Stacking Benjamins: Your Gateway To Money And Personal Finance

Ah, the holidays—a time for twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and the yearly hunt for the perfect Black Friday deal. Feeling the mix of cheer and budget-related stress? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, Regina Conway from SlickDeals joins us to share insider tips on scoring the best bargains. From stacking deals for maximum savings to finding hidden gems (like book bargains that’ll thrill even non-readers), Regina has the scoop to help you stretch every dollar this season. But we’re not stopping at shopping—oh no. We’re tackling the lesser-known world of using your IRA to invest in real estate. Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as it sounds. We’ll break down the rules, avoidable mistakes, and real estate horror stories that’ll make you think twice before jumping in. And because it’s the holidays, we’re sprinkling in a little fun. Think debates over Mariah Carey’s playlist dominance, nostalgic Christmas traditions, and some lighthearted banter that’s as comforting as Grandma’s stuffing (though maybe less

Ever feel like life is one long, chaotic to-do list? Maybe it’s time to grab the reins and start living with intention. In today’s episode, Joe Saul-Sehy, Paula Pant, and Doc G team up with special guest Candy Valentino to help you cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and make purposeful choices that align with your goals. We’ll explore the power of saying “no” (because sometimes your calendar deserves a break), the magic of setting three non-negotiables, and how small, thoughtful shifts can lead to massive wins. Whether you’re a business owner plotting your empire or a 9-to-5er trying to reclaim your time, this episode offers practical tips to help you design the life you want. And just when you thought it was all deep thoughts and purpose, we take a detour to discuss Blackbeard’s treasure (yes, that Blackbeard) and debate its true value. Spoiler alert: The answer might surprise you—or at least make you re-evaluate your treasure-hunting strategy. Grab a seat, Stackers—it’s time to get intentional. R

Ever wondered how to steer clear of trouble with your investments? Today, we’re diving into an SEC investigation that’s rattling one fund and discussing what you need to know to protect yourself. We’re also unpacking the benefits of passive investing and index funds—because simplifying your approach to the stock market might just be the smartest move you make. In our TikTok Minute, we’ll take a look at a quick clip that highlights a common financial misunderstanding, and along the way, we’ll sprinkle in a bit of British charm (no spoilers, but it’s classic). Finally, we’re tackling a listener question from a soon-to-be parent who’s wondering how to plan for their child’s financial future. From custodial accounts to financial aid strategies, we’ll walk through the best options to ensure your kids have a strong start. Add in Doug’s trivia, some thought-provoking discussions, and a peek at upcoming events, and you’ve got a packed episode full of actionable insights. Run of Show Introduction and Opening Remarks

Ever feel like life keeps throwing curveballs your way? The truth is, it doesn’t actually get easier—you just get better at hitting those pitches. This week, we’re tackling financial challenges head-on with financial behavior psychologist Dr. Brad Klontz and TikTok star Adrian Brambila. Together, they deliver some much-needed “virtual slaps” to help shift your financial mindset from poor to rich. We’re diving into practical tips like automating your finances, avoiding debt traps, and embracing tough love to overcome obstacles. In our headline segment, we’re revealing the U.S. cities with the highest and lowest non-mortgage debt. More importantly, we’ll discuss how to manage your financial health no matter where you live. It’s all about learning to play the game the right way. And, of course, stick around for Doug’s trivia, humor, and possibly a questionable bread recommendation. Run of Show Monday Morning Toast Ritual Debate Over the Best Bread Choices Salute to the Troops Introduction to the Stacking Ben

How many personal finance rules does it actually take to keep your financial house in order? Book after book, podcast after podcast—everyone seems to have "the" set of rules you need. But one intrepid blogger asked himself, "How much do I really need to know to keep my financial health on track?" Today, we dive into his answer: the four laws of financial health, as explored by our lively roundtable crew. Joining Joe and OG are Paula Pant, who's made it her mission to Afford Anything, and Jesse Cramer from The Best Interest podcast. OG’s here with a sports injury story (with a twist!), Paula’s got thoughts on ramping up savings, and Jesse dives deep into the need for a solid safety net. Get ready for laughs, valuable insights, and practical tips to help you set, track, and knock out your financial goals with confidence. Plus, we’re treating you to some of Doug’s legendary trivia, and revisiting Oprah’s unforgettable weight loss reveal moment. Buckle up for a mix of fun and insight straight from Mom's basement!

Curious about how AI might sneak its way into your financial plan? Today, we bring you the latest scoop on this hot topic with our guest, Robert Farrington from The College Investor. Together, we’ll break down the research on AI’s potential impact on your financial life (spoiler: it’s not here to pay your credit card bills). Plus, we tackle a listener question from someone who might've spent a bit too much time binging Better Call Saul. Get ready to have your assumptions challenged as we throw in a TikTok Minute that’ll shake up everything you thought you knew abouthuge companies and their projections of the future. It isn't that we don't believe Goldman Sachs...it's just that the cost of being wrong may outweigh the gains of ignoring the strategy altogether. And, of course, stick around for trivia that’ll make you the star of your next gathering—Mom says you should be prepared to impress! Join hosts Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and the always-insightful Robert Farrington for an episode packed with practical financial

Have you ever thought about the intersection of health and wealth? Today we start by sharing personal anecdotes about an unexpectedly painful break, leading into a robust chat with mentor Alua Arthur, a death doula who helps people find purpose through preparing for the end of life. The conversation dives deep into practical tips about setting financial goals while staying grounded, and the importance of balancing spending with saving, all while holding onto life’s deeper purposes. Al Pacino's financial mishaps also serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of being an active CEO of your personal finances. The episode wraps up with advice on navigating the future as veterans from OG, insights into helping children understand finances, and more. You may go look for community, but there is only one that leaves you feeling satisfied: Stacking Benjamins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we'll dive into navigating life's awkward money moments with a fantastic round table discussion. We'll cover topics like how to handle unexpected spills at a friend's house, splitting the bill during social outings, contributing to group expenses, and even first-date etiquette. Plus, we discuss how to wisely use a financial windfall, the benefits of maximizing your retirement contributions, and the potential pitfalls of paying off your mortgage early. Get ready for practical advice, insightful stories, and plenty of laughs as we tackle these everyday financial dilemmas. Introduction and Joe's Favorite Things Upcoming Episodes and Special Guests Guide to Workplace Benefits Sponsors and Show Kickoff Round Table Discussion: Awkward Money Situations Handling the Check: Etiquette and Stories Birthday Dinners and Social Norms First Dates and Financial Expectations Road Trips and Gas Money Guessing the 1933 Minimum Wage Trivia Results and Reactions Listener Question: What to Do with Extra Money?

You asked for details on Joe's son's real estate adventure, and today you get it! This episode takes you to CampFI Midwest, where Joe's 29-year-old son, Nick, shares his journey toward financial independence through real estate investment. Starting in 2020, Nick began buying and renovating properties, primarily in Detroit, while living in Seattle and working at Microsoft. Learn about his strategies, the challenges he faces, and the importance of diversification in building a solid financial plan. The episode includes insights on finding deals, managing properties remotely, and the significance of making and learning from mistakes in the path to financial independence. Introduction to Greatest Hits Week Introducing Camp FI and Nick's Journey Nick's Real Estate Empire The Stacking Benjamins Podcast Vibe Nick's Detroit Real Estate Adventures Nick's Real Estate Strategy and Challenges The Importance of Diversification Concluding Thoughts and Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices

Today, we look at the other side of financial independence: being able to travel the world! Our new Stacking Adventures show is off the ground, and we're giving you a peek at the latest episode. This show highlights YOUR experiences traveling, and when it comes to Japan, you share the best, worst, and in-between. From puking in your bosses' wife's shoes to riding the bullet train, we hear stories from Adventurers and share our own comments. You'll hear tips on packing, organizing luggage storage, theme parks to attend, places to find good food, navigating transportation, and more. You'll find more episodes wherever you're listening to Stacking Benjamins, OR you'll find blog posts, trip reports, packing lists, and more at StackingAdventures.com. Do you have travel stories about Peru, Chile, ghost tours, or New Orleans? Share those stories at StackingAdventures.com/MyStory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we'll discuss the pitfalls of overly conservative retirement planning and how it could delay your financial independence and retirement dreams. In this show which was originally aired on our "brother" show Earn & Invest, Doc G, and guest Jesse Cramer from the Best Interest podcast delve into the importance of finding a balance, exploring the impacts of stacking conservative assumptions related to social security, investment returns, and inflation. Jesse shares practical tips on re-evaluating your retirement assumptions, emphasizing the significance of flexibility and ongoing adjustments to avoid unnecessarily prolonging your work life. RUN OF SHOW Introduction and Topic Overview The Cost of Being Too Conservative Interview with Jordan Grumet and Jesse Kramer Workplace Benefits Guide Announcement Earn and Invest Podcast Begins Jesse Kramer's Background and Career Shift Conservative Assumptions in Retirement Planning Introduction to Conservative Retirement Assumptions Guest Introduction: Jesse

To kick off a contentious week for the USA, we share one of our FAVORITE stories about the thread that binds us, our goals, our dreams, and yes, even our money. Laura Schroff was a high-powered executive in Manhattan when her life was changed forever by an 11-year old boy. It's a story you won't soon forget. Plus, we're thrilled that Scott Trench, BiggerPockets CEO joins us as guest co-host. We talk about crypto, athletes, and their money. It's our favorite way to discuss how your own money decisions could be better made. We also dive into non-compete contracts. That world has been changing quickly, and we've got you covered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your finances? Do you find yourself either making purchases as "retail therapy" or avoiding looking at your statements and online accounts? Or maybe, on the other end of the spectrum, you find yourself hoarding cash because you don't know when the next "rainy day" is going to arrive? In all of these cases and more, you might be experiencing financial trauma, a topic that is the focus of today's Stacking Benjamins live round table at FinCon 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by Joe Saul-Sehy and featuring licensed family and marriage therapist Wendy Wright, certified financial planner Lawrence Sprung, and Afford Anything's Paula Pant, the discussion dives into the deep-seated emotional aspects of money. You'll learn about the signs of financial trauma, such as neglecting finances, overspending, and hoarding, and how these behaviors can impact your life. The panel offers insights into addressing and overcoming these issues, emphasizing the importance of compassionate curiosity an

Today, we're joined by funeral director Scott Mueller, who shares invaluable advice on pre-planning your final expenses. Scott elucidates on the importance of making arrangements ahead of time and the benefits it brings to both you and your loved ones during emotionally charged times. Avoid common pitfalls and choose wisely to avoid turning your financial planning into a horror show. Trick or treat? More like protect your assets or weep! In our headline segment, we delve into optimizing your homeowner's insurance with critical features like replacement cost coverage, special personal property endorsements, and umbrella policies. Discover how these essential elements can guard your castle and your treasures from life's unexpected frights. Finally, we lighten the mood with Doug's hilarious trivia and some fun Halloween anecdotes, ensuring you end this episode both smarter and happily haunted. RUN OF SHOW Introduction to the Witching Hour Halloween Special: Stacking Benjamin Show Meet the Funeral Director: S

Today, we'll dive into an exciting financial education idea brought to us by award-winning columnist and host of The Money Life Show, Chuck Jaffe. Do you think Halloween's kinda boring for kids and just a sugar rush? Not at Chuck's house! Discover Chuck's innovative 'cash or candy' concept, transforming Halloween into a fun and educational game that teaches kids about probability, risk management, and decision-making. This unique approach blends Halloween fun with critical financial lessons, making it a memorable learning experience for children and parents. In our headline segment, we explore some chilling retirement regrets shared in a compelling Business Insider article, highlighting common pitfalls and how to avoid them. We also discuss key strategies for better retirement planning, such as potentially delaying social security and being prepared for unforeseen emergencies. If you're worried about not having enough for financial independence, this may be the segment for you. Lastly, we wrap up the episode

Are you on the same page with your significant other? Financially speaking, of course! Given that money is the leading cause of divorce in the US, it's a topic worth working on together. And money talks in relationships don't just apply to romantic relationships - it can extend to include parent/child, etc. relationships. We're talking money and relationships on today's roundtable. Pull up a chair with Paula Pant from Afford Anything, OG, and special guest Doug Cunnington from the Mile High FI Podcast. This is an episode you don't want to miss! In the second half of the show, we dive into the sensitive topic of what to do when you and your spouse can't agree. You won't want to miss this! Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we share a fresh perspective on personal and financial risk, featuring the always insightful Len Penzo (LenPenzo.com). Joe, OG and Len will dive into the complexities of managing your 401k and understanding the risk tolerance required to meet your goals. We'll share pivotal strategies for effective retirement planning and hopefully help you grasp why taking enough risk is crucial, especially for younger investors who have time to recover from potential losses. Listen in as we explore investment behaviors versus portfolio performance and how emotional decisions during market fluctuations can impact your financial journey. We don’t just tackle numbers here. We'll also examine whether widening your approach to include career risks and the often-overlooked social risks that can open doors to new opportunities is a good strategy. We'll talk about on growing your employment opportunities, ensuring long-term wealth, and balancing financial and emotional satisfaction. Plus, there just may be a slight amount of

Grab your coffee mug and join us for a journey full of strategic insights and valuable life lessons. Business legend Seth Godin joins us to share his wisdom on financial strategy and personal success. From college applications to wedding planning, Seth's advice on using a strategic compass over an outdated map will help you navigate big decisions and avoid wasting time and potential. Plus, we explore the balance between effortless yet intricate service and strategic pricing, advocating for value over cutting costs like Walmart because, sometimes, the tension in the experience is what makes it memorable and rewarding. There are plenty more actionable takeaways in our discussion with one of the most prominent gurus in marketing. Mainly, we delve into why having a well-thought-out strategy for life and personal finance can make all the difference. Learn from Seth's rich experience—from guiding startups to success to creating impactful strategies. We also explore the historical strategies that have shaped busines

Have you ever met someone whose retirement was wrecked by poor tax planning? While tax planning is essential, one big-named figure in the financial community who's a tax expert says that tax planning may be over-emphasized. But is it? Today, we're joined by experts Deb Meyer (Beyond Budgets podcast), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy YouTube Channel), and the guy behind the Earn & Invest podcast, Doc G. Our financial experts will debunk common tax myths and provide actionable insights for a secure financial future. They'll explore the essential differences between marginal and effective tax rates, and you'll learn how effective tax planning can positively impact your retirement. Discover how to leverage tax calculators to avoid dreaded tax surprises and understand the nuances between Roth and traditional retirement accounts. Our enthusiastic experts bring humor and real-life examples into the mix, making complex tax strategies accessible to everyone, whether you're an entrepreneur or planning for retirement. In the s

Explore how to score big with creative income strategies with us! Today, we'll dive into an in-depth case study on private equity in professional sports teams and discover how to use similar strategies to increase your wealth growth. You'll learn actionable advice on maximizing revenue sources, including tactics like Roth IRA conversions, covered calls, and creative investments like drop shipping during retirement and car rentals. We'll share a host of diversified financial insights that can help optimize your assets...all while having a bit of fun along the way. Later, catch our hilarious TikTok minute where we highlight a woman's misguided attempt to buy quarters on Amazon. In the 'Better Call Saul' segment, we tackle a listener’s question about retirement planning, providing practical tips that can be applied to everyday life. Of course, you don't want to miss Doug's trivia segment, where you’ll gain intriguing knowledge, like the anniversary of Marie Antoinette's last day and the history of Cutco knives.