What do a doughnut shop, a discount department store, and a failing real estate tech company have in common? This summer, they all became meme stock darlings—soaring hundreds of percent in days, only to crash just as fast. In this episode, we break down the wild return of meme stock mania in 2025, from Opendoor’s 500% surge to Krispy Kreme’s sugar-fueled rally, and why everyday investors keep getting burned by hype over substance.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how social media platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and X reignited speculative chaos—complete with short squeezes, echo chambers, and FOMO-fueled trading frenzies. We dig into why these stocks exploded (hint: it wasn’t earnings), what red flags were ignored, and what really happens when hype outruns reality. If you’ve ever wondered how a nearly bankrupt company becomes the hottest name in finance overnight, this one’s for you.

Whether you’re meme-curious or meme-wary, this episode will sharpen your BS detector and help you spot a viral trap before it wrecks your wallet. And if you’re ready to skip the chaos and invest the smart way, check out our companion episode How I Invest—a no-nonsense guide to index funds, low fees, and long-term wins.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meme Stock Mania

01:49 The Return of Meme Stocks in 2025

05:07 Case Study: Opendoor's Wild Ride

08:03 Case Study: Krispy Kreme's Surge

10:35 The Role of Social Media in Stock Trends

12:05 FOMO's Role in Meme Stocks

14:07 Identifying Red Flags in Meme Stocks

19:21 Navigating the Meme Stock Minefield

21:15 Conclusion: The Risks of Meme Stock Investing

Is your checking account quietly draining your wealth? In this episode of Your Money on Easy Mode, we break down why parking all your cash in checking isn’t the safe move it seems. With inflation running circles around the tiny interest banks pay, “safe” money can actually lose value faster than you think.

Damien unpacks the hidden risks of overstuffed checking accounts, showing how inflation erodes purchasing power and how missed interest adds up to thousands over time. You’ll hear practical rules of thumb for how much cash to actually keep on hand, why high-yield savings accounts are the better parking spot for your emergency fund, and how retirement accounts supercharge your long-term money growth. Along the way, we debunk the myths that keep people stuck, like the idea that investing is just gambling.

If you’ve been letting extra cash sit idle in checking, this episode will show you smarter, low-stress ways to put your money to work without taking on wild risks. Think of it as a reality check and an easy upgrade for your financial setup.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:28 The Inflation Trap

04:06 The Savings Account Solution

06:59 Grow Even More with Retirement Accounts

09:02 Knocking Down 3 Money Myths

10:57 The Bottom Line

That “free” $300 bank bonus? It’s real, but it’s not always easy money. In this follow-up to our beginner’s guide to bank bonus churning, we dive into the pitfalls and fine print that can turn your payday into a headache. From hidden fees to getting flagged by ChexSystems, this episode is all about protecting your profits and avoiding the most common mistakes that trip up new churners.

We walk through the top risks: monthly fees that quietly drain your balance, tax surprises, missed requirements that disqualify you from the bonus, and sneaky terms that claw it back if you close the account too early. But we also take things up a notch, exploring advanced strategies like running multiple bonuses at once, household churning with a partner, tapping into savings and business account promos, and creating a dedicated “bonus float” to keep your money in motion. You’ll also learn how seasoned churners track everything and recycle banks for repeat rewards.

Whether you’re curious about turning bank promotions into a lucrative side hustle or just want to make sure you don’t leave money on the table, this episode is packed with tips to help you churn smarter, not harder. Hit play to protect your earnings, boost your returns, and walk away with a strategy that actually works.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bank Bonus Churning

02:02 Avoid Monthly Account Fees

03:51 Tax Implications of Bank Bonuses

05:34 Do Banks Track Your Churning?

07:33 Navigating New Customer Limitations

08:15 Failing to Meet Requirements for Bonuses

09:50 Opportunity Cost of Large Deposits

11:29 Is It Worth the Hassle?

12:25 Do Not Commit Fraud

15:31 Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Bonuses

15:53 Staggering and Stacking Bonuses

16:46 Leveraging Household Churning

17:46 Exploring Savings and Business Account Bonuses

19:13 Utilizing Resources and Communities

20:21 Optimizing Bonus Funds Rotation

21:19 Meticulous Tracking for Success

22:05 Strategic Account Closures and Reopenings

22:54 Leveraging Referral Bonuses

23:35 Mind Your Credit

26:11 Taking Action

Ever seen those “Get $300 for opening a checking account!” offers and wondered if they’re legit? Spoiler: they are, and they can add up to serious cash. In this episode, we unpack the surprisingly lucrative world of bank account bonus churning, where savvy consumers earn hundreds (even thousands) just by opening new accounts, meeting simple requirements, and moving on. Whether you're side hustle curious or just want to put your idle money to better use, this might be the easiest money move you’re not making.

You’ll learn exactly how bank bonuses work, why banks are so eager to hand out free cash, and what you need to do to qualify without getting hit with hidden fees. We walk through real-world examples—including how some churners have earned $2,000–$13,000 in a single year—and break down the step-by-step playbook to get your first bonus safely. From picking the right offer and avoiding rookie mistakes, to advanced strategies like stacking bonuses and leveraging household accounts, this episode gives you everything you need to start earning.

If you like your money moves simple, strategic, and rewarding, this one’s for you. Tune in to learn how to turn everyday banking into a part-time income stream, no special skills required. Let’s make your money work a little harder (without you having to).

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bank Bonus Churning

01:25 Understanding the Mechanics of Bank Bonuses

03:45 Potential Earnings from Bank Bonus Churning

08:32 Current Bank Offers and Promotions

09:57 How to Successfully Churn Bank Bonuses

11:43 Step-by-Step Guide to Earning Bonuses

21:31 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Think you missed the crypto boat? Think again. In this episode of Your Money on Easy Mode, Damien picks up where the last episode left off—this time diving into how to actually get started with cryptocurrency. From choosing an exchange to setting up a wallet, he walks through every step of investing in Bitcoin and Ethereum without the jargon or hype. If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, this is your chance to stop pretending and start understanding.

You’ll learn the basics of buying your first crypto, the difference between storing it on an exchange versus in your own wallet, and why "not your keys, not your crypto" is more than just a catchphrase. Damien also tackles popular myths—like whether crypto is only for criminals or if it's easy money—and lays out the real risks you need to watch out for. From avoiding scams and phishing to understanding market volatility and regulatory concerns, this episode is a complete beginner's guide to navigating the crypto space with confidence.

Whether you're crypto-curious, cautious, or just looking to get smart before you invest, this episode is packed with practical, easy-to-follow advice. Damien’s no-nonsense style will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters. Listen now and take the first real step in your crypto journey—safely, securely, and on easy mode.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:53 Getting Started with Cryptocurrency

11:11 Common Misconceptions about Crypto

15:52 Understanding Crypto Risks

23:22 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

What exactly is cryptocurrency, and why does it seem like everyone’s either obsessed or overwhelmed by it? In this episode of Your Money on Easy Mode, Damien pulls back the curtain on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the blockchain revolution that’s reshaping how we think about money, trust, and value. Whether you’ve been nodding along in crypto conversations without a clue or just curious if you’re too late to the party, this beginner-friendly guide will finally make things click—no jargon, no hype, just clarity.

Damien starts by breaking down what cryptocurrency actually is (digital, secure, decentralized money) and why it’s more than just internet buzzwords. He dives into the origin stories of Bitcoin and Ethereum, from the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto and the infamous pizza purchase to how smart contracts and DeFi took things to the next level. You’ll also learn about the technology that powers it all (spoiler: it’s blockchain), the difference between public and private transactions, and why crypto might already be impacting your life without you realizing it.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by crypto or unsure where to start, this episode is your on-ramp. Tune in and walk away feeling informed, empowered, and ready for what’s next in the digital money space.

Chapters

00:00 Demystifying Cryptocurrency: An Introduction

01:11 Why Cryptocurrency Matters

02:14 Understanding Cryptocurrency Basics

09:40 The Rise of Bitcoin

12:11 Ethereum: Beyond Digital Currency

14:41 The Impact of Bitcoin and Ethereum

17:11 The Future of Money and Trust

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Get my guide on how to destroy your debt: https://stan.store/YMOEM/p/get-the-easy-mode-guide-to-destroy-your-debt

Ever wonder why AI sometimes gives you brilliant answers, and other times total nonsense? In this episode, Damien breaks down the misunderstood concept of prompt engineering, showing how it’s really just good communication dressed in tech jargon. Whether you're brand new to AI or already using it daily, this episode will help you ask smarter questions and get better answers—without the fluff.

Damien walks through seven practical techniques pulled from Google’s 70-page guide on working with large language models, translating them into plain English. You’ll learn how to guide AI with zero-shot, one-shot, and few-shot prompting, assign it a role for more consistent tone, and give it context that actually makes its responses relevant. Plus, he dives into powerful methods like step-back prompting, chain-of-thought reasoning, and self-consistency, so you can train your AI to think before it speaks.

If you’ve ever stared at an AI response thinking, “What were you thinking?”, this episode is your fix. You'll leave with the tools to make AI genuinely useful for budgeting, brainstorming, or just getting unstuck. Hit play and learn how to stop getting weird answers and start making AI work on easy mode.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Prompt Engineering

01:23 Ignore the Tech Bro Jargon

02:04 Shot Prompting for Examples

03:36 Role Prompting for Better Context

05:48 Context Prompting to Set the Scene

06:44 Step-Back Prompting for Thoughtful Responses

07:35 Chain of Thought Prompting for Transparency

08:37 Positive Prompting for Clarity

10:08 Self-Consistency Prompting for Reliable Answers

12:32 Conclusion and Challenge

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Get my guide on how to destroy your debt: https://stan.store/YMOEM/p/get-the-easy-mode-guide-to-destroy-your-debt

Full Example Prompt:

You are a financial coach who helps people categorize their spending to align with their goals. You’re helping a college student build their first budget. They work part-time, have student loans, and are trying to save for a study abroad trip.

Classify each expense as either 'Need', 'Want', or 'Savings/Investment'.

• Example 1: 'Grocery store purchase' → Need

• Example 2: 'Roth IRA contribution' → Savings/Investment

• Example 3: 'Movie theater tickets' → Want

Before we start, define what qualifies as a 'Need,' a 'Want,' or 'Savings/Investment' when helping someone build a monthly budget. Now, using that reasoning, classify the following expenses.

Only label an item as a Need if it’s essential for health, shelter, transportation, or basic living expenses. Label items as Wants if they’re discretionary or lifestyle-related. Label items as Savings/Investment if they contribute to long-term financial goals.

Think step-by-step about the purpose of the expense, how often it's used, and whether it's essential or optional:

• Ramen noodles

• Netflix subscription

• $50 monthly toward study abroad fund

• Used bicycle for commuting

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to manage your entire financial life—checking, savings, retirement, college funds, healthcare, and even credit card rewards—under one roof? In this episode of Your Money on Easy Mode, Damien takes you behind the scenes of his six-month experiment: moving all of his scattered accounts into Fidelity’s ecosystem. Was it a risky move? Did it pay off?

Throughout the episode, Damien breaks down how Fidelity's Cash Management Account became his new checking and savings hub, how the 2% cash back credit card fits seamlessly into his strategy, and why he moved his IRAs, HSA, 529s, and brokerage accounts under one login. You'll hear detailed insights into Fidelity’s unique features like money market core positions, automatic investment options, low fees, and simplified management across all account types. Damien also shares practical tips for transferring accounts, maximizing rewards, and staying tax-efficient.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed juggling multiple banks, apps, and accounts, this episode is for you. Damien’s experiment offers real-world proof that streamlining your finances can make your life easier, your money smarter, and your future brighter. Tune in to learn why he’s (happily) never looking back—and why you might want to rethink your own financial setup too!

Chapters

00:00 The Financial Experiment

05:00 Exploring the Cash Management Account

15:53 The Cash Back Credit Card

20:42 Retirement Accounts and Investment Options

27:00 Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

36:34 Saving for College with 529 Accounts

41:13 Brokerage Accounts and Investment Flexibility

44:09 The Results of the Experiment

Get my free guide to where to spend your next dollar: https://stan.store/YMOEM/p/get-the-easy-mode-money-ladder-now

Get my guide on how to destroy your debt: https://stan.store/YMOEM/p/get-the-easy-mode-guide-to-destroy-your-debt