end together and to have, have that, that happen and to also have to relive it as it's airing, you know, six months later, it's the wildest experience. But you know, what happens on the island, in my experience has stayed on the island. And my friend, like when we were going gone filming 50, she messaged my boyfriend every single day, checking in on him. When I got back, she had this huge gift basket for me. Like, you know, just saying good job on 50. She's seen me cry. She's been my shoulder to cry on a lot.
Haley Sacks
And I'm sorry. Like for me at least, like if someone burns me in that way, like, even if they're doing all these nice actions, like, I'm still going to be very or at least a little bit suspicious. Like, you're never, can never get back that original trust. It's like if someone cheats on you, you're like, maybe you stay in the relationship but like how do you ever rebuild from a place of like actually trust?
Savannah
You know, it's all in the context of the game, right? And you like, one of the cool things about, you know, my, my friend in particular, and I think also me is like, I've been really good about being able to keep stuff confined to that 26 day period. I feel like I've always been really good at compartmentalizing, probably from my work as a journalist. You know, you're covering a murder at 6pm and then you go home. Are you going to take that with you? No, you have to, you know, leave it on the day. And, and you know, I feel like you see someone's true colors when they're not, you know, up against you for a million dollars in the real world. And you know, I think for you
Haley Sacks
also, like, you really do value money. Like it's like, and of course we all do, but it's like I do, I feel like it does just like, like the million dollars really hit for you, like the prize of Survivor. Like I'm sure it hits for everyone, but it's like, I don't know, I just keep thinking back to like, you know, how, how your childhood and all these things. Like it, like it feels like it meant something even bigger. For you. So you get like, that. It could mean something different for everyone, too.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
And, like, sort of empathize and are able to, like, see it through that lens.
Savannah
Absolutely. And, I mean, I look at my game, too. Like, I lied to people. I backstabbed people. I was not my best self. A lot of times with some of those people who are out there on the island and a lot of the people who I was competing with and who maybe didn't like me when I was out there, they have been able to say, all right, Savannah, that was you. In the game, when you're starving and you're hangry and you're kind of crazy. But we know, Savannah, outside of the game, those are, you know, the same person at times, but they're also very different. We're a product of our environment. Right.
Haley Sacks
So besides competing on Survivor, what's the other craziest thing that you've done for money?
Savannah
Oh. Oh, my gosh. You know, honestly, probably working in those smaller markets out of college where, like, you're $30,000. Like, I know there's people who make that, but, like, I just felt like at the time, like, it was no money for where I wanted to be at the time. And, I mean, I remember when I moved to San Antonio after working. That was my second job in San Antonio. And having, like, no money in my bank account and being like, oh, my God, like, how am I going to eat this week? Like, before my job actually started and just being like, I really hope that this investment into my career and working in these small markets has been worth it.
Haley Sacks
It.
Savannah
Let me think. I mean, because I'm trying to think about, like, anything else that I've done. Crazy for money. But, like, I'm like, how far would
Haley Sacks
you take it, girl?
Savannah
Well, what are the options? I don't know. What are the options? I'm not gonna do anything, like, sexual.
Haley Sacks
That's. That's your line. I feel like. Yeah, but you would do, like, like, an embarrassing ad campaign.
Savannah
Yeah, I want me to do, like, on tv. Like, I'll do that.
Haley Sacks
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You're just gonna get the back.
Savannah
Yeah, I think so. Because at the end of the day, like, you know, it's funny because people watch the show and they think I have, like, a big ego, big confidence problem, but, like, I don't really have that big of an ego. Like, I. My ego's not big enough to stop me from doing a lot of stuff. You know what I mean? I'm able to put that aside and say, you know, this is gonna help me for my future. Like, it.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. And what is like, your version of, like, who's your future rich person?
Savannah
Like, what do I want to.
Haley Sacks
Where do I. Yeah, like, where do you. Like, what are you working towards? What is what. Because we just said, like, oh, you don't really. Enough doesn't exist for you. So exact. What does that. How does that look, do you think, in the future.
Savannah
You know, it's. That is the tricky part, because I really. I hate to say it. I don't think anything will really ever be enough. Maybe that'll change over time, but I want to be in a place where I can travel freely. And I want to be in a place, too, where I don't feel like I need to say yes to everything. And I'm kind of in that place right now where I'm able to pick and choose what products here. Yes. Like, so I'm in a good spot now, but I really want to be in a place where I can be very selective, where I don't necessarily have to work every day and where not only me, but my partner, like, I want to travel the world with him, and I want to just, you know, live life to be this amazing adventure.
Haley Sacks
That's so fun.
Savannah
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I just. I don't know. Money. Money will come, you know, I want to live.
Haley Sacks
So that's like. That's what you're working towards. Like, when you think about that money. Money in your investment account, like, that money you're thinking about, okay, that's my travel fund. That's my, you know, what does retirement look like for you? Like, girl, or you don't think that'll happen? Or it's like. Or is that your safety net? That's like, your money. If you get sick, that's your money. Like, if something bad. Like, how do you view that? The financial security that you've gotten from the show.
Savannah
Yeah. I would say it's an investment into my future for sure. So if I'm able to, you know, years. Years down the line, like, that would be like, ideally what I would be living off as far as retirement goes. But I also do feel like I'm the kind of person who I always do like to be doing something. I think maybe when I can retire, I still probably am going to want to be doing shit. Yeah, yeah.
Haley Sacks
You're about that bag.
Savannah
I know.
Haley Sacks
Focused on it.
Savannah
I am.
Haley Sacks
Okay, wait. But I've always. I'm, like, really excited that you're here because I've always Wondered, like, watching a Survivor, what support the contestants get behind the scenes. Like, are you getting. Someone familiar with the production told me that, like, you might get water, you might get sunscreen. Yeah, but that's really it. Like, there's no food being slipped your way when the cameras. Are you ever seeing the camera men eat or camera women and, like, you're like, could I have a bite? Like, is this accurate? Is it what you expected?
Savannah
I want to know who your source is.
Haley Sacks
No, we can't obviously say the source girl.
Savannah
It's Jeff Probstaff.
Haley Sacks
No, Jeff obviously got him on the horn before you got here.
Savannah
I love that. No, so the only things they can
Haley Sacks
do, they NDA you. Like, can you just say everything about the experience?
Savannah
So there is a lot out there on the Internet, but I'm assuming most of your listeners aren't on the subreddits every day. Like, well, I don't know.
Haley Sacks
We could have. There's people you would be surprised.
Savannah
Yeah.
Haley Sacks
I mean, the Survivor heads, like, they run deep.
Savannah
Yes.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
We are everywhere, too.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
So you do get water, you do get sunscreen, and you do get. Get, like, bug repellent. Insect repellent.
Haley Sacks
Okay.
Savannah
Doesn't necessarily work on all the bugs out there. Like, you can still get bites and stuff, but for the most part, like, they want to make sure that you're not actually out there, like, suffering too bad.
Haley Sacks
Yeah. Yeah.
Savannah
So that's pretty much it. Oh, for women also, you get, like, feminine products. So, like, you know, when you're. If you get your period. There's some women who never bleed when they're out there. Just because your hormones are all over the place. Yeah, but yes, so they'll do that. As far as. Did you ask about after the show?
Haley Sacks
No, I was wondering, like, during the show, obviously now I'm like, what are you talking about after the show? I want to know that, too. Like, when you're filming, like, is there any, like, secret granola bar?
Savannah
Like, no granola bars, no toilet paper. I will say, like, the cameraman, like, you don't even see them eating, you know, because that would be actually cruel. If you're starving and you look over and you see, like, a cameraman with a big sandwich, Right?
Haley Sacks
Yeah. With a big thirst. Like eating Jersey Mike.
Savannah
Exactly.
Haley Sacks
It's so good.
Savannah
Well, the thing, though is that you do get the opportunity to get rewards. And as the season goes on, the rewards will get, like, bigger and better. So the first food reward on my first season was, like, a platter of fruit, which, like, you Know, it's whatever.
Haley Sacks
It's fruit.
Savannah
Yeah, but you're so hungry, you're like, I'll eat anything.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
As the season goes on, we had the opportunity to get, like, I think a steak dinner was the last one. We had tacos. There were people who got burgers, grilled cheese sandwich.
Haley Sacks
Oh, my gosh.
Savannah
The food is like. Like, I mean, if you're in New York, like, you're probably having better food here, but when you're not eating like it is.
Haley Sacks
No, it probably sounds amazing. I mean, even like, when I'm hungry and then I eat, it's like I could eat anything and be so excited. So if I was on Survivor, I think it would be more intense.
Savannah
Yes, for sure.
Haley Sacks
Oh, and then also my other question, and real heads obviously want to know, where is your amazing big sweater from?
Savannah
Oh, my God. Okay, so I thrifted that. So most of the clothes that you see me on the show with, like, there are things that were already in my closet. They told me, like, I was going to be basically on the red tribe, and so bring clothes that are red or orange or brown. So I didn't really do a ton of shopping. But that sweater, I was looking for something that could keep me warm, but also something that would be, you know, reflective of my personality.
Haley Sacks
Yeah.
Savannah
I wanted to wear something that I was proud to wear. And I think a lot of times, you know, we can tell a lot about a person by how they present themselves.
Haley Sacks
Oh, 100%.
Savannah
Yeah. And so I thought, like, okay, well, this sweater is. It's kind of bold. It's fun. It's kind of oversized, which shows that, like, you know, it can be a little casual. Like, that's the vibe I want to get. Yeah.
Haley Sacks
Okay.
Savannah
Love that I still have it, too.
Haley Sacks
Oh, my. That's. I mean, we could auction that off probably for sure.
Savannah
I know.
Haley Sacks
Okay. And then the last thing that I want to tell you was that I actually was the man from Cameo.
Savannah
I love that. Yeah. I brought my bikini today, so I'll give you a live cameo in the
Haley Sacks
back after this low key big Savannah had just trying to get all those cameos. Okay, sippers, thank you so much for listening or watching to another episode of Financial Tea. We are back every Thursday. Make sure that you rate and subscribe. It really helps the show. And also, if you have not gotten your copy of Future Rich Person yet, it's my book. It comes out May 12th. And when you pre order, I've been telling you guys, you get $700 worth of financial freebies that will help you become that future rich person. So if you really want to maximize your investment in yourself, you want to make 2026 the year that you get your finances in order, this is the step that you need to take. And if you like the show, you're going to be obsessed with my book because it's just like me. But I just am teaching you all about how to grow wealth, especially in this crazy economic period of 2026. Okay, Sam Altman is calling me, so I have to go. But stay rich. Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone.
Savannah
Paying big wireless way too much.
Haley Sacks
Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments.
Savannah
But that's weird.
Haley Sacks
Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for
Savannah
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Haley Sacks
Com.
In this lively and candid episode, host Haley Sacks (“Mrs. Dow Jones”) invites Savannah Louie, winner of Survivor Season 49, to spill the tea on the economics of reality TV. Together, they deep dive into the real after-tax value of a million-dollar prize, the hidden costs and opportunities of reality stardom, and how big money affects relationships, mindsets, and self-perception. Along the way, Savannah shares practical finance lessons, her mindset on wealth, and behind-the-scenes secrets of what it really takes (financially and otherwise) to win—and what happens next.
Savannah’s Take-Home from Survivor
Lump-Sum Payment
Physical/Emotional Prep for Survivor
Financial Planning (or Lack Thereof)
Temptations After a Windfall
Investment Decisions
Survivor Season 49/50 Payouts
Other Reality Shows Pay Less
Rooted in Childhood Scarcity
Pragmatism & Grit
Survivor Contestant Support
Reality vs. Perception
On Taxes & Reality TV Winnings:
“Oh, my God, girl. It is painful. Yeah. It's actually devastating… to sign a check over essentially for that, that high, it was unreal. It hurts.” – Savannah, 15:10
On Not Negotiating Alone:
“The lesson is that you will never be able to outwork a good deal. And like, one negotiation really can pay you for decades. And most importantly, leverage, especially collective leverage, is where the real money is.” – Haley, 09:44
On Scarcity & Motivation:
“There will never, I don't think there will ever be enough, you know, which is like, I don't really love that mindset… but at the same time, like, I think it also kind of has lit a fire in me.” – Savannah, 46:15
On Splurging with Intention:
“My trophy is actually this watch… when I put on my watch, I think about what it means… the hard work that it took to earn this, the tenacity that I had…” – Savannah, 28:20–29:29
On Relationship Dynamics After Winning:
“That's not me… That's not how I want to be living my life. And, you know, I'm so grateful to my partner for always like being like, I want to take care of you as much as I can. Like… do your thing.” – Savannah, 33:20
On Survivor’s Physical & Social Game:
“Any preparation that you've done, like, it can't just be preparation from the past few months. It's almost like my entire life… prepared me to go out there.” – Savannah, 19:37
The conversation is upbeat, playful, and irreverent, with a side of financial real-talk and the occasional expletive. Both Haley and Savannah are candid, self-reflective, and eager to demystify the realities (and subtext) of money in fame, relationships, and pop culture.
This episode provides:
If you’ve ever wondered if reality TV is the real financial jackpot it seems, or how to keep your feet on the ground when your bank account suddenly soars—this episode is a must-listen.