Podcast Title: Handsome
Episode: Rebel Wilson Asks About Good Investments
Host/Authors: Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, May Martin
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Handsome, hosted by Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and May Martin, Rebel Wilson poses an intriguing question about personal investments. The trio navigates through their diverse experiences with money management, investment strategies, and the challenges stemming from their familial financial backgrounds. This summary delves into their candid conversations, insightful anecdotes, and collective wisdom on building and managing wealth.
Rebel Wilson's Question: What Are You Investing In?
The episode pivots around Rebel Wilson's query regarding the types of investments the hosts engage in to grow their hard-earned money. Rebel, known for her roles in Bridesmaids, Isn't It Romantic?, The Hustle, and Jojo Rabbit, seeks advice on effective investment strategies.
Rebel Wilson (29:04):
"What are you investing? So what kind of, like, investments are you into? To, like, you know, build up your money that you work so hard to get."
Hosts' Responses and Personal Insights
Tig Notaro's Reflection on Family and Financial Growth
Tig opens up about her strained relationship with her stepfather and the subsequent lessons on financial responsibility.
Tig Notaro (33:00):
"He apologized for not being supportive... realizing that it's not the child's responsibility to teach the parent who they are. It's the parent's responsibility to learn who their child is."
She recounts her stepfather's gesture of establishing college funds for her children, emphasizing the importance of supporting one's children's diverse aspirations beyond traditional paths.
Tig Notaro (35:05):
"Every year, Stephanie and I continue to contribute to that."
Fortune Feimster's Journey Towards Financial Literacy
Fortune shares her upbringing amidst financial instability and her determination to avoid her family's mistakes. Her narrative underscores the significance of financial education and conservative investing.
Fortune Feimster (39:34):
"That's why I really try to be smart with, you know, I have... I'm lucky to have a nice life."
She discusses her cautious approach to investing, expressing her apprehensions about the stock market and the necessity of trusting financial advisors.
Fortune Feimster (43:28):
"I do have knowledge of that, the stock market... it scares me."
Fortune highlights her success in real estate, having purchased her first home not as an investment but as a personal sanctuary, which inadvertently became profitable upon selling.
Fortune Feimster (54:26):
"I bought a first house... it was this cute house, 1600 square feet. And I love that house."
May Martin's Financial Practices and Challenges
May discusses her personal financial habits, influenced by her family's laissez-faire approach to money. She admits to a scarcity mentality and her struggle with investing, juxtaposed with her recent efforts to purchase property.
May Martin (44:04):
"I have scarcity mentality, though, so I like to see my money in my account. I got to get over that."
She relates her experience of attempting to invest in a British retirement fund, expressing frustration over its inaccessibility and her fears of forgetting about the investment.
May Martin (48:42):
"I put some money in there, and now I'm so mad about it because it's just in some British retirement fund and I'm scared I'm going to forget about it."
Overcoming Financial Anxiety and Embracing Investments
The hosts collectively address the anxiety surrounding investments, emphasizing the necessity of moving beyond fear to secure financial stability. They advocate for conservative investment strategies like money market accounts and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to ensure funds grow without the volatility of the stock market.
Fortune Feimster (43:52):
"Every cent that came in went right back out... But if you have a little something, if you can try to have that money making interest..."
Tig Notaro (50:49):
"You wanna invest in yourself and your health and your brain. All of it."
May adds a philosophical touch, highlighting investments in personal well-being as equally crucial as financial investments.
May Martin (50:36):
"I think investing in our health is the best thing we can do."
Addressing Modern Financial Challenges
The hosts touch upon the increasing difficulties younger generations face in accumulating wealth, particularly in the context of soaring living costs and housing market challenges. They juxtapose their personal investment journeys with broader societal trends, acknowledging the systemic hurdles that impede financial growth for many.
May Martin (55:16):
"It's got gotten very difficult to buy a home."
Fortune Feimster (42:54):
"But you can buy a stamp. And if you learned one thing from this podcast, invest in Princess Diana coins. Yes."
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The episode culminates with the hosts reinforcing the importance of finding a balance between enjoying life and being financially prudent. They encourage listeners to educate themselves about investments, seek professional advice, and prioritize personal well-being alongside financial growth.
Fortune Feimster (57:44):
"Absolutely. And everyone, if you can be smart with your money and make the choices because it can go away, but also enjoy your life."
Tig Notaro (57:53):
"Yeah. You gotta find the happy medium."
Notable Quotes
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Tig Notaro (33:00):
"He realized that it's not the child's responsibility to teach the parent who they are. It's the parent's responsibility to learn who their child is."
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Fortune Feimster (43:28):
"I do have knowledge of that, the stock market... it scares me."
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May Martin (50:36):
"I think investing in our health is the best thing we can do."
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Fortune Feimster (57:44):
"If you can be smart with your money and make the choices because it can go away, but also enjoy your life."
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Tig Notaro (57:53):
"You gotta find the happy medium."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Handsome offers a heartfelt exploration of personal finance through the lenses of three comedians navigating their unique financial landscapes. By intertwining humor with earnest discussions, Tig, Fortune, and May provide listeners with relatable insights and practical advice on making informed investment decisions. Whether you're a novice investor or someone seeking to reassess your financial strategies, this episode delivers valuable lessons on the interplay between money management and personal fulfillment.
Listen to the episode here and follow Handsome on social media for more engaging discussions and personal stories from your favorite comedians.