The Stacking Benjamins Show

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 and seeking professional help when needed. Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck or have a significant net worth, this episode will guide you on the path to better financial health and well-being. RUN OF SHOW Opening Banter and Introduction Live from FinCon 2024 Meet the Panelists Diving into Financial Trauma Signs of Financial Trauma Scarcity Mindset and Personal Stories Cultural and Individual Financial Trauma Judgment and Financial Secrecy Inherited Wealth and Emotional Struggles Behavioral Finance in Financial Planning Building Compassionate Financial Relationships Recognizing Financial Trauma: Hoarding Societal Views on Hoarding vs. Saving Personal Stories of Financial Extremes Balancing Financial Planning and Living in the Present Diagnosing Money Hoarding and Anxiety Steps to Address Financial Anxiety Exploring False Connections with Money The Importance of Financial Planning and Adjustments Tracking Spending and Financial Awareness Principles of Financial Therapy When to Seek Financial Therapy Conclusion and Resources FULL SHOW NOTES: Add show notes URL here. Please include https://www at the beginning of the URL, that makes it clickable on YouTube 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'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: Scott Mueller The Importance of Pre-Planning Funeral Expenses Personal Stories and the Emotional Impact Trust Issues with Funeral Directors Avoiding Funeral Scams and Making Informed Decisions Pre-Planning: Burial, Cremation, and Other Options Final Thoughts and Resources Iconic Horror Movie Lines Halloween Trivia and Chat GPT Funeral Planning Stories Umbrella Liability Insurance Halloween's BEST Jokes and Wrap-Up FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/final-expenses-planning-with-scott-mueller-1594 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'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 with Doug's intriguing Halloween-themed trivia and a lively discussion about the NFL's global expansion efforts, including a look at watching football games in Germany. Join us for a fun and educational journey into the world of Halloween-fueled financial literacy! RUN OF SHOW Halloween Costumes and Banter Salute to the Troops and Halloween Plans Halloween Week Episode Introduction Halloween and Money Lessons with Chuck Jaffe Halloween Games and Economic Lessons Chuck Jaffe's Halloween Tradition Money Life Show and Financial Insights Disturbing Ways to Make Money Trivia Question: a Murderer's Profession Pineapple Drinks Headline: Retirement Regrets Discussion on Retirement Savings Client's Early Retirement Story Janice's Regrets and Future Plans Automating Savings and Easy Listening Community Engagement and Reviews NFL's International Games Fun with German NFL Commentary Christmas Movie Horror Parody FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/halloween-money-lessons-with-chuck-jaffe-1593 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

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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 banter about Halloween treats, the joys of IRS conundrums, and the misconceptions of viral TikTok financial advice. To top it all off, we may or may not share stories about Joe’s adventures learning craps in Las Vegas, revealing the thrills and lessons of gambling. If you're searching for lessons, it may include the importance of knowing when to walk away, and the camaraderie forged at the casino tables. Whether you’re tuning in for practical financial strategies or just to enjoy some relatable stories and laughs, this episode is packed with takeaways on looking at risk differently in every facet of your life. Introduction to Debt Management Welcome to the Stacking Benjamin Show Discussing Risk with Len Penzo The Fortune Cookie Incident Understanding Risk Tolerance Career and Social Risks Halloween Treats and Risks Stocking Up for Halloween Diving into Risk Management TikTok Minute: Career Success Doug's Trivia: Understanding 1031 Exchange Listener Question: Employer-Sponsored IRA Plans Vegas Stories and Gambling Tips FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/len-penzo-halloween-1591 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

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 businesses like Yahoo and Google. Seth emphasizes the importance of vocalizing strategies, balancing personal agency with systemic constraints, and the essential threads of strategy: time, empathy, games, and systems. Using personal finance as a lens, Seth helps you understand complex concepts in a relatable way, underscoring how strategic thinking can transform everything from wedding expenses to retirement planning. Of course, that's not all. In our headline segment, we share the results of a recent study by Harvard, Vanguard, and others on 401k plan "leakage." New rules allow people to take annual withdrawals from their retirement plans. Will people abuse this new rule? The results of this study are surprising, to say the least. We discuss how to use 401k loans, why we don't favor them, and strategies to plug leaks so that your financial boat doesn't sink. On top of that, we also share trivia from Doug and much, much more! This may be your favorite Monday on Stacking Benjamins! Run of Show Morning Optimism and Weekend Plans Saluting Our Troops Special Guest: Seth Godin on Strategy The Importance of Strategy in Personal Finance College Applications and Life Strategies Seth Godin's Background and Achievements Understanding Strategy: Time, Empathy, Games, and Systems Walmart's Competitive Edge Freelancing on Upwork: A Race to the Bottom Justifying Higher Prices The Power of Peer Groups Mentorship vs. Peer Groups Personal Experiences with Peer Groups Trivia Time with Doug 401k Loans and Retirement Plan Leakage The Importance of Cash Reserves Upcoming Events and Meetups Consulting Firm Anecdote FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/create-you-life-strategy-with-seth-godin-1590 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

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 second half of our discussion, we shift focus to practical financial advice. Discussions revolve around the temptation to overly optimize tax shelters and the importance of balancing tax efficiency and accessible funds. We cover concerns about the 'tax torpedo' affecting Social Security taxes and highlight the nuanced approaches required for better tax planning in an investor's journey. The insights shared aim to demystify tax planning for listeners, helping them shape sound financial strategies tailored to their personal circumstances. At the midway point, we'll pause for Doug's trivia question, today focused on a BIG tax case: Al Capone's run-in with the IRS. We'll share stories about his untaxed empire and discuss Walt Disney's clever tax maneuvers. We think you'll laugh through valuable tips on diversifying tax statuses and recovering tax bases. Hopefully, you'll leave with a better grasp of maximizing your tax efficiency and preparing for a financially stable future. Ignition Sequence and Lift-Off Introduction to the Stacking Benjamin Show Meet the Hosts and Guests Tax Talk and Trivia Teasers Welcoming the Financial Experts Diving into Tax Planning Effective vs Marginal Tax Rates Tax Planning for Entrepreneurs The Importance of Tax Diversification Trivia Challenge Begins Al Capone's 1931 Income Mystery Guessing Al Capone's Untaxed Income Revealing the Real Answer Financial Nerds and Tax Concerns The HSA Debate Annuities and Tax Gotchas Cash Value Life Insurance Podcast Highlights and Farewells S-Corp vs Sole Proprietor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Hopefully you'll walk away with both valuable takeaways and a smile. Run of Show: Unexpected Shopping Spree Welcome to the Stacking Benjamin Show Money Urologists and Case Analysis The Value of Cash Payments Inflation and Economic Insights Private Equity in Professional Sports Leveraging Personal Finances Creative Income Streams Maximizing Investment Returns Flexibility in Financial Planning Mark Cuban's Business Insights Real Estate Ventures and Lessons The TikTok Minute: Math Mishap Trivia Time with Doug Roth Conversion Strategies Show Wrap-Up and Listener Review FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/big-money-in-sports-1588 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

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 mean and median averages. Doesn't that sound hilarious? Of course, there's much more, so join us as we weave together actionable financial advice with engaging stories, making complex concepts like math and finance accessible and relatable for everyone. RUN OF SHOW Monday Morning Vibes Financial Wisdom with a Twist Introducing Today's Mentor: Ben Orlin Math and Bad Drawings The Beauty of Mathematics Breaking the Economy with Dice Statistics: Lies, Damn Lies, and More Tweaking the Guinea Pig Bed Embracing Mistakes in Learning The Power of Walking Away Unexpected Solutions in Math Good vs. Great Mathematicians Math and Mentorship The Collaborative Nature of Math Understanding Averages The Storytelling Power of Math The Importance of Consistent Investing Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts 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'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 Salaries Revealed SNL Cast Member Earnings HSA: The Health Savings Account Debate Navigating Healthcare Plans Choosing the Right Workout Routine Podcast Highlights and Upcoming Guests Final Takeaways and Closing Remarks FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/good-health-vs-more-money-retirement 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

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, having more money than "Coast FI," and more on today's episode. Rounding out the episode, Doug shares his amazing trivia question, including YouTube's billion-dollar origins AND a ton of other events that happened on today's date in history. RUN OF SHOW: Countdown to Live Show Introduction and Show Overview Investment Warning: Be Cautious Investment Strategies and Mistakes Alternative Investments: Risks and Rewards Understanding Business Development Companies The Reality of Non-Traded REITs Final Thoughts on Liquid Investments Interval Funds Doug's Trivia Question The TikTok Minute Better Call Saul: Career Advice for Michael Conclusion and Listener Reviews FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/beware-investments-navigate-investing-waters 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

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 actionable insights and entertainment industry intrigue. Introduction and Apple Music Dilemma Apple Maps and Pretzel Problems Saluting the Troops and Show Introduction Robots and Automation Discussion Hurricane Helene and Financial Lessons Retirement Planning Insights Nvidia and Technology Takeover Pandemic's Impact on Inflation Media's Role in Financial Information Hollywood vs. Reality: The Truth About Wall Street The Wolf of Wall Street's Influence on Modern Traders Josh Brown's Perspective on Market Culture The Importance of Financial Designations Hurricane Helene: Impact and Relief Efforts The Real Cost of Insurance and Rebuilding Charitable Giving: Time, Expertise, and Goods Upcoming Events and Meetups Final Thoughts and Takeaways FULL SHOW NOTES: Add show notes url here. Be sure to please include https://www at the beginning of the show notes url that makes it clickable on YouTube 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

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 take a break to challenge these contributors to a round of Doug's epic trivia. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/hidden-fees-and-costs 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

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 the importance of one's own occupation policies. We provide actionable tips and clear explanations to help anyone navigate the often confusing insurance world. Doug's trivia this episode revolves around the band Oasis and the quirky history of Ticketmaster fees, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for music fans. We wrap up with listener feedback, upcoming event announcements, and highlights like Joe's adventurous dining experiences in Peru (including some surprising menu items!). Tune in for a packed episode filled with financial wisdom, humor, and a dash of Doug's signature fun facts. Show Rundown Introduction and Setting the Stage Welcome to the Stacking Benjamin Show Today's Topic: Never Worry About Saving Money Again Headline: What If You Never Had to Think About Saving Money? The Power of Compounding and Investing Early Challenges and Pitfalls of Early Investing Flexibility and Lifestyle Changes Starting Late: It's Never Too Late to Begin Trivia Time with Doug Money and Reconciliation College Sales Experience TikTok Minute: Comedian Greg Warren Disability Insurance Dilemma Listener Feedback and Reviews Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts Joe's Peru Adventure FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/never-worry-about-saving-money 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

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 level! Monday Morning Musings Baseball Playoffs Excitement Saluting Our Troops Introducing Today's Guest: Erin Wade Mac and Cheese and the Holiday Season The Journey to Entrepreneurship The Importance of Passion and Play Challenges and Triumphs in the Restaurant Industry Empowering Teams and Open Book Management Mac and Cheese Tips from the Expert Mac and Cheese Tips and Tricks Doug's Mac and Cheese Trivia Powdered Cheese and Nostalgia Federal Reserve and Interest Rates Explained Impact of Interest Rates on Loans and Economy Credit Scores and Mortgage Tips Car Market and Financing Insights Upcoming Events and Closing Remarks Post-Game Press Conference FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/erin-wade-from-attorney-to-mac-and-cheese-millionaire-1581/ 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 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, today we bring you an engaging mix of humor and practical financial advice. Introduction and Opening Remarks Show Introduction and Guest Lineup Welcoming the Hosts and Guests Discussion on Accountability and Financial Responsibility Main Topic: The Degenerate Economy Debate on Government Intervention and Free Market The Role of SEC and Financial Disclosures Gambling, Lotteries, and Financial Ethics Trivia Contest Nostalgia and TV Memories The Tonight Show Timeline Guessing the Debut Year Revealing the Correct Answer Financial Advice and Scams Creating a Financial Plan Weekend Plans and Wrap-Up FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/taking-personal-responsibility-for-your-finances-1580 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

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 Guests and Trivia Contest Doug's Hilarious Commentary Journey to Campfire and Minnesota Vibes Inspiring Stories and Personal Growth Kristin's Journey to Financial Independence Trivia Challenge Begins Chelsea Brennan's Bold Move Guessing Game Tension Doug's Hitchcock Trivia Answer Donna's FIRE Journey Financial Empowerment and Mindset Tom's Story and Retirement Insights Lessons from CampFI Dumb Money Mistakes That Smart People Made Whether you're planning for retirement or just looking for inspiration to find more meaning in your second half, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and the wisdom of experience. What You’ll Learn: How retirement has evolved from leaving the workforce to finding purpose. Why it's important to fill your time with meaningful activities, paid or unpaid. The concept of "strength to strength" and how it shapes a fulfilling second half of life. Financial lessons and humorous stories from our hosts and guests. How to avoid common money mistakes, and what to do if you've already made them! FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/live-from-camp-fi-1579 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

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 Financial Struggles 32:56 Lessons from Presidential Finances 37:22 Shawshank Redemption Anniversary 38:12 The Shawshank Redemption's Box Office Struggles 38:57 Trivia Time: John Travolta's Box Office Hit 39:31 Ohio's Role in The Shawshank Redemption 40:24 Ulysses S. Grant and Investment Strategies 41:46 College Application Essays: Writing vs. Storytelling 45:20 The Impact of ERISA on Retirement Planning 49:19 Maximizing Your 401(k) Benefits 56:20 Investing Through Political Cycles 01:03:48 Stacking Adventures: New Podcast Announcement 01:08:40 Dave Barry's Life Lessons 01:16:52 Final Thoughts and Farewell FULL SHOW NOTES: htttps://stackingbenjamins.com/presidents-and-their-money-1578 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

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-Screen Deaths: The Research Wildfire Explosion and Mass Casualties Final Guesses and Results Discussing Game of Thrones Infographics Meme Stocks and Financial Decisions Ways to Lose Money in the Market Podcast Updates and Weekend Plans Closing Remarks and Lessons Learned FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-lose-money-in-financial-markets-1577 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