Podcasts about Stacker

Most retirement planning focuses on accumulation -- how to save enough. Dana Anspach of Sensible Money has spent her career on the other side of that equation: what happens when it's time to actually spend the money. In her new book Living Off Your Acorns, she breaks retirement into four distinct phases -- pre-go, go-go, slow-go, and no-go -- and argues that the decade before you retire may be the most important planning window of all. CFP and MarketWatch columnist Beth Pinsker also stops by to flag an HSA inheritance problem that almost nobody sees coming.What You'll Walk Away WithDana's four-phase retirement framework -- pre-go, go-go, slow-go, and no-go -- and why the pre-go years (the 10 years before you stop working) are where the most valuable planning actually happensWhy most people wait until months before retirement to do serious planning -- and the specific things you can only fix if you start far enough outThe JP Morgan research showing 20% volatility in retirement spending year over year -- and why that makes flexibility a more important goal than optimizationWhy Dana recommends recalibrating your retirement plan every year rather than building a 30-year model that's guaranteed to be wrong by year fiveThe income ladder approach: how having bonds and CDs maturing each year means you never have to sell investments at a loss to cover spending -- and why it also helps behaviorallyThe fundedness concept: why the safe withdrawal rate was calculated assuming the Great Depression starts the day you retire, and why dynamic go-go spending gives you more room than the 4% rule suggestsThe retirement red zone -- the five years before and the first year after leaving work -- and why Dana starts shifting portfolios toward conservatism 10 years out, not fiveThe long-term care reality check: why only about 15% of people incur a catastrophic care cost, why home equity is Dana's preferred reserve asset, and what insurance actually covers versus what people hope it coversThe HSA tax problem Beth Pinsker uncovered: why a non-spouse beneficiary who inherits your HSA takes the entire balance as ordinary income in a single year -- and why you should spend it before your Roth, not afterWhy power of attorney paperwork at each individual financial institution matters more than most people realize -- and the specific authentication vulnerabilities that put retirees at fraud riskWhy This Matters NowThe decumulation phase requires a completely different strategy than accumulation -- and most people don't start thinking about it until they're months away from leaving work. Dana's case is simple: the earlier you start building flexibility into every decision, the more options you have when life doesn't go according to plan. And it almost never does.From the BasementDana Anspach joins Joe and OG for a deep dive into Living Off Your Acorns, covering everything from her grandpa feeding squirrels in retirement to the very specific paperwork every financial institution needs before they'll honor your power of attorney. Beth Pinsker makes a headline segment appearance to explain the HSA inheritance tax problem her MarketWatch piece uncovered. Doug arrives with World Cup trivia. The community shares reactions to the 59% unplanned retirement episode, including Shep's 30-year story of gradually bumping his savings rate and a 37-year-old Stacker leaving the workforce in two weeks for baby number four.Resources MentionedLiving Off Your Acorns: Your Guide to the Four Phases of Retirement by Dana Anspach -- available on Amazon; search "Living Off Your Acorns" or "Dana Anspach"Sensible Money -- Dana Anspach's financial planning firm; sensiblemoney.comMarketWatch -- "I'm 66 and have $85,000 in my HSA. When should I start spending it?" by Beth PinskerMy Mother's Money by Beth Pinsker -- previous Stacking Benjamins appearance linked at stackingbenjamins.comStacking Benjamins Basics Guide -- stackingbenjamins.com/basicsguideStacking Benjamins YouTube channel -- OG and Anna basics series; youtube.com/stackingbenjaminsStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- stackingbenjamins.com/201Stacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone inherited financial wisdom from somewhere -- a parent who clipped coupons at three different grocery stores, a first job, a financial guru, or just the culture you grew up in. Some of those beliefs serve you. Some of them quietly hold you back. Chris Hill of Money Unplugged joins Joe, Paula Pant, and OG to share the money habits they've had to unlearn -- and then the whole group plays a round of In or Out on some of personal finance's most popular rules.What You'll Walk Away WithWhy Paula's childhood coupon-clipping ritual wasn't really about frugality -- it was about an unstated belief that your time is worth nothing, and how that belief shapes everythingChris Hill's 20-year belief that dividend-paying stocks are for old people -- and the specific Apple moment in 2012 that finally broke itOG's admission that despite the math argument, he's never once seen someone actually execute the "invest the difference" 30-year vs. 15-year mortgage strategy in real lifeWhy "more money will fix this" is the belief most people never fully unlearn -- and OG's honest accounting of what he thought at $17,000, $170,000, and beyondThe In or Out verdict on five popular financial rules: everyone should own a home, pay off debt before investing, never carry a mortgage into retirement, you need a budget to build wealth, and whether financial independence is mostly behavior or mathPaula's anti-budget framework -- why it works when there's a wide enough gap between income and spending, and the one scenario where a real budget actually becomes necessaryChris Hill on why surrounding yourself with people who aren't impressed by your success might be the most underrated risk management tool in your financial lifeThe Isaac Newton problem applied to successful people: why brilliance in one area creates a false confidence in all areas -- and why guardrails matter more the more successful you getWhy OG argues that if the leverage-your-mortgage math truly worked reliably, you'd be using the same logic in your Schwab account -- and why almost nobody doesWhat Melissa from Detroit did this week that every Stacker listening should know aboutWhy This Matters NowThe most expensive financial decisions are often the ones you've never questioned because someone you trusted taught them to you early. This episode is the permission slip to stress-test those beliefs.From the BasementChris Hill joins Joe, Paula Pant, and OG to dig into the money habits and inherited beliefs they've each had to unlearn -- before the whole group debates whether five of personal finance's most popular rules actually survive contact with real life. Doug arrives with Lou Gehrig trivia and makes everyone do inflation math from 1939. Chris plays for Team Jesse Cramer. The gap between first and second place closes considerably.Resources MentionedMoney Unplugged podcast -- Chris Hill; recent episodes featuring Joe Saul-Sehy and Paula Pant; available wherever you listen to podcastsAfford Anything podcast -- Paula Pant; upcoming episode on how to think through business decisions with a Harvard professor and longtime practitionerSurfshark VPN -- surfshark.com/stackingb; code stackingbee for four extra monthsStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- stackingbenjamins.com/201OG financial planning calendar -- stackingbenjamins.com/ogStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring the show. Go to https://surfshark.com/stackingb or use code STACKINGB at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!Isaac Newton was one of the smartest humans who ever lived. He also bought into the South Sea Bubble, sold for a profit, watched it keep climbing, bought back in out of pure FOMO, and rode it all the way down to an 80% loss that haunted him until he died. Ben Carlson, co-host of the Animal Spirits podcast and one of the sharpest minds at Ritholtz Wealth Management, joins Joe and Anna to walk through centuries of market history -- bubbles, crashes, and the psychology that makes smart people do dumb things with money. Anna also helps a Stacker named Louie untangle his 401(k) sources and figure out whether it's finally time to bring in a professional.What You'll Walk Away WithWhy Isaac Newton's South Sea Bubble loss still ranks among history's most instructive investing failures -- and why it had nothing to do with intelligenceBen's framework for why risk means something completely different depending on where you are in your life cycle -- and why a market crash genuinely doesn't matter the same way to a 25-year-old and a 55-year-oldThe wrong lesson an entire generation learned from 2008 -- and why everyone preparing for the last crisis missed the next seventeen years of bull marketWhy Japan's three-decade stock market bubble is the best real-world case for diversification -- and why it doesn't translate as cleanly to the US as people assumeThe behavioral reason complex investment strategies are easy to sell and nearly impossible to hold through a downturn -- while simple strategies survive the painWhy Ben's firm discovered that the hardest financial transition isn't saving for retirement -- it's actually learning to spend the money once you get thereThe Beanie Babies divorce court story that perfectly captures what every bubble looks like from the outsideAnna and OG's take on Louie's four-source 401(k): why it's simpler to manage than it looks, and why "move everything to Roth" is the wrong instinct for most DIY investorsThe Roth conversion icing-on-the-cake strategy: how to use pre-tax and Roth buckets together to manage your tax bracket year by year in retirementWhy one financial pro has a surprisingly negative take on HSAs at death -- and the timing problem that makes spending one down in retirement genuinely trickyWhy This Matters NowEvery market cycle feels unprecedented while you're living through it. Understanding the actual constant -- human psychology, not headlines -- is the difference between riding out volatility and becoming a cautionary tale, smart as you might be.From the BasementBen Carlson joins Joe and Anna to walk through centuries of bubbles, crashes, and the psychological wiring that makes both geniuses and ordinary investors do the same dumb things. Doug arrives with Statue of Liberty trivia tied to America's upcoming 250th anniversary. A Stacker calling himself Louie -- and getting Anna instead of OG, much to his surprise -- asks for help simplifying his 401(k) and figuring out his Roth conversion strategy, and gets a reminder that he's already doing better than he thinks.Resources MentionedRisk and Reward: How to Handle Market Volatility and Build Long-Term Wealth by Ben Carlson -- available wherever books are soldAnimal Spirits podcast -- Ben Carlson and Michael Batnick; available wherever you listen to podcastsRitholtz Wealth Management -- referenced for prior guests Barry Ritholtz, Josh Brown, and Nick MaggiulliWhere Are the Customers' Yachts? by Fred Schwed -- referenced for the famous quote on the emotional experience of losing moneyPaul Merriman's research on asset allocation -- paulmerriman.comStacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vaultStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- stackingbenjamins.com/201Stacking Benjamins voicemail line -- stackingbenjamins.com/yelldownstairsStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For years, brands could rely on SEO, paid ads, and sheer content volume to drive attention.But that playbook is starting to break down.In this episode of Talking Too Loud, Chris Savage sits down with Noah Greenberg, CEO of Stacker, to unpack why more brands are starting to act more like media companies — and what it actually takes to earn attention in an AI-saturated world.They explore the biggest mistake brands make when investing in content, how companies are building media ecosystems through original reporting, and why telling the kinds of stories only you can tell are a brand's biggest competitive advantage.Links to Learn More: Follow Noah Greenberg on LinkedInFollow Chris Savage on LinkedInSubscribe to Talking Too Loud on WistiaWatch on YouTubeFollow Talking Too Loud on InstagramFollow Talking Too Loud on TikTokLove what you heard? Leave us a review!On AppleOn Spotify

Noah Greenberg, CEO of Stacker, joins Ross to break down how his platform distributes brand content as earned media across thousands of news publishers and why it's becoming a core part of modern SEO,  digital PR, and GEO strategy.   They dig into the nuances of doing syndication the right way, from canonical tags and editorial standards to why Stacker's network of 3,000+ publishers makes it a fundamentally different play than old-school link building. Noah also explains how the rise of GEO is reshaping the value of syndication, as brands discover that republishing content across hundreds of news outlets dramatically increases the surface area for LLM citations.   Ross and Noah close out with a practical breakdown of what content actually performs on the newswire: proprietary data stories only your brand can tell, public data localized by geography, and well-timed "news you can use" tied to seasonal events. If you're a brand, agency, or SEO thinking about content distribution, this one is worth your full attention.   Show Notes: 0:00  What Is Stacker? Distribution, Earned Media & How It Works 01:20  How Stacker Solved the Chicken-and-Egg Problem with Publishers 08:23  Google's Syndication Warning & Why Stacker Plays It White Hat 13:11  The Real SEO & GEO Value of Content Syndication 17:04  Who Is Stacker Actually a Good Fit For? (B2B vs. B2C) 22:39  Local Content, Localization at Scale & Why It Outperforms 27:17  How Stacker Scales Across 3,000 Publishers Without Oversaturating 35:35 3 Types of Content That Consistently Win on the Newswire   Show Links: Follow Noah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahg/   Stacker: https://stacker.com/   Follow Ross on X: https://x.com/RossHudgens: Subscribe today for weekly tips: https://bit.ly/3dBM61f Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/content-and-conversation-seo-tips-from-siege-media/id1289467174 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kiaFGXO5UcT2qXVRuXjsM Listen on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9jT3NjUkdLeA Follow Siege on Twitter: http://twitter.com/siegemedia Follow Ross on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rosshudgens Directed by Cara Brown: https://twitter.com/cararbrown Email Ross: ross@siegemedia.com #seo | #contentmarketing

You've seen the ads. Invest like the ultra-wealthy. Get access to what the 1% does. But what does the 1% actually do -- and how much of it should a normal person try to copy? Joe, OG, comedian and finance educator Roxanne Duckels, and Jesse Cramer run every popular "rich people investing" idea through a simple filter: steal it, scale it, or skip it. The answers will surprise you -- especially the one where OG wants to delete an entire asset class from existence.What You'll Walk Away WithWhy long-term thinking is the one habit the 1% has that every Stacker should steal immediately -- and the short-term execution piece most people miss when they tryThe tax strategy obsession that the wealthy genuinely use -- and why Jesse ranks it seventh on his list of financial priorities, not firstWhat paying for advice actually means when you're smart enough to do it yourself -- and why the wealthiest people surround themselves with even smarter people anywayThe alternative investment marketing trap hiding inside every "invest like the rich" pitch -- and OG's case for why most people have no business touching any of itWhy the accredited investor designation protects almost no one -- and what the real risk is when you lock up money in illiquid investments chasing slightly better returnsThe leverage conversation that exposes a contradiction hiding in plain sight for every real estate investorWhy Roxanne's path to financial independence started with filling her gas tank all the way up -- and what that tells you about long-term thinking at any income levelThe one question that should precede any alternative investment conversation: does the expected return actually beat what publicly traded equities already offer?What the trivia competition scoreboard looks like heading into the back half of the year -- and whether OG's historic lead is as safe as it looksWhy rich habits and "what the 1% does" are two completely different things -- and which one is actually worth chasingWhy This Matters NowIn a noisy market environment, the "invest like the wealthy" pitch gets louder every time volatility spikes. Private credit, non-traded REITs, leveraged real estate, alternative assets -- the marketing machine never stops. For Stackers in their 40s who've built something real and don't want to blow it chasing a category that mostly benefits the people selling it, this episode is a useful reset. The habits worth stealing from the 1% turn out to be remarkably unglamorous.From the BasementJoe, OG, Roxanne Duckels from Finance Rox, and Jesse Cramer run the "invest like the rich" playbook through a steal-it-scale-it-skip-it framework -- and nobody agrees on everything, which is exactly what makes it useful. Doug arrives with Mayday trivia about the origin of the distress call and the year it was coined, which turns into one of the cleaner trivia finishes of the season. Whether the basement scoreboard moved in OG's favor or Jesse closed the gap is a question best answered with your earbuds in.Resources MentionedFinance Rox -- Roxanne Duckels on YouTube and Instagram @FinanceROXPersonal Finance for Long-Term Investors -- Jesse Cramer's podcast, wherever you listenStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- recent issue: brokerage vs. UTMA/UGMA vs. Trump accounts for kids; stackingbenjamins.com/201Stacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vaultStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementStacking Benjamins Meetups -- stackingbenjamins.com/badSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Play Poker With the Table 1 CommunityNew players on Phenom Poker can get a 200% deposit bonus up to $2,000.Sign up here:https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1OR… come play with us in Las Vegas at Table 1https://table1.vegasBrandon Wilson's path to the top of poker is anything but normal.Before becoming one of the most successful tournament players in the world with over $11 million in live earnings, Brandon's journey included:• A journalism degree from Northwestern• An internship at Al Jazeera in Qatar• A stint as a rapper in New Orleans• Teaching yoga and meditation• Grinding $10 online tournaments during COVID…and somehow that path led him to the biggest stages in poker.In this episode of The Table 1 Podcast, Brandon joins Art Parmann and Justin Young to talk about the mindset, preparation, and wild life journey that took him from broke artist to elite high-stakes crusher.Along the way we cover:♠ The moment he fell in love with poker during lockdown♠ Why meditation didn't stop him from tilting♠ Getting called a “cancer” at his first live cash game♠ The discipline behind studying every single hand he's ever questioned♠ The reality of playing $125K and $250K tournaments♠ Why he doesn't coach poker (and probably never will)♠ The mindset required to compete at the very top of the gameBrandon also shares stories from Triton, the WSOP, high-stakes backing deals, and the grind required to reach the highest levels of poker.If you want to understand what it takes to become one of the most prepared players in poker, this episode is a must-watch.Show Notes:1:22 — Paris trip & tournament grind2:46 — Brandon's first podcast appearance4:12 — First live cash game & early poker mistakes7:49 — Going back to the beginning (childhood)11:13 — School, college & journalism12:24 — Al Jazeera internship in Qatar18:23 — Post-college identity crisis19:28 — Acting school attempt20:29 — Rap career in New Orleans23:20 — Discovering yoga & meditation25:22 — COVID lockdown & discovering poker27:19 — Studying poker & meeting Dominik Nitsche34:41 — Desire to reach the top of poker40:28 — Getting backed & bankroll strategy47:49 — First big poker score59:22 — Triton $50K final table run1:03:38 — Playing $125K tournaments1:07:50 — Life on the high-stakes circuit1:13:23 — WSOP goals & chasing a bracelet1:16:13 — Why Brandon doesn't coach1:19:02 — Social media & closing thoughtsConnect with Brandon WilsonTwitter / X: https://x.com/BrandonWPokerCome Play Poker With UsIf you're in Las Vegas and want to play in our Table 1 private game at ARIA, you can request a seat here:https://table1.vegasPlay Online With UsJoin us on Phenom Poker and get a deposit bonus:• Up to 200% bonus on your first deposit (up to $2,000)• Use our link to sign up• Deposit using USDTLink: https://play.phenompoker.com/register?r=Table1Table 1 PodcastThe Table 1 Podcast is poker's living room.We bring you the stories behind the biggest personalities in poker — the wins, the losses, and everything that happens away from the felt.Subscribe for new episodes every week.

Millennials didn't just change how people invest -- they changed what investing even looks like. Cheaper, faster, more automated, and occasionally more dangerous than anything that came before. The real question isn't whether to adopt their habits. It's which ones are actually building wealth and which ones are quietly lighting your portfolio on fire. Joe, OG, Jen Smith (Frugal Friends), and Doc G (Earn & Invest) sort the signal from the noise. What You'll Walk Away With The quiet Millennial investing shift that made building wealth more accessible than any generation before them -- and why most people missed it Why automation may be the single most powerful tool in your financial stack, and the one condition that turns it against you The difference between technology built to help you invest and technology built to keep you tapping the trade button How budgeting apps can create real spending clarity -- or accidentally trigger what the crew calls "procrasti-spending" Why fewer investment decisions often outperform more of them, and what the research actually says The hidden cost of frictionless trading and why the winning move is sometimes the most boring one available Where to take big swings if you want outsized rewards -- and why your long-term portfolio probably isn't the right arena How Millennials are diversifying beyond just assets, and what that broader thinking means for investors in their 40s The honest tension between values-based investing and long-term returns -- and how serious investors are navigating it without sacrificing either What growing portfolio customization actually means for everyday investors who aren't managing millions Why This Matters Now If you're in your 40s, you've watched an entire new financial infrastructure get built around a generation younger than you -- and you may be wondering what's worth borrowing. More access and more information don't automatically produce better outcomes. Knowing which Millennial habits genuinely compound over time, and which ones just feel productive, is the kind of edge that shows up in your account balance a decade from now. From the Basement OG makes his case for patience (again), Doc G steers things toward the bigger life picture, and Jen Smith grounds the conversation in the money habits real people actually use. Doug surfaces a trivia question involving a NASA probe budget -- and whether you think you know the answer or not, the basement scoreboard has a way of humbling even the most confident Stacker. 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

Millennials didn't just change how people invest -- they changed what investing even looks like. Cheaper, faster, more automated, and occasionally more dangerous than anything that came before. The real question isn't whether to adopt their habits. It's which ones are actually building wealth and which ones are quietly lighting your portfolio on fire. Joe, OG, Jen Smith (Frugal Friends), and Doc G (Earn & Invest) sort the signal from the noise. What You'll Walk Away With The quiet Millennial investing shift that made building wealth more accessible than any generation before them -- and why most people missed it Why automation may be the single most powerful tool in your financial stack, and the one condition that turns it against you The difference between technology built to help you invest and technology built to keep you tapping the trade button How budgeting apps can create real spending clarity -- or accidentally trigger what the crew calls "procrasti-spending" Why fewer investment decisions often outperform more of them, and what the research actually says The hidden cost of frictionless trading and why the winning move is sometimes the most boring one available Where to take big swings if you want outsized rewards -- and why your long-term portfolio probably isn't the right arena How Millennials are diversifying beyond just assets, and what that broader thinking means for investors in their 40s The honest tension between values-based investing and long-term returns -- and how serious investors are navigating it without sacrificing either What growing portfolio customization actually means for everyday investors who aren't managing millions Why This Matters Now If you're in your 40s, you've watched an entire new financial infrastructure get built around a generation younger than you -- and you may be wondering what's worth borrowing. More access and more information don't automatically produce better outcomes. Knowing which Millennial habits genuinely compound over time, and which ones just feel productive, is the kind of edge that shows up in your account balance a decade from now. From the Basement OG makes his case for patience (again), Doc G steers things toward the bigger life picture, and Jen Smith grounds the conversation in the money habits real people actually use. Doug surfaces a trivia question involving a NASA probe budget -- and whether you think you know the answer or not, the basement scoreboard has a way of humbling even the most confident Stacker. 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Joe's mom's basement (where humility is encouraged and spreadsheets are optional), the crew tackles a deceptively simple question. If most people think they're above average with money, what advice actually helps someone who isn't? Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Doug, Jesse Cramer, and guest Whitney Hanson (Money Nerds podcast) run a thought experiment inspired by Morgan Housel's observation that nearly everyone believes they're financially smarter than the median. What straightforward moves keep someone from needing last minute financial Hail Marys? The answer isn't flashy. It's systems. Whitney kicks things off with a practical starting point: identify your knowledge gaps. Tools like Investor.gov quizzes can reveal blind spots, and she suggests theming your learning (one focus per month) so financial literacy doesn't feel overwhelming. From there, the conversation turns to controllables: cash flow, savings rate, lifestyle inflation, and career capital. Because while markets bounce around, your habits are yours. The gang also introduces the idea of a tactile money leak audit, physically reviewing spending to spot waste that autopilot budgeting apps can miss. It's less glamorous than crypto speculation but far more effective. Investing gets reframed too. Instead of treating it like a mysterious Wall Street game, they suggest thinking of it as owning small pieces of companies you already know and use. Start small. Automate it. Build reps. Confidence follows action. Insurance and estate planning round out the episode. The crew urges listeners to shop multiple advisors, understand policy details before signing, use AI to help decode fine print without blindly trusting it, and avoid overconfidence just because something sounds right. Doug keeps things lively with trivia revealing that Johnny Carson's 1982 DUI fine was a very specific $603, and OG once again proves suspiciously good at guessing. What You'll Learn: Why most people overestimate their financial knowledge and what to do about it How to identify and close your personal money knowledge gaps The key financial variables you actually control How to perform a simple money leak audit Why small, automatic investing beats waiting for the perfect moment How to make investing feel familiar instead of intimidating The basics everyone should understand about insurance and estate planning Why repetition builds financial confidence faster than theory The Big Takeaway: You don't need advanced tactics. You need consistent systems. Focus on what you control. Automate the boring stuff. Learn one thing at a time. Build margin. Repeat. Because the goal isn't to be above average. It's to be steady enough that you never need a desperate Hail Mary. This Episode Is For You If: You feel like everyone else has money figured out except you Financial advice usually feels too complicated or assumes knowledge you don't have You're tired of feeling behind and want simple systems that work You want to build confidence through action, not just theory You believe steady progress beats trying to be perfect Question for You: What was the first simple money habit that changed your trajectory? Share it in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your small win might be exactly what another Stacker needs to hear. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/bottom-50-money-tips-1809/ 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Joe's mom's basement (where humility is encouraged and spreadsheets are optional), the crew tackles a deceptively simple question. If most people think they're above average with money, what advice actually helps someone who isn't? Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Doug, Jesse Cramer, and guest Whitney Hanson (Money Nerds podcast) run a thought experiment inspired by Morgan Housel's observation that nearly everyone believes they're financially smarter than the median. What straightforward moves keep someone from needing last minute financial Hail Marys? The answer isn't flashy. It's systems. Whitney kicks things off with a practical starting point: identify your knowledge gaps. Tools like Investor.gov quizzes can reveal blind spots, and she suggests theming your learning (one focus per month) so financial literacy doesn't feel overwhelming. From there, the conversation turns to controllables: cash flow, savings rate, lifestyle inflation, and career capital. Because while markets bounce around, your habits are yours. The gang also introduces the idea of a tactile money leak audit, physically reviewing spending to spot waste that autopilot budgeting apps can miss. It's less glamorous than crypto speculation but far more effective. Investing gets reframed too. Instead of treating it like a mysterious Wall Street game, they suggest thinking of it as owning small pieces of companies you already know and use. Start small. Automate it. Build reps. Confidence follows action. Insurance and estate planning round out the episode. The crew urges listeners to shop multiple advisors, understand policy details before signing, use AI to help decode fine print without blindly trusting it, and avoid overconfidence just because something sounds right. Doug keeps things lively with trivia revealing that Johnny Carson's 1982 DUI fine was a very specific $603, and OG once again proves suspiciously good at guessing. What You'll Learn: Why most people overestimate their financial knowledge and what to do about it How to identify and close your personal money knowledge gaps The key financial variables you actually control How to perform a simple money leak audit Why small, automatic investing beats waiting for the perfect moment How to make investing feel familiar instead of intimidating The basics everyone should understand about insurance and estate planning Why repetition builds financial confidence faster than theory The Big Takeaway: You don't need advanced tactics. You need consistent systems. Focus on what you control. Automate the boring stuff. Learn one thing at a time. Build margin. Repeat. Because the goal isn't to be above average. It's to be steady enough that you never need a desperate Hail Mary. This Episode Is For You If: You feel like everyone else has money figured out except you Financial advice usually feels too complicated or assumes knowledge you don't have You're tired of feeling behind and want simple systems that work You want to build confidence through action, not just theory You believe steady progress beats trying to be perfect Question for You: What was the first simple money habit that changed your trajectory? Share it in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your small win might be exactly what another Stacker needs to hear. 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

Live from Joe's mom's basement (where the jokes are free but hospital care apparently isn't), the Stacking Benjamins crew tackles two very real financial stressors: surprise medical debt and a shifting housing market. First up is Amani Vance, who joined the Coast Guard at 19 and soon faced a nightmare scenario. What started as appendicitis escalated to severe sepsis after limited on-base resources and long waits for off-base care. After hospitalization, including treatment for an abscess and eventual appendix removal, Amani received a bill totaling roughly $43,000 to $45,000. And here's where it gets worse. She didn't qualify for VA help because she hadn't yet served 180 days. Accessing Coast Guard records proved difficult. The bill arrived after the care, opaque, overwhelming, and completely disconnected from what she had agreed to or expected. If you're a Stacker, you know this feeling. The stress isn't just the number. It's the lack of clarity. Amani shares how she started researching options, discovered the nonprofit Dollar For through Reddit, and used them to apply for hospital financial assistance. Dollar For helped her complete and submit the required forms, and within weeks, she was approved for 100% financial assistance, wiping out the bill entirely. Joe Saul-Sehy highlights an important takeaway. Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer financial assistance. Many for-profit hospitals offer programs, too. Income thresholds are often higher than people assume. The applications can be confusing, which is where advocates like Dollar For can make a huge difference. Instead of locking into $300 to $500 monthly payments for years, Amani walked away debt-free and with a completely different outlook. After Doug drops trivia about the youngest bank robber (yes, really), the crew pivots to housing. A recent Wall Street Journal/Redfin headline suggests the housing market may be tilting toward buyers, with more homes selling below list price and average sales around 8% under asking. Joe and OG break down what that means for Stackers, not in headline hype terms but practical life terms. What You'll Learn: Medical Bills and Financial Assistance: • Why medical debt feels different from other debt • How hospital financial assistance programs work • Why many people qualify but never apply • How nonprofits like Dollar For can help navigate the paperwork • Why you should always ask for itemized bills and assistance options Housing Market: Think Forward, Not Backward: • Why you shouldn't get stuck in your mortgage just because you locked in a low rate • How anchoring to past rates can cloud present decisions • Why negotiating power is shifting and how to use it • The importance of building financial margin when income rises • Smart, low cost staging tactics, including hiring a pro for just an hour of advice • How AI tools can help with pricing and presentation ideas The Big Takeaways: Before paying a massive medical bill, check whether you qualify for assistance. Financial stress often comes from confusion. Clarity is power. Housing decisions should be forward-looking, not emotionally anchored to the past. Margin and flexibility beat perfect timing. This Episode Is For You If: • You're facing medical debt and thought you had no options • You've been putting off dealing with a hospital bill because it feels hopeless • You're stuck in a low rate mortgage and wondering if you should move • You want to understand what's really happening in the housing market • You believe there's always more to the story than the bill or the headline Question for You: Have you ever negotiated or reduced a bill you initially thought was non-negotiable? Share your story in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your experience might help another Stacker avoid paying more than they should. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live from Joe's mom's basement (where the jokes are free but hospital care apparently isn't), the Stacking Benjamins crew tackles two very real financial stressors: surprise medical debt and a shifting housing market. First up is Imani Vance, who joined the Coast Guard at 19 and soon faced a nightmare scenario. What started as appendicitis escalated to severe sepsis after limited on-base resources and long waits for off-base care. After hospitalization, including treatment for an abscess and eventual appendix removal, Imani received a bill totaling roughly $43,000 to $45,000. And here's where it gets worse. She didn't qualify for VA help because she hadn't yet served 180 days. Accessing Coast Guard records proved difficult. The bill arrived after the care, opaque, overwhelming, and completely disconnected from what she had agreed to or expected. If you're a Stacker, you know this feeling. The stress isn't just the number. It's the lack of clarity. Imani shares how she started researching options, discovered the nonprofit Dollar For through Reddit, and used them to apply for hospital financial assistance. Dollar For helped her complete and submit the required forms, and within weeks, she was approved for 100% financial assistance, wiping out the bill entirely. Joe Saul-Sehy highlights an important takeaway. Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to offer financial assistance. Many for-profit hospitals offer programs, too. Income thresholds are often higher than people assume. The applications can be confusing, which is where advocates like Dollar For can make a huge difference. Instead of locking into $300 to $500 monthly payments for years, Imani walked away debt-free and with a completely different outlook. After Doug drops trivia about the youngest bank robber (yes, really), the crew pivots to housing. A recent Wall Street Journal/Redfin headline suggests the housing market may be tilting toward buyers, with more homes selling below list price and average sales around 8% under asking. Joe and OG break down what that means for Stackers, not in headline hype terms but practical life terms. What You'll Learn: Medical Bills and Financial Assistance: • Why medical debt feels different from other debt • How hospital financial assistance programs work • Why many people qualify but never apply • How nonprofits like Dollar For can help navigate the paperwork • Why you should always ask for itemized bills and assistance options Housing Market: Think Forward, Not Backward: • Why you shouldn't get stuck in your mortgage just because you locked in a low rate • How anchoring to past rates can cloud present decisions • Why negotiating power is shifting and how to use it • The importance of building financial margin when income rises • Smart, low cost staging tactics, including hiring a pro for just an hour of advice • How AI tools can help with pricing and presentation ideas The Big Takeaways: Before paying a massive medical bill, check whether you qualify for assistance. Financial stress often comes from confusion. Clarity is power. Housing decisions should be forward-looking, not emotionally anchored to the past. Margin and flexibility beat perfect timing. This Episode Is For You If: • You're facing medical debt and thought you had no options • You've been putting off dealing with a hospital bill because it feels hopeless • You're stuck in a low rate mortgage and wondering if you should move • You want to understand what's really happening in the housing market • You believe there's always more to the story than the bill or the headline Question for You: Have you ever negotiated or reduced a bill you initially thought was non-negotiable? Share your story in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your experience might help another Stacker avoid paying more than they should. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Joe's mom's basement (complete with dog mugs, birthday roasting, and Doug polishing his trivia crown), the crew tackles a headline that caught plenty of attention. Suze Orman backing off her long held stance that everyone should work until age 70. Does that mean you shouldn't work longer? Not exactly. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Doug, and special guest Len Penzo break down the math behind working into your late 60s or beyond. More years to save, more compounding, fewer years drawing down assets. It's powerful stuff. But they also remind Stackers that work doesn't have to mean the same grind, and that retiring and claiming Social Security are two completely separate decisions. Len shares why he plans to delay Social Security until 70, walks through the break even math versus claiming at 62, and highlights the importance of survivor benefits for spouses. At the same time, the crew emphasizes that health, longevity expectations, and personal priorities can completely change the right answer. Suze's updated advice leans heavily on stress testing your retirement plan, and that's where the basement really digs in. What happens if inflation sticks around? If your side hustle disappears? If returns are lower than expected? The team argues that instead of chasing the perfect retirement date, you should solve for flexibility. Avoid analysis paralysis but don't skip the planning either. They also debate liquidity (hint: it doesn't mean stuffing your mattress with cash), share a cautionary tale about delayed IRA access, and remind listeners that logistics matter just as much as spreadsheets. In the TikTok Minute, a retiree reframes time as priceless instead of something to maximize. That sparks a thoughtful conversation about identity in retirement, the adjustment period after leaving work, and what makes life satisfying once the paycheck stops. Plus: A big community win as a fellow Stacker crosses the $1 million net worth milestone, stats on how common that really is, upcoming Stackers meetups, Doug's Gutenberg themed trivia, and unexpected retirement expenses involving squirrels and BarkBox. Because this is the basement, after all. What You'll Learn: • Why working longer can strengthen your retirement math and when it might not • The difference between retiring and claiming Social Security • How to think about Social Security timing, longevity, and survivor benefits • What it means to stress test your retirement plan • Why flexibility often beats perfect optimization • The real meaning of liquidity and why too much idle cash can hurt efficiency • How retirement success is often about time, not just money • Why identity shifts matter just as much as account balances The Big Takeaway: Retirement doesn't require working forever. But it does require a coordinated plan, one that brings together your assets, Social Security strategy, spending flexibility, and (most importantly) how you want to spend your time. Because in the end, money is renewable. Time isn't. This Episode Is For You If: • You've been told to work to 70 and aren't sure if that's right for you • You're trying to figure out when to claim Social Security • You want to stress test your retirement plan but don't know where to start • You're worried about the adjustment period after leaving work • You believe retirement planning is about more than just hitting a number Question for You: If you could retire tomorrow, what would you spend more time doing, and what would you happily leave behind? Share your thoughts in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your answer might inspire another Stacker who's quietly wondering the same thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live from Joe's mom's basement (complete with dog mugs, birthday roasting, and Doug polishing his trivia crown), the crew tackles a headline that caught plenty of attention. Suze Orman backing off her long held stance that everyone should work until age 70. Does that mean you shouldn't work longer? Not exactly. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Doug, and special guest Len Penzo break down the math behind working into your late 60s or beyond. More years to save, more compounding, fewer years drawing down assets. It's powerful stuff. But they also remind Stackers that work doesn't have to mean the same grind, and that retiring and claiming Social Security are two completely separate decisions. Len shares why he plans to delay Social Security until 70, walks through the break even math versus claiming at 62, and highlights the importance of survivor benefits for spouses. At the same time, the crew emphasizes that health, longevity expectations, and personal priorities can completely change the right answer. Suze's updated advice leans heavily on stress testing your retirement plan, and that's where the basement really digs in. What happens if inflation sticks around? If your side hustle disappears? If returns are lower than expected? The team argues that instead of chasing the perfect retirement date, you should solve for flexibility. Avoid analysis paralysis but don't skip the planning either. They also debate liquidity (hint: it doesn't mean stuffing your mattress with cash), share a cautionary tale about delayed IRA access, and remind listeners that logistics matter just as much as spreadsheets. In the TikTok Minute, a retiree reframes time as priceless instead of something to maximize. That sparks a thoughtful conversation about identity in retirement, the adjustment period after leaving work, and what makes life satisfying once the paycheck stops. Plus: A big community win as a fellow Stacker crosses the $1 million net worth milestone, stats on how common that really is, upcoming Stackers meetups, Doug's Gutenberg themed trivia, and unexpected retirement expenses involving squirrels and BarkBox. Because this is the basement, after all. What You'll Learn: • Why working longer can strengthen your retirement math and when it might not • The difference between retiring and claiming Social Security • How to think about Social Security timing, longevity, and survivor benefits • What it means to stress test your retirement plan • Why flexibility often beats perfect optimization • The real meaning of liquidity and why too much idle cash can hurt efficiency • How retirement success is often about time, not just money • Why identity shifts matter just as much as account balances The Big Takeaway: Retirement doesn't require working forever. But it does require a coordinated plan, one that brings together your assets, Social Security strategy, spending flexibility, and (most importantly) how you want to spend your time. Because in the end, money is renewable. Time isn't. This Episode Is For You If: • You've been told to work to 70 and aren't sure if that's right for you • You're trying to figure out when to claim Social Security • You want to stress test your retirement plan but don't know where to start • You're worried about the adjustment period after leaving work • You believe retirement planning is about more than just hitting a number Question for You: If you could retire tomorrow, what would you spend more time doing, and what would you happily leave behind? Share your thoughts in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your answer might inspire another Stacker who's quietly wondering the same thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Joe's mom's basement (where receipts go to be judged and spreadsheets fear OG), this episode tackles two big questions Stackers are asking right now. What's the best tax software for filing your 2025 return? And what should normal, long term investors make of gold, silver, and crypto taking a wild ride? Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Robert Farrington from The College Investor to break down the tax software landscape without the marketing fluff. Because if you're our Stacker avatar, you don't want hype. You want something that works, doesn't overcharge you, and doesn't suddenly upsell you because you clicked the wrong box. Then in the headline segment, the crew digs into the sharp pullback in precious metals and crypto. Is this the beginning of something bigger? A buying opportunity? Or just another reminder that chasing shiny objects (literally shiny in gold's case) can make your portfolio feel like a roller coaster? As always, Doug brings trivia, there's some basement banter, and the team separates smart strategy from financial fashion trends. Choosing the Right Tax Software (Without Overpaying): • Why FreeTaxUSA might be the best overall value for most Stackers • When TurboTax or H&R Block make sense and when you're just paying for bells and whistles • The pros and limitations of truly free options like Cash App Taxes and Chime • Why TaxSlayer can be a solid choice for student loan borrowers, landlords, and side hustlers • What investors and crypto traders need to know about brokerage imports and the new 1099-DA form • Why filing taxes is mostly data entry and where real tax planning can make a difference • Simple tools to track mileage, expenses, and side hustle income without losing your mind Bottom line: the best software isn't universal. It's the one that fits your situation without surprise fees. Gold, Silver, and Crypto: What the Drop Means: • Why assets without earnings (like gold and many cryptocurrencies) can swing wildly • The danger of investing based on FOMO instead of a plan • How concentration risk increases the range of possible outcomes, both good and bad • Why short term volatility doesn't automatically change a long term strategy • The risks of misinformation, including AI generated financial advice that isn't real OG walks through how disciplined investors think during volatile moments: zoom out, revisit your allocation, and stick to your strategy instead of reacting emotionally. The Big Takeaway: Whether you're picking tax software or deciding what to do during a market drop, the lesson is the same. Choose tools that fit your life. Build a plan before the chaos hits. Don't let headlines or shiny objects hijack your strategy. This Episode Is For You If: • You're trying to pick tax software without getting ripped off • Markets are making you nervous and you're not sure if you should do something • You want to understand what's happening with gold and crypto without the hype • You're looking for calm, practical guidance during a chaotic time • You believe steady wealth beats chasing shiny things Let's Hear From You: What tax software are you using this year and why? When markets get volatile, what helps you stay disciplined? Share your thoughts in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your experience might help another Stacker avoid an expensive mistake. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/the-best-tax-software-2026-robert-farrington-1805 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

Live from Joe's mom's basement (where receipts go to be judged and spreadsheets fear OG), this episode tackles two big questions Stackers are asking right now. What's the best tax software for filing your 2025 return? And what should normal, long term investors make of gold, silver, and crypto taking a wild ride? Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Robert Farrington from The College Investor to break down the tax software landscape without the marketing fluff. Because if you're our Stacker avatar, you don't want hype. You want something that works, doesn't overcharge you, and doesn't suddenly upsell you because you clicked the wrong box. Then in the headline segment, the crew digs into the sharp pullback in precious metals and crypto. Is this the beginning of something bigger? A buying opportunity? Or just another reminder that chasing shiny objects (literally shiny in gold's case) can make your portfolio feel like a roller coaster? As always, Doug brings trivia, there's some basement banter, and the team separates smart strategy from financial fashion trends. Choosing the Right Tax Software (Without Overpaying): • Why FreeTaxUSA might be the best overall value for most Stackers • When TurboTax or H&R Block make sense and when you're just paying for bells and whistles • The pros and limitations of truly free options like Cash App Taxes and Chime • Why TaxSlayer can be a solid choice for student loan borrowers, landlords, and side hustlers • What investors and crypto traders need to know about brokerage imports and the new 1099-DA form • Why filing taxes is mostly data entry and where real tax planning can make a difference • Simple tools to track mileage, expenses, and side hustle income without losing your mind Bottom line: the best software isn't universal. It's the one that fits your situation without surprise fees. Gold, Silver, and Crypto: What the Drop Means: • Why assets without earnings (like gold and many cryptocurrencies) can swing wildly • The danger of investing based on FOMO instead of a plan • How concentration risk increases the range of possible outcomes, both good and bad • Why short term volatility doesn't automatically change a long term strategy • The risks of misinformation, including AI generated financial advice that isn't real OG walks through how disciplined investors think during volatile moments: zoom out, revisit your allocation, and stick to your strategy instead of reacting emotionally. The Big Takeaway: Whether you're picking tax software or deciding what to do during a market drop, the lesson is the same. Choose tools that fit your life. Build a plan before the chaos hits. Don't let headlines or shiny objects hijack your strategy. This Episode Is For You If: • You're trying to pick tax software without getting ripped off • Markets are making you nervous and you're not sure if you should do something • You want to understand what's happening with gold and crypto without the hype • You're looking for calm, practical guidance during a chaotic time • You believe steady wealth beats chasing shiny things Let's Hear From You: What tax software are you using this year and why? When markets get volatile, what helps you stay disciplined? Share your thoughts in the Spotify comments or The Basement Facebook group. Your experience might help another Stacker avoid an expensive mistake. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/the-best-tax-software-2026-robert-farrington-1805 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's more romantic than roses and chocolate? How about not fighting about money. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG welcome Douglas and Heather Boneparth, the financial planning power couple who literally wrote the book on navigating money in relationships. Broadcasting from the basement (where love is patient and spreadsheets are kind), the crew dives into how people can build financial trust, avoid money secrets, and actually enjoy talking about dollars without it turning into a heavyweight title fight. Whether you're navigating finances with a romantic partner, a roommate splitting rent, an accountability partner keeping you honest, or a family member you're in business with, these principles apply. Because let's face it: our Stacker avatar isn't trying to impress Wall Street. You're trying to build a great life with the people who matter, without money becoming the thing that creates tension. Douglas and Heather break down what healthy financial communication really looks like, how to spot and prevent financial secrecy, and why shared goals matter more than perfectly matched spending styles. They also tackle the tricky stuff: different money upbringings, emotional baggage around finances, and how to reset when conversations go sideways. And since this is the basement, you'll also get practical reminders about key financial deadlines (because nothing kills momentum like IRS penalties), smart ways to teach kids about money, and Doug's festive trivia to keep things light. What You'll Learn: How to talk about money without it escalating into a debate or argument The warning signs of financial secrecy and how to prevent it in any relationship Why shared goals matter more than identical personalities or spending styles Practical ways to align spending, saving, and investing with another person How your childhood money experiences shape your adult financial behavior Smart ways to teach kids patience, work reward connections, and intentional spending Important financial deadlines to keep on your radar Why communication, not math, is often the real key to financial success This Episode Is For You If: You avoid money conversations because they always seem to go badly You're navigating shared finances with a partner, roommate, or family member You want to align financial goals with someone without constant friction You're single but have accountability partners or friends you talk money with You believe better communication is the key to better financial outcomes Question for You: What's one money conversation that felt awkward at first but ultimately made a relationship (romantic, friendship, or otherwise) stronger? Drop your answer in the Spotify comments or the Stacking Benjamins Facebook group. You might just help another Stacker start a better conversation. Because in the end, mastering money isn't just about returns. It's about building a life and relationships that work. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/relationships-and-money-with-doug-and-heather-boneparth-1802 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's more romantic than roses and chocolate? How about not fighting about money. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG welcome Douglas and Heather Boneparth, the financial planning power couple who literally wrote the book on navigating money in relationships. Broadcasting from the basement (where love is patient and spreadsheets are kind), the crew dives into how people can build financial trust, avoid money secrets, and actually enjoy talking about dollars without it turning into a heavyweight title fight. Whether you're navigating finances with a romantic partner, a roommate splitting rent, an accountability partner keeping you honest, or a family member you're in business with, these principles apply. Because let's face it: our Stacker avatar isn't trying to impress Wall Street. You're trying to build a great life with the people who matter, without money becoming the thing that creates tension. Douglas and Heather break down what healthy financial communication really looks like, how to spot and prevent financial secrecy, and why shared goals matter more than perfectly matched spending styles. They also tackle the tricky stuff: different money upbringings, emotional baggage around finances, and how to reset when conversations go sideways. And since this is the basement, you'll also get practical reminders about key financial deadlines (because nothing kills momentum like IRS penalties), smart ways to teach kids about money, and Doug's festive trivia to keep things light. What You'll Learn: How to talk about money without it escalating into a debate or argument The warning signs of financial secrecy and how to prevent it in any relationship Why shared goals matter more than identical personalities or spending styles Practical ways to align spending, saving, and investing with another person How your childhood money experiences shape your adult financial behavior Smart ways to teach kids patience, work reward connections, and intentional spending Important financial deadlines to keep on your radar Why communication, not math, is often the real key to financial success This Episode Is For You If: You avoid money conversations because they always seem to go badly You're navigating shared finances with a partner, roommate, or family member You want to align financial goals with someone without constant friction You're single but have accountability partners or friends you talk money with You believe better communication is the key to better financial outcomes Question for You: What's one money conversation that felt awkward at first but ultimately made a relationship (romantic, friendship, or otherwise) stronger? Drop your answer in the Spotify comments or the Stacking Benjamins Facebook group. You might just help another Stacker start a better conversation. Because in the end, mastering money isn't just about returns. It's about building a life and relationships that work. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/relationships-and-money-with-doug-and-heather-boneparth-1802 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textSupport the showShow RTPF Podcast Some Love - PREMIUM!!! Get a RTPF Winter Beanie - MERCH! PROJECTION LAB Interested in starting your own podcast? Get a $20 Amazon gift card with this link!

Some people kick off a new year with a vision board. We prefer a runway show in sweatpants from Joe's mom's basement. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug throw personal finance into the spotlight and ask the question every Stacker secretly loves: What's officially "so last year" in your money plan, and what's worth keeping for 2026? Because here's the truth. You don't need a total financial makeover. You need a few smart "wardrobe swaps" that fit your real life. The habits that quietly drain your progress (hello, lifestyle creep). The stuff people obsess over that doesn't matter as much as they think. And the overlooked moves that make everything else easier. The crew breaks down what's out (financial habits that looked good but never delivered), what's in (the practical moves that reduce stress and create actual progress), and why real financial planning isn't just about investments but about building a system that holds up when life gets messy. Also on the docket: a fresh start to the yearlong trivia competition with new rules, new twists, and the kind of competitive energy that makes you wonder if the trophy comes with a safety warning label. What You'll Learn: • What financial trends are out for 2026 and why they weren't helping anyway • The habits that are in if you want more freedom, less stress, and fewer "where did my money go" moments • Why real financial planning isn't just investments but a system that works in real life • How lifestyle creep sneaks in and a couple ways to stop it before it becomes your full-time hobby • What tax strategy means for normal people, not just spreadsheet enthusiasts • The money conversations you should have early in the year before life gets loud again • A realistic take on housing in 2026 and what to focus on when markets don't behave • New trivia rules including a twist that changes everything if you're not paying attention This Episode Is For You If: • You want to know what to stop doing so you can focus on what works • You're tired of financial advice that adds more tasks instead of clarity • You suspect some of your money habits aren't pulling their weight • You want permission to quit the financial trends that never fit your life • You're ready for a few strategic changes that make 2026 feel more manageable Questions to Think About: What's one money habit you're officially retiring in 2026? If you could upgrade one part of your financial plan this year, what would it be: spending, saving, investing, insurance, or taxes? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because this episode is all about figuring out what stays and what goes. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/finance-hot-or-not-2026-1791 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

Some people kick off a new year with a vision board. We prefer a runway show in sweatpants from Joe's mom's basement. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug throw personal finance into the spotlight and ask the question every Stacker secretly loves: What's officially "so last year" in your money plan, and what's worth keeping for 2026? Because here's the truth. You don't need a total financial makeover. You need a few smart "wardrobe swaps" that fit your real life. The habits that quietly drain your progress (hello, lifestyle creep). The stuff people obsess over that doesn't matter as much as they think. And the overlooked moves that make everything else easier. The crew breaks down what's out (financial habits that looked good but never delivered), what's in (the practical moves that reduce stress and create actual progress), and why real financial planning isn't just about investments but about building a system that holds up when life gets messy. Also on the docket: a fresh start to the yearlong trivia competition with new rules, new twists, and the kind of competitive energy that makes you wonder if the trophy comes with a safety warning label. What You'll Learn: • What financial trends are out for 2026 and why they weren't helping anyway • The habits that are in if you want more freedom, less stress, and fewer "where did my money go" moments • Why real financial planning isn't just investments but a system that works in real life • How lifestyle creep sneaks in and a couple ways to stop it before it becomes your full-time hobby • What tax strategy means for normal people, not just spreadsheet enthusiasts • The money conversations you should have early in the year before life gets loud again • A realistic take on housing in 2026 and what to focus on when markets don't behave • New trivia rules including a twist that changes everything if you're not paying attention This Episode Is For You If: • You want to know what to stop doing so you can focus on what works • You're tired of financial advice that adds more tasks instead of clarity • You suspect some of your money habits aren't pulling their weight • You want permission to quit the financial trends that never fit your life • You're ready for a few strategic changes that make 2026 feel more manageable Questions to Think About: What's one money habit you're officially retiring in 2026? If you could upgrade one part of your financial plan this year, what would it be: spending, saving, investing, insurance, or taxes? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because this episode is all about figuring out what stays and what goes. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/finance-hot-or-not-2026-1791 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the biggest driver of your financial future isn't the stock market but your skill set? In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and the crew sit down with entrepreneur and business strategist Alex Hormozi to unpack one of the most overlooked wealth-building tools Stackers have access to: skill acquisition. Alex doesn't pitch get-rich-quick nonsense or risky moonshots. Instead, he walks through how ordinary people (employees, side hustlers, and business owners alike) can increase their income by focusing on high-leverage skills, smarter negotiations, and taking calculated risks that actually make sense. You'll hear how Alex went through early business struggles and hard-earned lessons before building real wealth. Not by chasing trends, but by deliberately stacking skills, learning faster than the competition, and betting on himself without blowing up his life. The lessons apply whether you're asking for a raise, switching careers, growing a side hustle, or simply trying to earn more without working yourself into the ground. This is an episode about earning more on purpose, not grinding harder. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR: Why skill-building often beats investing early in your career How to identify high-leverage skills that pay off repeatedly The difference between smart risk and reckless risk Why small optimizations won't change your life but big skills might How to design your own curriculum without going back to school When betting on yourself actually makes financial sense ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: Reflecting on standout episodes from 2025 and what's coming next, a quick check-in on managing your money with intention not noise, why confidence is built through reps not motivation, and how compensation and risk are more connected than you think. A QUESTION FOR THE BASEMENT: What's one skill you've learned that's paid off way more than you expected, or one you wish you'd started earlier? Share it in Spotify comments or bring it to the Basement Facebook group. Your answer might help another Stacker spot their next big opportunity. Because money grows in accounts, but wealth starts with what you can do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the biggest driver of your financial future isn't the stock market but your skill set? In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and the crew sit down with entrepreneur and business strategist Alex Hormozi to unpack one of the most overlooked wealth-building tools Stackers have access to: skill acquisition. Alex doesn't pitch get-rich-quick nonsense or risky moonshots. Instead, he walks through how ordinary people (employees, side hustlers, and business owners alike) can increase their income by focusing on high-leverage skills, smarter negotiations, and taking calculated risks that actually make sense. You'll hear how Alex went through early business struggles and hard-earned lessons before building real wealth. Not by chasing trends, but by deliberately stacking skills, learning faster than the competition, and betting on himself without blowing up his life. The lessons apply whether you're asking for a raise, switching careers, growing a side hustle, or simply trying to earn more without working yourself into the ground. This is an episode about earning more on purpose, not grinding harder. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR: Why skill-building often beats investing early in your career How to identify high-leverage skills that pay off repeatedly The difference between smart risk and reckless risk Why small optimizations won't change your life but big skills might How to design your own curriculum without going back to school When betting on yourself actually makes financial sense ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: Reflecting on standout episodes from 2025 and what's coming next, a quick check-in on managing your money with intention not noise, why confidence is built through reps not motivation, and how compensation and risk are more connected than you think. A QUESTION FOR THE BASEMENT: What's one skill you've learned that's paid off way more than you expected, or one you wish you'd started earlier? Share it in Spotify comments or bring it to the Basement Facebook group. Your answer might help another Stacker spot their next big opportunity. Because money grows in accounts, but wealth starts with what you can do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New year, clean slate, and maybe time for a closer look at the person managing your money. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off 2026 by answering the question many Stackers quietly wonder about: Is my financial advisor actually good at their job? Rather than talking theory or credentials, they break down five real-world red flags that signal an advisor might be more focused on products, commissions, or their own ego than on your goals. These are the subtle warning signs you'll never see in a glossy brochure but you'll absolutely feel over time. The 5 red flags: • Poor communication that keeps you in the dark • Office culture that feels off • Confusing jargon (often a feature, not a bug) • Unclear or hidden fees • Products over process Plus: Doug's Italian food trivia, New Year's breakfast burrito chaos, and a reminder that you're allowed to expect clarity and respect. Question for you: What's the biggest green flag or red flag you've seen from a financial advisor? Share in the comments—your story might help another Stacker avoid a costly mistake. The Red Flags Your Financial Advisor Hopes You Miss New year, clean slate, and maybe a closer look at the person helping you manage your money. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off the year by pulling back the curtain on a question many Stackers quietly wonder about: Is my financial advisor actually good at their job? Rather than talking theory or credentials, the guys break down five real-world red flags that signal an advisor might be more focused on products, commissions, or their own ego than on your goals. These are the subtle warning signs you'll never see in a glossy brochure but you'll absolutely feel them over time. From how an advisor communicates (or doesn't), to what their office culture tells you, to why confusing jargon is often a feature not a bug, this episode gives you practical ways to evaluate whether your advisor is truly on your team. And because this is Stacking Benjamins, the serious stuff is balanced with laughs, a little New Year's chaos, and Doug's trivia detour into Italian food. If you've ever wondered whether you should stay, ask better questions, or quietly run for the exit, this episode gives you the confidence to decide. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The top five red flags that signal a subpar financial advisor Why great advisors focus on process and goals, not hot products How poor communication quietly sabotages your financial progress What an advisor's office environment and staff behavior can reveal Why unclear fees and excessive jargon should make you nervous How to check public records without feeling overwhelmed ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: A fresh start to the year with breakfast burritos, Doug's trivia break on Italian food, a reminder that you are allowed to expect clarity and respect, plus community updates and what's coming next. HERE'S A QUESTION TO THINK ABOUT: What's the biggest green flag or red flag you've seen from a financial advisor? Share your experience in Spotify comments or bring it to the Basement Facebook group. Your story might help another Stacker avoid a costly mistake. Because the right advisor doesn't just manage money. They help you sleep better at night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New year, clean slate, and maybe time for a closer look at the person managing your money. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off 2026 by answering the question many Stackers quietly wonder about: Is my financial advisor actually good at their job? Rather than talking theory or credentials, they break down five real-world red flags that signal an advisor might be more focused on products, commissions, or their own ego than on your goals. These are the subtle warning signs you'll never see in a glossy brochure but you'll absolutely feel over time. The 5 red flags: • Poor communication that keeps you in the dark • Office culture that feels off • Confusing jargon (often a feature, not a bug) • Unclear or hidden fees • Products over process Plus: Doug's Italian food trivia, New Year's breakfast burrito chaos, and a reminder that you're allowed to expect clarity and respect. Question for you: What's the biggest green flag or red flag you've seen from a financial advisor? Share in the comments—your story might help another Stacker avoid a costly mistake. The Red Flags Your Financial Advisor Hopes You Miss New year, clean slate, and maybe a closer look at the person helping you manage your money. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off the year by pulling back the curtain on a question many Stackers quietly wonder about: Is my financial advisor actually good at their job? Rather than talking theory or credentials, the guys break down five real-world red flags that signal an advisor might be more focused on products, commissions, or their own ego than on your goals. These are the subtle warning signs you'll never see in a glossy brochure but you'll absolutely feel them over time. From how an advisor communicates (or doesn't), to what their office culture tells you, to why confusing jargon is often a feature not a bug, this episode gives you practical ways to evaluate whether your advisor is truly on your team. And because this is Stacking Benjamins, the serious stuff is balanced with laughs, a little New Year's chaos, and Doug's trivia detour into Italian food. If you've ever wondered whether you should stay, ask better questions, or quietly run for the exit, this episode gives you the confidence to decide. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The top five red flags that signal a subpar financial advisor Why great advisors focus on process and goals, not hot products How poor communication quietly sabotages your financial progress What an advisor's office environment and staff behavior can reveal Why unclear fees and excessive jargon should make you nervous How to check public records without feeling overwhelmed ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: A fresh start to the year with breakfast burritos, Doug's trivia break on Italian food, a reminder that you are allowed to expect clarity and respect, plus community updates and what's coming next. HERE'S A QUESTION TO THINK ABOUT: What's the biggest green flag or red flag you've seen from a financial advisor? Share your experience in Spotify comments or bring it to the Basement Facebook group. Your story might help another Stacker avoid a costly mistake. Because the right advisor doesn't just manage money. They help you sleep better at night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we close out the year, we're bringing back this powerful 2023 conversation with financial educator Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista) because it resonates even more today than when we first aired it. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG sit down with Tiffany for a conversation about financial wholeness. Not just having the right accounts, but building a money life that supports you when life doesn't go as planned. Tiffany shares what the past year taught her about preparedness, community, and resilience after the sudden loss of her husband, and why the systems she had in place mattered more than any single perfect financial move. This isn't a story about fear or worst-case scenarios. It's about confidence, clarity, and giving yourself grace while still doing the work that protects the people you love. Along the way, Joe and OG pull practical lessons every Stacker can use without overwhelm or guilt. The money basics that quietly make everything else easier: beneficiaries, insurance, wills, and the difference between having a plan and having peace of mind. If you've ever wondered whether you're focusing on the right financial priorities, or how prepared you really are, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and a clear path forward. WHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAY: What financial wholeness really means beyond budgets and spreadsheets Why having basic systems in place matters more than chasing optimization The quiet power of beneficiaries, insurance, and estate documents How preparation can reduce stress not just financially but emotionally Why community and education are essential parts of a strong money life How to enter a new year with confidence instead of pressure THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF: You've ever wondered whether you're focusing on the right financial priorities, you want to make sure your essentials are covered without overwhelming yourself, you're thinking about what really matters as you head into a new year, or you believe the smartest financial move isn't always doing more but making sure the basics are handled. This is one of those episodes that makes you pause and ask: If something unexpected happened tomorrow, would my money make life easier or harder? You don't need to answer that perfectly today, but it's a great conversation to start. Sometimes the smartest financial move isn't doing more. It's making sure the essentials are handled so you can live fully the rest of the time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we close out the year, we're bringing back this powerful 2023 conversation with financial educator Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista) because it resonates even more today than when we first aired it. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG sit down with Tiffany for a conversation about financial wholeness. Not just having the right accounts, but building a money life that supports you when life doesn't go as planned. Tiffany shares what the past year taught her about preparedness, community, and resilience after the sudden loss of her husband, and why the systems she had in place mattered more than any single perfect financial move. This isn't a story about fear or worst-case scenarios. It's about confidence, clarity, and giving yourself grace while still doing the work that protects the people you love. Along the way, Joe and OG pull practical lessons every Stacker can use without overwhelm or guilt. The money basics that quietly make everything else easier: beneficiaries, insurance, wills, and the difference between having a plan and having peace of mind. If you've ever wondered whether you're focusing on the right financial priorities, or how prepared you really are, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and a clear path forward. WHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAY: What financial wholeness really means beyond budgets and spreadsheets Why having basic systems in place matters more than chasing optimization The quiet power of beneficiaries, insurance, and estate documents How preparation can reduce stress not just financially but emotionally Why community and education are essential parts of a strong money life How to enter a new year with confidence instead of pressure THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF: You've ever wondered whether you're focusing on the right financial priorities, you want to make sure your essentials are covered without overwhelming yourself, you're thinking about what really matters as you head into a new year, or you believe the smartest financial move isn't always doing more but making sure the basics are handled. This is one of those episodes that makes you pause and ask: If something unexpected happened tomorrow, would my money make life easier or harder? You don't need to answer that perfectly today, but it's a great conversation to start. Sometimes the smartest financial move isn't doing more. It's making sure the essentials are handled so you can live fully the rest of the time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the most wonderful time of the year in the basement, and we're kicking off the holiday season with our biggest, most packed episode yet. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix from the How to Money podcast for a year-end celebration of everything that mattered in money during 2025. Think of this as the holiday parade of personal finance episodes. There's a lot happening, it's all connected, and you'll want to stick around for the whole thing. First up, Joel and Matt join the crew for their Top 5 Lessons from the Events of 2025. From AI's real impact on everyday work to market surprises nobody saw coming, this segment unpacks the money moments that actually changed how we think about our finances. These aren't just headlines rehashed. They're the insights that'll help you make smarter moves in 2026. Then the show shifts to a fascinating trend everyone's noticing but nobody's quite figured out yet. Why is everyone suddenly betting on everything? Prediction markets are exploding, retail investors are taking bigger risks, and the line between investing and gambling feels blurrier than ever. Joe, OG, Joel, and Matt dig into what's driving this shift, whether it's brilliant or reckless, and how to think about risk when it seems like the whole world just discovered the casino. But wait, there's more. Nick from Alaska calls in with a real-world budgeting challenge that proves even the most prepared Stackers face seasonal money surprises. His situation sparks the kind of practical, helpful conversation this show does best. And because this is a holiday kickoff episode, we're wrapping with big news about the Stacking Benjamins Vault, the new tool designed to help you organize and protect your most important financial documents without the headache. This episode has everything. Big ideas, real questions, legendary guests, surprise calls, and the energy of a show that knows the best episodes are the ones where there's almost too much good stuff to fit in. Welcome to the holiday season, Stacker style. What You'll Walk Away With: • Joel and Matt's Top 5 Money Lessons from 2025 that actually matter going forward • How AI really affected work and income this year in practical, not theoretical, ways • Why prediction markets and betting culture are suddenly everywhere and what it means for investors • Whether the shift toward riskier investments is smart adaptation or dangerous groupthink • Nick from Alaska's budgeting challenge and the solutions the crew offers in real time • An inside look at the Stacking Benjamins Vault and how it helps you organize what matters most • The perfect energy boost heading into holiday episodes and a new year of smarter money moves This Episode Is For You If: • You want the year-end money recap that feels like a celebration, not a lecture • You've noticed everyone's suddenly betting on elections, sports, and markets and wonder what's going on • You love episodes with special guests, surprise calls, and enough happening to keep you engaged the whole way • You want to head into the holidays feeling smarter about money, not more anxious • You're ready to kick off the season with the Stacking Benjamins crew at their absolute best After You Listen, Share This: What was your biggest money lesson from 2025? And have you noticed yourself (or people you know) getting more comfortable with risky bets lately? Drop your thoughts in the Spotify comments or the Basement Facebook group because this episode kicks off our holiday run, and we want to hear what's on your mind heading into 2026. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/year-end-lessons-with-the-runners-up-of-the-charity-challenge-1777 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the most wonderful time of the year in the basement, and we're kicking off the holiday season with our biggest, most packed episode yet. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix from the How to Money podcast for a year-end celebration of everything that mattered in money during 2025. Think of this as the holiday parade of personal finance episodes. There's a lot happening, it's all connected, and you'll want to stick around for the whole thing. First up, Joel and Matt join the crew for their Top 5 Lessons from the Events of 2025. From AI's real impact on everyday work to market surprises nobody saw coming, this segment unpacks the money moments that actually changed how we think about our finances. These aren't just headlines rehashed. They're the insights that'll help you make smarter moves in 2026. Then the show shifts to a fascinating trend everyone's noticing but nobody's quite figured out yet. Why is everyone suddenly betting on everything? Prediction markets are exploding, retail investors are taking bigger risks, and the line between investing and gambling feels blurrier than ever. Joe, OG, Joel, and Matt dig into what's driving this shift, whether it's brilliant or reckless, and how to think about risk when it seems like the whole world just discovered the casino. But wait, there's more. Nick from Alaska calls in with a real-world budgeting challenge that proves even the most prepared Stackers face seasonal money surprises. His situation sparks the kind of practical, helpful conversation this show does best. And because this is a holiday kickoff episode, we're wrapping with big news about the Stacking Benjamins Vault, the new tool designed to help you organize and protect your most important financial documents without the headache. This episode has everything. Big ideas, real questions, legendary guests, surprise calls, and the energy of a show that knows the best episodes are the ones where there's almost too much good stuff to fit in. Welcome to the holiday season, Stacker style. What You'll Walk Away With: • Joel and Matt's Top 5 Money Lessons from 2025 that actually matter going forward • How AI really affected work and income this year in practical, not theoretical, ways • Why prediction markets and betting culture are suddenly everywhere and what it means for investors • Whether the shift toward riskier investments is smart adaptation or dangerous groupthink • Nick from Alaska's budgeting challenge and the solutions the crew offers in real time • An inside look at the Stacking Benjamins Vault and how it helps you organize what matters most • The perfect energy boost heading into holiday episodes and a new year of smarter money moves This Episode Is For You If: • You want the year-end money recap that feels like a celebration, not a lecture • You've noticed everyone's suddenly betting on elections, sports, and markets and wonder what's going on • You love episodes with special guests, surprise calls, and enough happening to keep you engaged the whole way • You want to head into the holidays feeling smarter about money, not more anxious • You're ready to kick off the season with the Stacking Benjamins crew at their absolute best After You Listen, Share This: What was your biggest money lesson from 2025? And have you noticed yourself (or people you know) getting more comfortable with risky bets lately? Drop your thoughts in the Spotify comments or the Basement Facebook group because this episode kicks off our holiday run, and we want to hear what's on your mind heading into 2026. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/year-end-lessons-with-the-runners-up-of-the-charity-challenge-1777 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before you charge into a new year with fresh goals, shiny spreadsheets, and unrealistic optimism, it's worth doing the one thing most people skip. Looking back honestly at what just happened. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Neighbor Doug, Paula Pant (Afford Anything), and Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long Term Investors) gather for an end-of-year roundtable to unpack the financial, personal, and behavioral lessons that 2025 handed us. Sometimes those lessons arrived gently. Sometimes they shoved us face-first into reality. Either way, this episode isn't about predictions for what's coming. It's about understanding the patterns from what already happened. The team digs into what diversification actually meant this year when some of the old rules stopped working the way they used to. They explore why emotional reactions to headlines still cost investors real money, even when everyone knows better. And they examine how policy noise (tariffs, political drama, market freakouts) reminded us once again that short-term chaos rarely deserves long-term decisions. Along the way, the conversation touches on housing lessons learned, family priorities that got re-examined, and AI's quiet but growing influence on work, productivity, and opportunity. The thread running through it all? Financial planning only works when it serves the life you're trying to build, not the other way around. This episode balances big-picture thinking with real-life reflection. It's the kind of honest look back that actually helps you move forward smarter instead of just louder. What You'll Walk Away With: • The most important financial lessons 2025 taught investors, whether they actually listened or not • How AI quietly changed work, productivity, and opportunity in ways that matter for your money decisions • Why diversification looked different this year and what investment principles still held up under pressure • How market volatility exposed emotional blind spots you might not have known you had (and how to fix them) • What the housing market taught us about patience, expectations, and timing • Why year-end reflection beats year-end predictions every single time • How family dynamics, personal values, and money planning intersect more than anyone likes to admit This Episode Is For You If: • You want to learn from 2025 before setting goals you'll abandon by February • You made some money decisions you're proud of and some you'd rather forget • Market headlines changed your behavior this year and you're wondering if that was smart • You're tired of prediction content and want actual reflection on what already happened • You believe getting smarter about money means being honest about what you got wrong Before You Hit Play, Think About This: What money decision in 2025 are you most proud of, and which one taught you the biggest lesson? Going into 2026, what one financial habit would make the biggest difference if you actually stuck with it? Bring those thoughts into the Facebook group or drop a comment because your reflections might help another Stacker avoid learning the same lesson the hard way. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/top-money-lessons-of-2025-1776 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before you charge into a new year with fresh goals, shiny spreadsheets, and unrealistic optimism, it's worth doing the one thing most people skip. Looking back honestly at what just happened. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Neighbor Doug, Paula Pant (Afford Anything), and Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long Term Investors) gather for an end-of-year roundtable to unpack the financial, personal, and behavioral lessons that 2025 handed us. Sometimes those lessons arrived gently. Sometimes they shoved us face-first into reality. Either way, this episode isn't about predictions for what's coming. It's about understanding the patterns from what already happened. The team digs into what diversification actually meant this year when some of the old rules stopped working the way they used to. They explore why emotional reactions to headlines still cost investors real money, even when everyone knows better. And they examine how policy noise (tariffs, political drama, market freakouts) reminded us once again that short-term chaos rarely deserves long-term decisions. Along the way, the conversation touches on housing lessons learned, family priorities that got re-examined, and AI's quiet but growing influence on work, productivity, and opportunity. The thread running through it all? Financial planning only works when it serves the life you're trying to build, not the other way around. This episode balances big-picture thinking with real-life reflection. It's the kind of honest look back that actually helps you move forward smarter instead of just louder. What You'll Walk Away With: • The most important financial lessons 2025 taught investors, whether they actually listened or not • How AI quietly changed work, productivity, and opportunity in ways that matter for your money decisions • Why diversification looked different this year and what investment principles still held up under pressure • How market volatility exposed emotional blind spots you might not have known you had (and how to fix them) • What the housing market taught us about patience, expectations, and timing • Why year-end reflection beats year-end predictions every single time • How family dynamics, personal values, and money planning intersect more than anyone likes to admit This Episode Is For You If: • You want to learn from 2025 before setting goals you'll abandon by February • You made some money decisions you're proud of and some you'd rather forget • Market headlines changed your behavior this year and you're wondering if that was smart • You're tired of prediction content and want actual reflection on what already happened • You believe getting smarter about money means being honest about what you got wrong Before You Hit Play, Think About This: What money decision in 2025 are you most proud of, and which one taught you the biggest lesson? Going into 2026, what one financial habit would make the biggest difference if you actually stuck with it? Bring those thoughts into the Facebook group or drop a comment because your reflections might help another Stacker avoid learning the same lesson the hard way. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/top-money-lessons-of-2025-1776 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

In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, Alex Birkett interviews Noah Greenberg, CEO of Stacker, a content distribution platform that helps brands turn owned content into earned media. They dive into the paradigm shift from SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and how brands can optimize for visibility in AI-powered interfaces like ChatGPT and Gemini. Noah shares how earned media, brand mentions, and distribution at scale are becoming the new backlinks, and how the lines between PR, content, and SEO are blurring. From Google's disappearing traffic to ChatGPT's probabilistic answers, this is a deep dive into the future of organic visibility and media strategy in the AI era.Key TakeawaysSEO Is Evolving into GEO: The goal is no longer just ranking on Google—it's being cited and surfaced in AI-powered responses.Earned Media Drives AI Visibility: PR, brand mentions, and syndicated content now influence whether LLMs cite your brand.Distribution Increases Surface Area: Publishing content broadly boosts the probability of being included in AI-generated answers.PR Is Cool Again: The rise of AI search has revived interest in press releases and third-party citations as visibility tools.SEO, Content, and PR Must Merge: Teams need to collaborate across departments to drive brand visibility in AI environments.Impact Is Visible—Fast: A single article syndicated through Stacker can be cited in AI search results within 24 hours.Measurement Models Are Changing: Traditional KPIs like backlinks and traffic are giving way to visibility, trust, and AI mentions.Founders Should Think Like Media Companies: Being the source of truth—and distributing it widely—is key to staying top-of-mind.Show LinksConnect with Noah Greenberg on LinkedInConnect with Alex Birkett on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterPast guests on The Long Game podcast include: Morgan Brown (Shopify), Ryan Law (Animalz), Dan Shure (Evolving SEO), Kaleigh Moore (freelancer), Eric Siu (Clickflow), Peep Laja (CXL), Chelsea Castle (Chili Piper), Tracey Wallace (Klaviyo), Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Ryan McReady (Reforge), and many more.Some interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/

Is your grocery bill beefier than your sandwich? This week, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug unpack inflation in a way that only we can—by biting into Len Penzo's Annual Sandwich Survey. Yes, prices are up, and yes, you can still eat well without triggering a credit card crisis. But it's not just meat and mustard on today's menu. We're also serving a fresh look at 401(k) “leakage”—that drip-drip-drip of hardship withdrawals that's turning your retirement plan into a leaky faucet. You'll get pro-level insight on how to patch those holes before your future income soaks the floor. And if you're paying for (or dreading paying for) college, Christine from the Stacker community, who works in higher ed, joins to offer sharp and timely advice on keeping costs in check—from completing the FAFSA to finding overlooked aid. Len Penzo's Sandwich Index Which sandwiches give you the most delicious bang for your inflation-adjusted buck? (Spoiler: bologna stages a quiet comeback.) 401(k) Trouble Brewing Hardship withdrawals are on the rise. Why it matters, how to avoid them, and what better options exist when life throws you a cash crisis. Tracking Expenses Like a Pro Joe, OG, and Doug explore the subtle ways inflation seeps into your budget—and how paying attention to where your money leaks gives you power back. Higher Ed, Lower Bills Stacker Christine breaks down must-know tips on navigating skyrocketing tuition, including a FAFSA pep talk that could save you thousands. Tuna vs. Roast Beef: The Sandwich Showdown Plus: Is the BLT still king? Can the humble tuna salad hold its ground against the mighty Big Mac? And where does salami fit into the sandwich power rankings? Trivia, Movie Talk, and Park City Tales No Stacking Benjamins episode is complete without a detour or three—from Doug's trivia trap to stories from the road and screen. Takeaway for Stackers: In high-cost times, it's the small wins—like swapping in store brands, packing a lunch, or tracking that budget leak—that give you the edge. And while it's tempting to ignore those tiny cracks in your retirement plan or daily spending, you're much better off fixing them before the flood. Want to brag about your favorite money-saving sandwich? Drop into the Basement Facebook group and share it—bonus points if it doesn't involve bologna. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/len-penzo-2025-annual-sandwich-survey-1717 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

Is your grocery bill beefier than your sandwich? This week, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug unpack inflation in a way that only we can—by biting into Len Penzo's Annual Sandwich Survey. Yes, prices are up, and yes, you can still eat well without triggering a credit card crisis. But it's not just meat and mustard on today's menu. We're also serving a fresh look at 401(k) “leakage”—that drip-drip-drip of hardship withdrawals that's turning your retirement plan into a leaky faucet. You'll get pro-level insight on how to patch those holes before your future income soaks the floor. And if you're paying for (or dreading paying for) college, Christine from the Stacker community, who works in higher ed, joins to offer sharp and timely advice on keeping costs in check—from completing the FAFSA to finding overlooked aid. Len Penzo's Sandwich Index Which sandwiches give you the most delicious bang for your inflation-adjusted buck? (Spoiler: bologna stages a quiet comeback.) 401(k) Trouble Brewing Hardship withdrawals are on the rise. Why it matters, how to avoid them, and what better options exist when life throws you a cash crisis. Tracking Expenses Like a Pro Joe, OG, and Doug explore the subtle ways inflation seeps into your budget—and how paying attention to where your money leaks gives you power back. Higher Ed, Lower Bills Stacker Christine breaks down must-know tips on navigating skyrocketing tuition, including a FAFSA pep talk that could save you thousands. Tuna vs. Roast Beef: The Sandwich Showdown Plus: Is the BLT still king? Can the humble tuna salad hold its ground against the mighty Big Mac? And where does salami fit into the sandwich power rankings? Trivia, Movie Talk, and Park City Tales No Stacking Benjamins episode is complete without a detour or three—from Doug's trivia trap to stories from the road and screen. Takeaway for Stackers: In high-cost times, it's the small wins—like swapping in store brands, packing a lunch, or tracking that budget leak—that give you the edge. And while it's tempting to ignore those tiny cracks in your retirement plan or daily spending, you're much better off fixing them before the flood. Want to brag about your favorite money-saving sandwich? Drop into the Basement Facebook group and share it—bonus points if it doesn't involve bologna. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/len-penzo-2025-annual-sandwich-survey-1717 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's the right financial move for you… right now? If you've ever found yourself reading advice meant for a millionaire when you're still trying to crack five figures—or following budgeting tips when your net worth is seven digits—this episode is your custom-tailored financial GPS. In this installment of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Doug take you rung-by-rung through the wealth ladder—from humble beginnings at $10K all the way to $10 million—and explain how your financial priorities, risks, and strategies evolve as your net worth grows. How to avoid mismatched advice: Why taking financial tips meant for someone in a different stage can set you back instead of move you forward. Net worth brackets and behavior shifts: What you should be thinking about at $10K, $100K, $1 million, and beyond—and what not to worry about yet. When Roth IRA conversions make sense—and when they really don't: With new legislation impacting retirement tax planning, Joe and OG break down the implications with help from Robert Powell of The Street. Diversification, risk, and behavioral pitfalls: What the pros get wrong and how to stay grounded no matter how big your stack grows. Community-driven insights: From listener milestones to new Stacking Benjamins swag sightings, you'll hear how Stackers are winning in their own lives. As always, the team weaves in laughter, sarcasm, and that unmistakable basement charm—complete with Doug's new mug, a calendar confusion history lesson, and a household disaster caused by what can only be described as “revenge rain.” A Robin Williams–themed trivia segment to warm your heart (and test your memory) Batty Betty's wild TikTok take on relationship finance Practical investing and estate planning ideas that don't make your eyes glaze over Why You'll Love This Episode:If you're trying to level up without falling prey to the one-size-fits-all advice machine, this episode delivers a realistic blueprint. It's equal parts roadmap and reminder: where you are right now matters more than where someone else thinks you should be. Stacker takeaway? Clarity beats comparison. Especially when it comes to money. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/build-your-wealth-ladder-1711 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's the right financial move for you… right now? If you've ever found yourself reading advice meant for a millionaire when you're still trying to crack five figures—or following budgeting tips when your net worth is seven digits—this episode is your custom-tailored financial GPS. In this installment of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Doug take you rung-by-rung through the wealth ladder—from humble beginnings at $10K all the way to $10 million—and explain how your financial priorities, risks, and strategies evolve as your net worth grows. How to avoid mismatched advice: Why taking financial tips meant for someone in a different stage can set you back instead of move you forward. Net worth brackets and behavior shifts: What you should be thinking about at $10K, $100K, $1 million, and beyond—and what not to worry about yet. When Roth IRA conversions make sense—and when they really don't: With new legislation impacting retirement tax planning, Joe and OG break down the implications with help from Robert Powell of The Street. Diversification, risk, and behavioral pitfalls: What the pros get wrong and how to stay grounded no matter how big your stack grows. Community-driven insights: From listener milestones to new Stacking Benjamins swag sightings, you'll hear how Stackers are winning in their own lives. As always, the team weaves in laughter, sarcasm, and that unmistakable basement charm—complete with Doug's new mug, a calendar confusion history lesson, and a household disaster caused by what can only be described as “revenge rain.” A Robin Williams–themed trivia segment to warm your heart (and test your memory) Batty Betty's wild TikTok take on relationship finance Practical investing and estate planning ideas that don't make your eyes glaze over Why You'll Love This Episode:If you're trying to level up without falling prey to the one-size-fits-all advice machine, this episode delivers a realistic blueprint. It's equal parts roadmap and reminder: where you are right now matters more than where someone else thinks you should be. Stacker takeaway? Clarity beats comparison. Especially when it comes to money. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/build-your-wealth-ladder-1711 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's the best way to save for a house without wrecking your retirement plan? That's just one of the big questions Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Mom's neighbor Doug tackle in this packed episode (number 1700!) of Stacking Benjamins. Whether you're trying to figure out where to park your emergency fund, how to handle inherited IRAs, or how to financially plan as a single adult with big responsibilities (hello, aging parents!), this episode is full of relatable scenarios and actionable strategies. Stackers Torin, VJ, Lori, and Michelle ask everything from: How much is too much in your emergency fund? What happens to inherited IRAs when you're already juggling financial priorities? What should single people be doing right now to prepare for the future? How do you juggle helping aging parents while keeping your own goals on track? Plus, we mix in commentary from Kevin at Edward Jones and longtime listener Ron—offering insights from inside the financial services world and the Stacker community. The guys debate personal finance media narratives, give practical advice for budgeting large windfalls, and reflect on why saving feels easier in theory than in practice. Also covered in this episode: Why financial advice often skips over single individuals—and what to do about it Emergency fund strategies: where to park the money, how much to keep, and how to make peace with the fact it isn't earning sky-high returns How to prioritize debt, student loans, savings, and investing without setting off a financial anxiety spiral The value of short-term tradeoffs when you've got long-term goals All delivered with the basement's signature charm—where the coffee is lukewarm, the guidance is practical, and the jokes… well, let's just say they're dividend-eligible. This episode is a perfect listen for: New Stackers building their financial foundation DIYers trying to juggle competing money goals Anyone who's inherited assets and doesn't want to mess it up People who've realized adulting is basically managing 14 financial priorities at once and still remembering to bring snacks. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/answering-your-questions-mailbag-1700 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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's the best way to save for a house without wrecking your retirement plan? That's just one of the big questions Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Mom's neighbor Doug tackle in this packed episode (number 1700!) of Stacking Benjamins. Whether you're trying to figure out where to park your emergency fund, how to handle inherited IRAs, or how to financially plan as a single adult with big responsibilities (hello, aging parents!), this episode is full of relatable scenarios and actionable strategies. Stackers Torin, VJ, Lori, and Michelle ask everything from: How much is too much in your emergency fund? What happens to inherited IRAs when you're already juggling financial priorities? What should single people be doing right now to prepare for the future? How do you juggle helping aging parents while keeping your own goals on track? Plus, we mix in commentary from Kevin at Edward Jones and longtime listener Ron—offering insights from inside the financial services world and the Stacker community. The guys debate personal finance media narratives, give practical advice for budgeting large windfalls, and reflect on why saving feels easier in theory than in practice. Also covered in this episode: Why financial advice often skips over single individuals—and what to do about it Emergency fund strategies: where to park the money, how much to keep, and how to make peace with the fact it isn't earning sky-high returns How to prioritize debt, student loans, savings, and investing without setting off a financial anxiety spiral The value of short-term tradeoffs when you've got long-term goals All delivered with the basement's signature charm—where the coffee is lukewarm, the guidance is practical, and the jokes… well, let's just say they're dividend-eligible. This episode is a perfect listen for: New Stackers building their financial foundation DIYers trying to juggle competing money goals Anyone who's inherited assets and doesn't want to mess it up People who've realized adulting is basically managing 14 financial priorities at once and still remembering to bring snacks. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/answering-your-questions-mailbag-1700 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

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.

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.

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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

Found Gold in France… Top restaurants from You Gov and Stacker... Email: ChewingTheFat@theblaze.com Top 2024 baby names… Max going back to HBO-Max… Last of Us thoughts… Fallout S2 coming in Dec. on Prime… Netflix growing ad tier subscriptions… Nobody 2 out in August… www.blazetv.com/jeffy Promo code: Jeffy… Who Died Today: Rosanna Norton 80… MIT elder care robotics?... Apple & Synchron make Stentrode / brain implant… Google DeepMind unveils AlphaEvolve… See a Man About a Horse… Jokes of The Day… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you stand out in a competitive workplace—without shouting or burning out? In this episode, Joe and OG sit down with Lorraine K. Lee, a sought-after keynote speaker and former LinkedIn and Prezi leader, to dig into the real strategies behind building a career brand that lasts.Lorraine shares what she's learned from coaching thousands of professionals, plus her own journey from behind-the-scenes to center stage. She introduces her EPIC framework—a smart approach that helps you craft a standout career identity built on: Experiences Personality Identity Community You'll also learn: How to advocate for yourself without being “that person” The power of thoughtful feedback (and how to actually get it) Tactical tips to master Zoom meetings, digital presence, and virtual impressions Why embracing your differences can give you a serious edge in your career And after the career conversation? We shift into Stacker-style financial clarity—covering key money decisions people face during uncertain times: Should you wait to buy a home, or pull the trigger now? What do tariffs mean for your next car purchase? How should you approach investing when the market's wobbling? From personal branding to practical budgeting, this episode gives you the tools to think clearly, act strategically, and build a future you're proud of—no matter the economy.This one's packed with high-leverage insights. Bring a notepad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you stand out in a competitive workplace—without shouting or burning out? In this episode, Joe and OG sit down with Lorraine Lee, a sought-after keynote speaker and former LinkedIn and Prezi leader, to dig into the real strategies behind building a career brand that lasts. Lorraine shares what she's learned from coaching thousands of professionals, plus her own journey from behind-the-scenes to center stage. She introduces her EPIC framework—a smart approach that helps you craft a standout career identity built on: Experiences Personality Identity Community You'll also learn: How to advocate for yourself without being “that person” The power of thoughtful feedback (and how to actually get it) Tactical tips to master Zoom meetings, digital presence, and virtual impressions Why embracing your differences can give you a serious edge in your career And after the career conversation? We shift into Stacker-style financial clarity—covering key money decisions people face during uncertain times: Should you wait to buy a home, or pull the trigger now? What do tariffs mean for your next car purchase? How should you approach investing when the market's wobbling? From personal branding to practical budgeting, this episode gives you the tools to think clearly, act strategically, and build a future you're proud of—no matter the economy. This one's packed with high-leverage insights. Bring a notepad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What Taylor Swift teaches us about strategy, long-term thinking, and building an empire. Taylor Swift isn't just a pop icon—she's a master strategist. And in this episode, we unpack exactly how she built a cultural and financial empire with smart moves that offer powerful lessons for any Stacker. Joe Saul-Sehy sits down with Kevin Evers of Harvard Business Review Press to explore: How Taylor's early partnerships set her on a path most artists never get to walk Why a clear vision—and the discipline to stick to it—can be a superpower How she turned frustration into creative fuel and conflict into leverage The surprising role MySpace and radio tours played in her initial success And what her story teaches us about marketing, risk-taking, and ownership But the show doesn't stop there. Joe and OG also dive into: Grant Cardone's 401(k) comments and whether his hot takes hold up The risks and rewards of real estate What crypto storage, insurance, and documentation mean for your financial safety net Plus, Mom's neighbor Doug jumps in with a tax-themed trivia challenge—and a few surprising family stories to bring it all back home. Whether you're a Swiftie, a strategist, or someone just trying to make smarter money moves, this episode delivers sharp takeaways and fresh perspectives. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/all-about-taylor-swift-business-genius-1671 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 Taylor Swift teaches us about strategy, long-term thinking, and building an empire.Taylor Swift isn't just a pop icon—she's a master strategist. And in this episode, we unpack exactly how she built a cultural and financial empire with smart moves that offer powerful lessons for any Stacker.Joe Saul-Sehy sits down with Kevin Evers of Harvard Business Review Press to explore: How Taylor's early partnerships set her on a path most artists never get to walk Why a clear vision—and the discipline to stick to it—can be a superpower How she turned frustration into creative fuel and conflict into leverage The surprising role MySpace and radio tours played in her initial success And what her story teaches us about marketing, risk-taking, and ownership But the show doesn't stop there. Joe and OG also dive into: Grant Cardone's 401(k) comments and whether his hot takes hold up The risks and rewards of real estate What crypto storage, insurance, and documentation mean for your financial safety net Plus, Mom's neighbor Doug jumps in with a tax-themed trivia challenge—and a few surprising family stories to bring it all back home.Whether you're a Swiftie, a strategist, or someone just trying to make smarter money moves, this episode delivers sharp takeaways and fresh perspectives.FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/all-about-taylor-swift-business-genius-1671Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Market volatility, overthinking portfolios, and why simple might be smarter.Trade wars. Tariffs. Tumbling markets. When headlines scream and your portfolio wobbles, what's a Stacker to do? Today, we tackle how to invest confidently during uncertain times—without overcomplicating your strategy or losing sleep.We start by breaking down smart ways to manage volatility, whether you're just getting started or already a seasoned investor. Then we dig into a great question from Stacker Ryan: should you stick with a diversified portfolio or choose a one-stop fund solution like those from Dimensional or Avantis?

Market volatility, overthinking portfolios, and why simple might be smarter. Trade wars. Tariffs. Tumbling markets. When headlines scream and your portfolio wobbles, what's a Stacker to do? Today, we tackle how to invest confidently during uncertain times—without overcomplicating your strategy or losing sleep. We start by breaking down smart ways to manage volatility, whether you're just getting started or already a seasoned investor. Then we dig into a great question from Stacker Ryan: should you stick with a diversified portfolio or choose a one-stop fund solution like those from Dimensional or Avantis?