Tina Fey says she 'kind of hates money', criticizes wealthy celebrities for having side hustles

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: During the premiere episode of Amy Poehler’s new podcast, 'Good Hang with Amy Poehler', Tina Fey got real about her feelings on wealth and celebrity side hustles.

In the candid conversation, Fey expressed her frustration with wealthy stars who continue to seek additional income streams despite already being financially secure.

Tina Fey admits she judges rich people having a side hustle

Speaking to Amy Poehler, Tina Fey admitted, “I have a problem with rich people having a side hustle.”

“If you already have like $200 million … I judge it,” she added.

The comment came as Poehler jokingly suggested that Fey should capitalize on her signature style by launching her own glasses or haircare brand.

“You have incredible hair. I feel like you should have a hair campaign,” Poehler said, adding, “I’m always pushing you to have a glasses line. Why do you not have a glasses [line]?”

Tina Fey admits she’s ‘not excited’ about money

As Amy Poehler pressed her on why she had not pursued business opportunities outside of comedy and entertainment, Tina Fey confessed that she has a complicated relationship with money.

“I do kind of hate money,” she said, adding, “I’m terrible with money.”

She quickly clarified her stance, explaining that while she doesn’t make reckless financial decisions, she does not get particularly excited about wealth either.

“No, I’m not terrible. I don’t waste money. But I don’t get excited about money,” said Fey.

“As long as I feel safe and have enough money to live, I’m fine,” she added.

Poehler, who recently launched her own podcast and has produced multiple TV projects, pushed back against Fey’s stance, questioning whether she also took issue with celebrities launching side projects, such as a podcast.

Fey reassured her friend that certain ventures like 'Good Hang' were completely fine, but she drew the line at other side businesses, particularly luxury brands like celebrity-owned rose companies.

Amy Poehler says Tina Fey should learn from Gen Z

Suggesting that younger generations are more open to celebrities having multiple revenue streams, Amy Poehler said, “But Tina, this is where you have to learn from Gen Z. They don’t judge it.”

Fey, however, remained unconvinced as she firmly responded, “I judge it,” according to OK Magazine.

Beyond money and side hustles, Poehler took a moment to reflect on her longtime friendship with Fey, expressing gratitude that she agreed to be her first guest.

“I really appreciate it, buddy,” Poehler said, adding, “You have done many things for me over the years—including the jobs that I have and the career that I have—but this means the most.”

Their bond goes back more than three decades, beginning with their time performing at Chicago’s ImprovOlympic before both landed on 'Saturday Night Live'.

Since then, they have collaborated on numerous projects, including 'Mean Girls' (2004), 'Baby Mama' (2008), 'Sisters' (2015), and their celebrated hosting gigs at the Golden Globe Awards.

Fey has often referred to Poehler as her “work wife” and, in an earlier interview in 2024, she described how effortless it is for them to work together.

“We really just have such an ease and shorthand working with each other,” she said at the time.