Episodios

  • Trapped in the Spend Cycle? How to Break Free from Consumerism SB1693

    Trapped in the Spend Cycle? How to Break Free from Consumerism SB1693
    Jun 9 2025
    Is your wallet feeling lighter... but your closet’s full of regret? Joe, OG, and Mom’s neighbor Doug are throwing open the basement door to tackle one of the trickiest parts of personal finance: consumerism. Whether you're a recovering impulse buyer or knee-deep in buy-now-pay-later regrets, this episode’s got your back—and maybe your budget. 💸 Hear real stories about overspending and why value-based spending beats chasing trends. 🛍️ Unpack the rise of Klarna and other buy-now-pay-later services—and the hidden costs that come with them. 🌍 Explore how global economic shifts (yep, we’re going there) could impact your investments. 🎤 And just when things get too real, the team lightens it up with a no-holds-barred burger chain draft. In-N-Out? Five Guys? Wendy’s? Who makes the Stacker cut? Plus: a shoutout to the troops, a TikTok Minute that involves Doug and a questionable egg sandwich, and trivia that’ll make you rethink your next holiday shopping spree. You don’t need to live like a monk—just stop buying stuff you don’t even like. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-break-free-from-consumerism-1693 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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    1 h y 9 m
  • 11 Great Ways to Build Wealth (SB1692)

    11 Great Ways to Build Wealth (SB1692)
    Jun 6 2025
    Can building wealth be as entertaining as a round of trivia in the basement? We think so—and today’s episode proves it. Joe Saul-Sehy is joined by Doc G, Paula Pant, and Jesse Cramer to play a fast-paced financial game show based on 11 expert-approved ways to grow your wealth. From boosting your income and dialing in your budget to the eternal tug-of-war between paying down debt and investing more, this episode delivers wisdom with a side of basement-brand chaos. But we don’t stop at just the basics. Our roundtable dives into: How homeownership plays into your wealth picture (even if it’s not as sexy as index funds), Why insurance coverage might be your best wealth-preserving move, The truth about improving your credit score without obsessing over every point. Plus, a trivia celebration of 50 Cent’s Vitamin Water payday turns into a lesson in surprise wins—and surprise losses. Whether you're just beginning your wealth-building journey or refining your strategy, this episode brings practical insights, hearty laughs, and a gentle nudge to rethink what really grows your net worth. How to increase your income (without selling essential organs) Budgeting strategies that actually stick Why investing early matters—and when paying off debt takes priority The real ROI of proper insurance coverage A homebuying debate that might ruffle some financial feathers Birthday trivia for 50 Cent and the Vitamin Water deal that made him a legend End-of-episode takeaways you’ll want to write down (or tattoo, if that’s your thing) Stackers, whether you're navigating rainy days or planning for a brighter financial future, today’s conversation will help you stack smarter, live better, and maybe even walk away with a new strategy—or at least a smile. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/our-favorite-ways-to-grow-wealth-1692 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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    1 h y 13 m
  • Taking Your Portfolio Global: Expert Guidance from MarketVector's Joy Yang (SB1691)

    Taking Your Portfolio Global: Expert Guidance from MarketVector's Joy Yang (SB1691)
    Jun 4 2025
    After Monday’s primer on why your portfolio needs some international flavor, we’re following up with a deeper dive—this time with someone who lives and breathes global markets. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG welcome Joy Yang, Head of Index Product Management at MarketVector Indexes, to talk through how to actually invest beyond U.S. borders. Joy explains how ETFs can help investors capture international growth while minimizing risk—and why country-specific and sector-specific ETFs might just be your new best friend. You'll also hear insights on investing in private markets, the rise of digital assets, and whether private equity in your 401k is a brilliant idea… or a cautionary tale. But don’t worry, the basement stays weird. Doug brings the trivia heat with a Martha Stewart–Eliot Spitzer stumper, and the episode wraps with some creative audience feedback (including one Stackers’ AI-powered school project that caught our attention). Topics Covered: How to diversify globally without overcomplicating your portfolio The power of ETFs for targeting specific markets and sectors What you really need to know before considering private equity in retirement accounts Balancing simplicity with opportunity in a world of shiny investment options The limits of “going big or going home” when it comes to risk and return Stackers, if you’re looking for smart ways to expand your portfolio’s reach—or just curious what index creators think about Bitcoin—this episode delivers insights, laughs, and a grounded reminder: simple can still be smart. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-invest-globally-with-joy-yang-1691 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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    1 h y 8 m
  • The Case for International Investing & The True ROI of Emergency Funds (SB1690)

    The Case for International Investing & The True ROI of Emergency Funds (SB1690)
    Jun 2 2025
    How global is your portfolio, really? This week in the basement, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and the gang zoom out from the U.S. markets and take us on a whirlwind trip around the investing world. Spoiler alert: the case for international investing is stronger than you think—and it’s not just about chasing higher returns. It’s about risk reduction, smart diversification, and maybe even admitting that the U.S. isn’t always the world’s MVP. You'll hear how developed and emerging markets fit into a well-balanced portfolio, how correlation works in your favor (yes, this time that’s a good thing), and what history tells us about going global. Joe and OG share practical advice for how to get started, when to rebalance, and how much international exposure might make sense for the average Stacker. Then in the second half, we pivot from markets to money buffers: listener Jeff from Cleveland wonders how to set insurance deductibles based on the state of his emergency fund. We break down how to think about the real return on your rainy-day stash—because spoiler: it’s not about the interest rate, it's about your resilience. To wrap things up, we share timeless wisdom from Stackers across the country on what they’d tell new graduates about money, life, and how not to blow that first paycheck on a jet ski. Why international investing may improve both your returns and your risk profile How much of your portfolio to allocate internationally—and what history suggests What "correlation" really means and why it’s your friend (at least in investing) Risks and common misconceptions of investing overseas How to choose between developed vs. emerging markets Portfolio tools to visualize your asset mix and expected outcomes Why your emergency fund’s best ROI might be peace of mind How to align insurance deductibles with your liquidity cushion What our community of Stackers wishes they had known after graduation FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/making-the-case-for-international-investing-1690 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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    1 h y 1 m
  • Is Flourishing Tied to Financial Freedom? A New Study Reveals Insights (SB1689)

    Is Flourishing Tied to Financial Freedom? A New Study Reveals Insights (SB1689)
    May 30 2025
    This week, we’re getting deep (like, basement-deep) into what it means to flourish. Join Joe, OG, Paula Pant, and special guest Ryan Doolittle as they unpack a brand-new study on happiness. Spoiler: it’s not just about stacking cash. From the influence of childhood experiences to the surprising power of community, autonomy, and faith, this episode asks whether true wealth is more emotional than numerical. Plus, Ryan shares his adventures from his new series Try and Ryan—where he road-tests hobbies that might just add meaning to your retirement (and your Tuesdays). What we’re exploring in the basement: 🌱 What the latest research says about flourishing—and why it’s not just for the rich 👶 How childhood trauma or support plays into long-term happiness ⛪ Religious attendance: a surprising common thread in many “happy” lives 🎯 Autonomy, mastery, and purpose at work—and why they might matter more than promotions 🌍 Why Finland keeps winning the “World’s Happiest Country” race (and what Americans might learn from it) 💰 How financial flexibility might be more valuable than financial freedom 🧓 Gender and retirement happiness: why the experience might not be equal across the board 🛠️ Ryan’s “Try and Ryan” series and how picking up hobbies can boost life satisfaction 🏎️ Also: Trivia mayhem involving the Indy 500, Paula’s cat gets a shoutout, and OG still won’t drive stick 🎙️ Want to be wealthy and well? Tune in for a conversation that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious—because in the basement, we believe money’s just the fuel. Flourishing is the journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Here's An Easy Way To Save $3,000 Per Year (with Bryan Suddith) SB1688

    Here's An Easy Way To Save $3,000 Per Year (with Bryan Suddith) SB1688
    May 28 2025
    Turns out, saving $3,000 a year might be easier (and tastier) than you think. This week, we’re dishing up big savings with Bryan Suddith, who turned his family’s runaway grocery bill into a budget-friendly game—complete with freezer hacks, local meat tips, and food waste strategies that actually work. He joins Joe, OG, and guest co-host Len Penzo (yes, that Len Penzo of LenPenzo.com fame) to share how mindful meal planning can make your wallet and your taste buds happy. We’re also talking about a Wall Street Journal piece that reveals why high schoolers are ditching traditional degrees for skilled trades... and landing $70K jobs right out of the gate. Plus, Doug helps us navigate one of life’s most awkward questions: What do you call your friend’s mom? (Hint: it’s not “Linda.”) What’s stacked inside this episode: 🧾 How Bryan gamified his grocery budget and saved thousands—with zero meal-prep burnout 🥩 Freezer hacks, locally sourced meats, and the joys of slow-thawed financial wins 🥦 Food mindfulness: the surprising connection between awareness and grocery savings 🎯 Why budgeting doesn't have to feel like punishment (especially when TikTok is involved) 🎙️ Bryan’s bonus storytelling and public speaking tips for anyone who has to talk to humans 🔧 Trade school is trending: why $70K jobs are showing up before diplomas 🧰 Should your teen consider HVAC over Harvard? We unpack the growing case for skilled trades 🤷‍♂️ Conan O'Brien, Doug, and the Great Parental Naming Debate of 2025 💡 If you’ve ever overpaid at the grocery store or underestimated a plumber’s paycheck... this one’s for you. Bring your shopping list and your sense of humor—we’ll meet you in the basement. Full Show Notes: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/avoid-food-waste-and-save-benjamins-bryan-suddith-1688/ 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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    1 h y 20 m
  • Lies We're Told at Work (with NBC Universal Vice Chairperson Bonnie Hammer) and Climbing into the Driver's Seat with Your Money (with Beyond Finance's Dr. Erika Rasure)

    Lies We're Told at Work (with NBC Universal Vice Chairperson Bonnie Hammer) and Climbing into the Driver's Seat with Your Money (with Beyond Finance's Dr. Erika Rasure)
    May 26 2025
    Think you're being lied to at work? You probably are. From boardrooms to bank accounts, this episode pulls no punches. We’re stacking double the wisdom on this special Memorial Day episode, as Joe Saul-Sehy interviews two powerhouse guests: Bonnie Hammer, former vice chair of NBCUniversal and bestselling author, and Dr. Erika Rasure from Beyond Finance. Whether it’s breaking glass ceilings or breaking out of debt, this episode is your roadmap to reclaiming control. Inside the episode: 💼 Bonnie Hammer calls B.S. on the “15 lies women are told at work” — and explains how to rewrite the rules 🎬 Behind-the-scenes of Suits and why even hit shows face wild career landmines 🧠 How your attitude and teamwork can make or break your climb to the top 💬 Dr. Erika Rasure on why 50% of Americans don’t trust themselves with money — and how to start 💸 The real emotional blockers behind budgeting, saving, and staying out of the online cart trap 🧍‍♀️ Gender and generational gaps: why confidence with money isn’t equally distributed (but should be) 🛠️ Financial “practice weeks” and mindset shifts to get unstuck from shame and paralysis ✅ A simple path to get control over your debt without feeling like you’ve failed Also: Doug delivers his own Memorial Day tribute and trivia, because of course he does. 🎙️ Ready to outsmart bad advice and start building on your own terms? This one’s for you — whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or clawing your way out of credit card debt (or both). FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/lies-work-and-money-with-bonnie-hammer-and-dr-erika-rasure-1687 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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    1 h y 22 m
  • Our Favorite Summer Travel Tips (SB1686)

    Our Favorite Summer Travel Tips (SB1686)
    May 23 2025
    Memorial Day weekend is here, which means it’s officially time to break out the grill, the beach bag… and maybe that travel budget spreadsheet. But don’t worry—this isn’t a guide from travel influencers who hike barefoot with artisanal backpacks. Nope. This episode is brought to you by your favorite money geeks in Joe’s mom’s basement. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Jesse Cramer, Crystal Hammond, and Doug gather 'round the card table to share their best budget-friendly travel strategies, hilarious vacation stories, and maybe one or two travel fails. From choosing the right travel companion to navigating airports like a boss, this crew drops loads of practical wisdom for making your summer adventures awesome and affordable. You’ll learn why credit card points can be your best friend, how to pick lodging that won’t make you cry (or bankrupt you), and why packing a toothbrush is a good idea… even if Doug’s trivia makes you question the timing. This isn’t expert advice. These are the musings of people who spend more time optimizing their wallets than their luggage. And that’s exactly why you’ll leave feeling better prepared to tackle your own summer travel—without the jet-setter guilt trip. Kicking off summer with a Stacking Benjamins travel roundtable Real-life travel hacks from people who care more about budgeting than boarding groups Credit card point strategies that actually work Hot takes on hotels, Airbnbs, and airport snacks Why picking the right travel buddy can make or break your trip The one item Doug thinks was more important than nylon (it’s… something) Whether you’re headed to the lake, the mountains, or just your backyard with a cold drink, join the crew for a hilarious and practical celebration of summer travel. Full Show Notes: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/our-favorite-summer-travel-tips-1686/ 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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    1 h y 8 m
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