Stacking Benjamins: Your Gateway To Money And Personal Finance

Do you think you're bad at math? Who doesn't! Whether you're an algebra whiz or struggle with subtraction, today's episode is for you. Join us as we dive into the exciting intersection of math and finance with Ben Orlin, author of 'Math with Bad Drawings.' We'll uncover the unexpected fun in mathematics and learn how understanding concepts like statistics and standard deviation can reveal the hidden stories within numbers. Ben's perspectives on embracing mistakes and the intrinsic link between math and finance offer a fresh look at these often daunting subjects. In our headline segment, discover the top strategy for achieving millionaire status through consistent investment in--believe it or not--nothing fancy! Danny Noonan shares the results of Fidelity insights into the lives of '401k millionaires,' spotlighting the power of patience and discipline over high-risk opportunities, underscoring sustainable financial growth. Finally, Doug enlivens the discussion with intriguing trivia on the differences between

Today's show tackles the age-old dilemma: is it better to have good health or more money during your retirement years? Join our lively roundtable as we discuss balancing financial planning with health priorities, featuring insights from Jesse Cramer of 'The Best Interest Podcast', Paula Pant from 'Afford Anything', and OG. Learn how different retirement stages can affect your spending habits, and explore creative ways to integrate health expenses into your financial plan. Plus, discover actionable tips on motivating yourself to stick to a healthy lifestyle and whether to invest in gym memberships or home equipment. Don't miss our contributors' take on the potential misuse of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and their hilarious anecdotes about life and fitness. Run of Show: Introduction and Show Opening Panel Introduction and Health vs. Wealth Debate Segway and Scooter Anecdotes State Farm Advertisement and Personal Stories Health and Retirement Planning Trivia Question and SNL Discussion Comedian Salarie

A recent Investment News piece shines a light on investment advisors (in this case we think that should read "investment salespeople") are recommending some truly ugly investments to investors. We'll dive into how the work, so hopefully you'll discover why certain alternate investments might send alarming signals for your portfolio. We go back in history to share hints at market risks that often go unnoticed until it's too late. We'll talk about the dangers of illiquidity, high fees, and obscure ways of measuring returns. You'll come away learning some shocking truths about leveraged investments and alternative products that make you question their place in any strategy. In our TikTok Minute, we'll share which bank one comedian calls the perfect partner for your needs. Is he right? Plus, later we'll help a listener who thought he'd Better Call Saul...Sehy and OG. Maybe OG needs to re-velvet his hammer on this one, and he manages to go into a diatribe that you shouldn't miss. We'll talk about career decisions,

Josh Brown joins us on today's episode for a thoughtful investment discussion in Mom's basement. Discover why "buying the robots" is a must, why everyone having money is a big fat negative for the economy and more. It's a wide-ranging conversation with one of the top advisors in the USA, and we're excited about all that Josh will share with our Stacker audience. In our headline segment, we'll discuss the importance of understanding insurance, especially in light of Hurricane Helene. Learn how to make your donations count and why revisiting your financial plan is essential for future confidence. Later, we'll shift gears to Hollywood, where aging protagonists are thrown back into action. Jeff Bridges reunites with his past in a gripping FX series, while Gary Oldman’s stellar performance in Apple TV's 'Slow Horses' takes the spotlight, though its pace might test your patience. Don't miss the brief nods to John Lithgow and Stanley Tucci and a fleeting mention of Mel Gibson, rounding out an episode rich in actiona

Here's a shock: our least favorite brokerage company is in the news again with some monster hidden fees. Robinhood is accused of charging customers a huge "spread" between the amount option buyers pay and the amount sellers receive. While this isn't a charge on the statement, it's a lot of money (nearly double) that other companies charge. This topic got us thinking: what hidden charges, expenses, and costs exist in our life that we overlook or choose to ignore? How much are all of THESE costs adding up? We have the perfect triumvirate for this discussion. Jen Smith, one half of the Frugal Friends duo joins us (they talk consumption non-stop on their podcast). Roger Whitney chimes in (his Retirement Answer Man helps people control excess costs in retirement or when prepping). OG also joins in, with all of his experience helping clients reach their goals. It's a wide ranging, fun discussion, from the cost of pollution to hidden Doordash costs we didn't know about! Of course, halfway through this episode, we ta

Learn the secrets behind never worrying about saving money again! We share the story of an individual who invested early and effectively, reaching financial security by 25, and how YOU can apply these principles regardless of age. Our main discussion highlights how to achieve financial freedom and the importance of staying disciplined with your savings over time, offering valuable insights into the pitfalls and opportunities of early investing and the flexibility it can bring to your lifestyle choices later on. Plus, we explore the balance between traditional investments and investing in personal growth opportunities for a brighter financial future. In our TikTok minute, comedian Greg Warren addresses compounding interest and how the accumulative consequences of poor decisions can pile up in life. This sets the stage for our Better Call Saul...Sehy and OG segment, where we tackle a listener's question about disability insurance, offering practical advice for securing comprehensive coverage and understanding t

Jump into Monday with a whirlwind of money topics! We start by celebrating the arrival of fall and the excitement around baseball playoffs (especially for Detroit Tigers fans). But the real fun begins after we salute the troops and dive into the main event: a riveting conversation with Erin Wade, a former lawyer turned chef and entrepreneur. Have you ever thought you wanted to do more with your life than you currently do? Erin shares her tumultuous journey from corporate law to opening one of America's top restaurants, Homeroom, and drops valuable lessons on following your passions and creating a rewarding work environment. During our headline segment, we discuss the recent Federal Reserve rate cuts and what it means for your finances. How can you benefit from lower interest rates? We'll dive into how interest rate cuts work and help the economy. We discuss what this means for your savings, debt strategy, and more. Plus, macaroni and cheese-related trivia AND—how to take your mac and cheese recipe to the next

Today we focus on accountability, diving into what it means to be responsible for your financial decisions. One recent blog post states that it's easier than ever to get yourself into massive trouble with your money. To what extent is this your fault? How can you protect yourself better from making a mistake that leaves you in financial ruin? We discuss the rapid pace at which bad decisions can be made due to modern conveniences like apps and online services. Jesse Cramer (Best Interest Podcast) emphasizes the importance of finding a 'bigger Yes' to avoid impulsive spending, while Paula Pant (Afford Anything) speaks on the broad accessibility of money-making opportunities in the digital age. OG suggests taking actionable steps towards financial goals to keep the momentum going. Today's trivia quiz is all about the history of 'The Tonight Show,' and maybe features a tangent or two about toga parties. For a bit of drama, there's a video clip debunking myths about cash value life insurance. Overall, as always, t

What does retirement mean in today’s world? For some, it's no longer about quitting work for good but about transitioning to something more purposeful and fulfilling. Today, Joe, Doc G, and our guests explore the many facets of retirement, purpose, and the balance between work and personal passion. Join us as we take you to CampFI Midwest 2025, where we'll share stories from amazing Stackers on their journey to financial independence. Discover how Kristen finds community and purpose, Donna navigates significant life transitions, and Tom redefines retirement with passion and flexibility. You'll also hear Joe Saul-Sehy discuss misguided stock purchases, Chris's investment in outdated tech, Kristen's high-fee investments, Jordan's tech stock downturn, and a humorous tale of timeshare regret. Tune in for actionable insights, personal experiences, and valuable lessons that highlight both the triumphs and challenges faced by even the most intelligent investors. Topics: Introduction and Setting the Scene Campfire

Wealth historian Megan Gorman stops by the basement and drops intriguing nuggets on how U.S. presidents like FDR and Ulysses S. Grant navigated their finances. There are many lessons you can learn from these iconic figures. Later, our headline conversation meanders through ERISA's 50-year legacy and political party impacts on investments, preparations unfold for an RV trip to Oregon. The adventure continues with exotic travel stories, packing tips, and reflections on Dave Barry's life lessons. Listener engagement and very-important debates, including daylight savings time, ensure there's never a dull moment! Join the lively trio of Joe, OG, and Doug as they blend retirement strategies with a dash of humor, exploring everything from coffee mugs to memes. 00:00 Coffee Mug Conundrum 01:43 Welcome to the Stacking Benjamin Show 04:53 Presidential Finances with Megan Gorman 06:57 FDR's Lobster Investment 13:12 Biden and Trump's Real Estate Ventures 20:22 Calvin Coolidge's Financial Anxiety 25:38 Ulysses Grant's Fi

Game Show Fun and Financial Missteps with the Stacking Benjamin Show On today's popular game show segment we present: '15 Ways to Lose Money in the Financial Markets,' where contributors Jesse Cramer, Paula Pant, and OG explore investment pitfalls. The show presents financial advice in a light-hearted, engaging format, complete with a trivia question celebrating author George RR Martin’s birthday. Contributors discuss speculative trading, panic selling, margin investing, and more, ending with practical takeaways on avoiding investment mistakes. The episode is rounded off by discussions on meme stocks, game shows, pop culture, and practical financial planning tips, all with the usual fun and wit of the Stacking Benjamin team. Introduction and Opening Remarks Meet the Contributors Game Show Begins: 15 Ways to Lose Money in the Markets Round One: Poor Investment Decisions Round Two: Strategies to Avoid Trivia Break: Game of Thrones Special Guessing the Number of Deaths in Game of Thrones Counting On-Sc

Joe and OG create a case study focusing on the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System's struggles, diving into poor investment choices and their impact on employees. Joe relays the perils of complicated investments, advocating for more straightforward and more manageable strategies. The team also shares a TikTok moment about evaluating wealth through trash cans, discusses an unusual employer's 401k vs. Roth IRA match proposal, and debates their most disappointing concert experiences. Introduction and Doug's Antics Today's Show Overview Pension Fund Struggles Dallas Police and Fire Pension System Pension System Mismanagement Lessons for Average Investors Private Equity Pitfalls The Importance of Professional Management Trivia and TikTok Minute Buffet or Buffett? The Trash Can Wealth Indicator Listener Question: Employer Matching Roth IRA Contributions Concert Disappointments and Highlights Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways FULL SHOW NOTES: stackingbenjamins.com/all-about-pension-funds-1576 Deeper dive

Joe and OG dive into retirement planning with Christine Benz, Morningstar's Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning. Christine shares her insights on pivotal retirement lessons and the importance of purpose, relationships, and health in retirement. In our headline segment, the team also explores the recent changes in real estate commission structures, emphasizing the need for negotiation skills and knowledgeable agents. Lively banter and tips for financial well-being abound in this packed episode. The Weekend Football Struggle Salute to the Troops and Podcasting Life Introducing the Stacking Benjamin Show Hair Loss and Financial Planning Christine Benz on Retirement Planning The Importance of Purpose in Retirement Social Interactions and Technology in Retirement Fritz Gilbert's Retirement Journey The Right Retirement Date and Financial Considerations Ramit Sethi on Retirement Spending Morningstar Trivia and Walden Thoreau's Influence and Real Estate in the News New Etiquette in Real Estate Negoti

In this episode of The Stacking Benjamin Show, host Joe (alongside guests Jesse Cramer from the Best Interest Podcast, Paula Pant from Afford Anything, and our own OG) delves into transforming financial goals into ongoing quests. They discuss the importance of falling in love with the process and how systematic approaches and habits can aid in personal growth and goal achievement. The episode wraps up with a trivia challenge, financial wisdom, and maybe some slightly humorous banter, emphasizing the importance of seeking real financial advisors. Links to the guest podcasts and additional resources are available at StackingBenjamins.com. Spider Pig Introduction Welcome to the Stacking Benjamin Show Meet the Hosts and Guests Creepy Old Guy Stuff Podcast Goal Setting Discussion Begins Financial Metaphors and Humor Introducing Jesse Kramer The Best Interest Podcast State Farm Sponsorship Mid-Year Goal Setting Do Quests, Not Goals Health and Fitness Goals Procrastination and Goal Setting Wayne Dyer and Goal Setti

Welcome to a very special episode! Three experienced dads (teens and above) chat about teaching teenagers or people new to money management, good lessons to take with them for the future. They discuss their fears, their challenges, and the ways they've been able to help their kids succeed with money. Jon Acuff wrote a book on this topic with his daughters, and he shares a wealth of information from them. John Lanza (Art of Allowance podcast) just became an "empty nester" and shares how his kids successfully launched as well. Joe Saul-Sehy is the father of nearly 30 year old twins, who are also doing well with their money. They share do's, don'ts, and much much more. Introduction to the Episode Meet the Hosts and Their Parenting Fears Introducing the Celebrity Guest: John Acuff Discussing Parenting and Money with John Acuff John Lanza on Parenting and Empty Nesting The Challenges and Realities of Parenting Teens Repetition and Real-Life Lessons Finding Opportunities in Everyday Tasks The Value of Hard Work an

Today we focus on resilience in both personal finance and investments, as we celebrate the kickoff of a new professional football season! We're featuring an engaging discussion with Wharton professor and former NFL player Brandon Copeland. Highlights from this episode include Copeland's mission to teach financial literacy, strategies for managing cash reserves for retirees, and handling fraud cases with banks like USAA. The team emphasizes the importance of giving investments time to recover, as shown by the S&P 500 rebound post-COVID. They warn against keeping retirement accounts in cash and offer practical tips such as monitoring bank transactions, freezing credit, and aligning your portfolio with your goals. A contest on historical investment returns based on political parties is extended, and as you'd expect from a financial podcast, there's a recap of dramatic events from 'Below Deck Mediterranean' Season 5.  FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/kick-off-your-money-plan-brandon-copeland-1570 Le

Today we speak with some great coaches about the difference a great coach can make, and how hiring the wrong one can give you a horrible taste in your mouth (and lead you down paths that aren't helpful to your long-term growth). Coach Sharita Humphrey joins us, along with CFP Roger Whitney and Len Penzo to a great chat. Plus, we celebrate International Travel Day by diving into the best places to live or "slow travel" overseas. That AND much, much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyle Collins joins Joe and host Doc G for an episode of the Earn & Invest podcast to discuss a recent piece featuring Mark Cuban, a billionaire, talking about frugality. Do we really care what billionaires think about being frugal? Download/follow/subscribe to our "brother" show Earn & Invest wherever you're listening to Stacking Benjamins! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we ask David Bach the question: what does a latte truly have to do with your retirement plan...or your financial well-being in general? Plus, we chat with Sallie Mae about some trends in student loans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bola Sokunbi (Clever Girl Finance) has an amazing story of resilience, growing up in Europe, moving to Africa, and having to learn a BUNCH of financial knowledge from her mother, who made the mistake of trusting someone else with her financial knowledge. Today she tells her incredible story. Plus, Detroit Free Press reporter Susan Tompor joins us to share some scary stories about scammers. That and much, much more as we go WAY back in the vault of SB shows for this greatest hits episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices