The Stacking Benjamins Show

When it's time to invest, how do you choose between all of the choices out there? We dive into a topic that YOU chose (if you're a member of our Facebook group), and we also augment it with a fantastic headlines discussion with Rachel Aguirre from iShares about exchange-traded funds. What are "ETFs" as they're called, and how are they different than other investment types, like mutual funds? We dive deep into investing nerdery on today's show. But of course, that's not all. We'll talk margin accounts on the Haven Life line. Can you get rich quicker using money you borrow from your broker? We'll have opinions. The biggest news? During the vote on today's topic, you also thought we needed to chat about "Doug, the Untold Story." We bring you portions of the documentary on the topic as well as Doug's World Famous Trivia segment, just to keep things lively. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/listener-questions-1268. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doug Nordman isn't your typical dad. While other fathers were out working, Doug was busy surfing, because he'd focused on financial independence from an early age. Today, he and his adult daughter Carol Pittner join us to discuss how Doug and his wife created a financial modeling system for their daughter and how that daughter (Carol) is now creating her own system at home. We talk about the value of making mistakes, the similarities between good parenting and poker, strategies for creating teachable moments, and more. In our headline segment, social security is in the news. The US government just released the cost-of-living adjustment number for 2022, so we take this opportunity to discuss many ways to maximize your social security payout amount. Plus, in our TikTok minute we feature a song about a hot topic for travelers AND midway through the show, Doug shares his amazing trivia question. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/doug-nordman-and-carol-pittner-1267. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you know if you are on the right path? There's a million and one decisions you can make that could take you in a different direction. It's the same with your finances. If your finances aren't on the path you hoped for right now, it's never too late to make a change. Paulette Perhahch, Len Penzo and OG join our roundtable this week to discuss a piece about ways to know if you are on the right path. They share their own experiences and talk about checking in with yourself, having fun, surrounding yourself with the right people, and more. And of course, Doug will continue our year-long trivia contest with our contributors. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/roundtable-1266. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can combining your entrepreneurial spirit and a love for your community launch a business to overwhelming success? Gina Schaefer moved to the Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington DC when it still had boarded-up homes and no public services. After being laid off from several tech startups, she decided she needed a change. What better change to make than to step up and improve your own community? She opened a hardware store down the street next to an addiction recovery group that became a safe haven for people. Her business has succeeded and she now owns multiple stores in the area. She joins us today to tell the amazing story of how she got that first location and what she's learned from her many employees over the years. October is National Fire Prevention Month. Our friend Steve Kerber from the Fire Safety Research Institute joined us again this year to share the latest fire stats and ways to protect your family and your home in our headline segment. Then we answer Jason's question about saving for a college education in a 529. He isn't sold on the idea and we offer our thoughts. And Doug will share his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/Gina-Schaefer-1265. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Uncertainty" is the new black. Between the stock market, inflation, and a recession, uncertainty leads the media to bigger ratings, but to the average person it leads to fear. The best way to reduce that fear? Knowledge. Phil and Danielle Town join us today to talk all about uncertainty and how to take back control of your finances. They believe that knowledge and education, especially in an area you enjoy, can reduce anxiety and fear around your money. They share their investing approach and offer tips to help you with yours. Before that, we share a shocking headline piece claiming that many young people shouldn't save for retirement. Say what? We dive into it and share our thoughts. We also answer Tom's question about wash sales. He wants to know what triggers one and how to know if two positions are substantially similar. And then Doug will share his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/phil-and-danielle-town-1264. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you consider yourself generous? There are tons of ways to be generous. It can with with, time, money, or skills. Today our roundtable is discussing generosity in your life and finances. Paulette Perhach, Doc G, and OG join us to share their thoughts. Donating money to charity isn't the only way to show generosity. You can also donate your time or skills. Our contributors talk about ways they've donated and helped others and how it relates to their finances and happiness in life. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/roundtable-1263. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever think about quitting your job and just hitting the road? Krista Edwards (Ready to Roth podcast) did exactly that, taking off for several months during prime earning years to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. She shares some of the story and the intense planning she did before and during the trip, and hopefully inspires you to take that leap toward doing what you want, when you want, on your terms. But before that, loans, credit, and co-signing are all featured in today's headline story. Have you ever cosigned a loan for a family member? We talk about the good, bad, and ugly (but mostly the bad and ugly) when it comes to helping someone with a loan. What should you watch out for and is it ever a good idea? We'll share! We also answer Nina's question about reading a fund prospectus and Doug shares his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/krista-edwards-1262. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do I make my best financial moves before year end? We'll help you begin the final quarter of the year on a high note, with great advice from two titans: Barbara Corcoran and Ed Slott. Ed will kick things off by helping us all rethink tax planning, then Barbara Corcoran will help you launch or reboot your business. Even if you aren't worried about tax planning yet OR thinking about starting a business, listening to these two experts who've nailed the art of succeeding in what you do will be a great use of time so that you're ready for these moves in the future. But that's not all...then we'll answer Debi's question about saving for a down payment on a home and whether she should save to her traditional or Roth 401k. And of course, Doug will share his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/barbara-corcoran-1261. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let's make finance easy and fun! What if your BIGGEST tasks only took 20 minutes? You'd do all of them, right? Well, the BIGGEST tasks may take longer, but the good news is this: if you have 20 minutes, you can accomplish a LOT! Today, you're in for a treat because we're talking about 20-minute tasks that will help boost your finances. Kyle Hedman and Dan Leeson (2 Bulls in a China Shop podcast), Paulette Perhach (Powerhouse Writers), and Len Penzo (len penzo dot com) join our roundtable to share their thoughts. They talk about setting up emergency funds, reviewing retirement contributions, listing out your debt, and more. And Doug will continue our year-long trivia challenge for our contributors. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/roundtable-1260. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Change is so, so, hard. But...why? We know that there is one constant: change. So how do we flip how we deal with it? As anything, we change our mindset. Today, Entrepreneur magazine Editor-in-Chief Jason Feifer is here to share some of the best lessons from early in his new book Build For Tomorrow on the topic of change. It's a robust conversation you won't want to miss. But that's not all. OG and Joe mix it up about saving money on insurance during our headline segment. Should we follow the advice of the awesome Veronica Dagher and look for discounts, or after the recent hurricane, should we hunt for MORE? We'll weigh the options. Of course, that isn't all. We'll throw out the Haven Life Line to Anonymous (they sound very scary!), plus deliver Doug's life-altering trivia question. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/jason-feifer-1259. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you do if Netflix asked you to be featured in one of their documentaries? Our good friend Paula Pant from Afford Anything was just featured in one! So we stuck out a couple of microphones and asked her to share. So on today's show, she shares with us some of the best advice she gave on the new Netflix special. Hurricane Ian caused horrific damage across parts of Florida last week. Before the next natural disaster, we're talking about what to do if the next disaster hits close to your area. How do you prepare? What should you focus on? Plus, we'll dive into "better" insurance. Everyone looks at price, but it's during times like that that we wonder, "Am I truly covered? We'll share some ideas. We also answer TD's question about health insurance for entrepreneurs and business owners and Doug will share his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/paula-pant-1258. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are your biggest dreams? Sometimes dreams feel far, far away, but thinking big is an important piece of life and your finances. Today we dive into a piece that explains three buckets when it comes to your financial plan: growth, security and dreams. How can you use the growth and security buckets to help reach your dreams? Our roundtable is here to share their thoughts. Jen Hemphill from Her Dinero Matters joins regulars Paulette Perhach and Len Penzo, who all share their thoughts. They talk about their own career paths, how they've built their plans around their dreams, and how you can do the same. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/roundtable-jen-hemphill-1257. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The overwhelming thought around higher education used to be that if you wanted a good paying job, a college degree was necessary. That thought process may be changing. Professor Scott Galloway joins us today to share not only his thoughts on education but how our country came to be and the ideologies we share. His new book takes a fascinating look at the U.S. and explains how we got where we are today, the achievements we've made, our failures, and our socioeconomic systems, all explained in charts. He shares some of his findings with us. Then we'll tackle interest rates in our headline segment. The Fed announced it raised interest rates by .75% again this month with no sign of slowing down. What does it mean for your wallet and the economy as a whole? We'll explain. We also answer John's question about investing in CDs vs. US Treasury bonds, and Doug will share his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/scott-galloway-1256. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's show, TikTok maven and behavioral money guru Dr. Bradley Klontz joins us to dive into your money habits. How bad do you suck with money? Probably not as bad as other people, based on some recent studies. But who cares about them? Let's try and do better! Today we'll dive into habits you can form to be better with your cash. Plus, during our headlines segment, OG tackles the current optimism around bonds. If bonds are poised to go up, and OG believes it, why wouldn't he recommend investing in the gold rush? We'll explain. Of course, we'll also share Doug's amazing trivia and much, much more. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/brad-klontz-1255. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How many times have you said the words, “You should sell these?” to someone after experiencing their creativity? We all have. Let’s admit it. We’re built to think about selling things that we’re good at. From our handiwork to our speaking skills, whenever you’re good at something, the highest compliment seems to be, “You’re good enough to sell this! Start a business!” But should we? Today we talk to THREE business owners about this very topic. Our special guest, Caleb Guilliams, runs the successful Better Wealth YouTube channel and podcast. OG runs a successful financial advisory firm, and our newest roundtable regular, Paulette Perhach, operates a successful writing/coaching operation. Does it make sense to mix your passion with your business? What are the surprises you encounter if you even try? We’ll cover all of that PLUS continue our yearlong trivia contest between our contributors on today’s show. You’ll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/caleb-guilliams-roundtable-1254. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your time management system was actually holding you back? Richie Norton learned the hard way that most time management systems help you complete more tasks but do nothing to help you improve your life. He created the anti-time management system out of necessity. After losing a child and a brother-in-law, he needed to focus on living more rather than just "doing" more. Today he'll teach us key ideas to help you live a fuller, richer life. But that's not all! In our headline segment we dive into a new product on Wall Street...the single stock exchange-traded fund. Do you need to add this to your portfolio? How does it work and who is it for? We'll answer all of those questions...along with a question from a man from Australia (or not), who wonders about what to do with 529 funds AFTER his children have finished college. Can he just take the money out and spend it? Of course, we'll also share Doug's amazing trivia, and so much more. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/richie-norton-1253. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does your professional, personal, or financial life sometimes feel out of control? Us too, which is why we wanted to chat with Bola Sokunbi, creator of Clever Girl Finance and author of a new book, Choosing To Prosper. To improve her financial and personal life, she endured a 3-hour commute, planned two weddings, and navigated the tough decision about when to have children. It's an exciting and empowering discussion about taking control of your finances and career. Even if you've done a good job saving for retirement, we have headlines you'll want to hear. A recent Wall Street Journal piece explains why your planning job should be about far more than the money. We talk about mindset and values around your retirement goals. We'll also answer Marisa's question about what to do with her old 401k account, and of course, Doug will share his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/bola-sokunbi-1252. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's your biggest money concern right now? Rising prices are putting strain on people's wallets. Others have transitioned away from the corporate world and are trying to navigate a new way to earn an income. Whatever stage you are in, there are other people in the same boat. To help, we're diving in to some of the top concerns among people today and sharing our advice. We're live from Podcast Movement in Dallas, Texas with a rockstar roundtable. Mindy Jensen (BiggerPockets Money), Lacey Langford (Military Money Show) and Allison Hare (Culture Changers) join us to share the biggest concerns among their listeners. They talk about the housing market, finding fulfillment in your life and career, the importance of mentorship, and more. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/podcast-movement-1251. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do so many people focus on managing time, and yet so few achieve a rich life? What exactly does a rich life mean to you, and are you building a bridge toward it? Ramit Sethi's book, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, is a huge success and he now joins us to share lessons from a new journal he's releasing to accompany his bestselling work. He'll walk us through how to actually envision that rich life and how to take steps to achieve it. He also dives into the psychology behind building a life you love, why numbers and math aren't everything, and how to create your money vision. In our headline segment, we take a deep dive into Best Buy's recent earnings call. Not necessarily because of the numbers they reported, but for how they are controlling the controllable. We'll explain. We also answer Paul's question about moving overseas once he retires and Doug shares his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at www.stackingbenjamins.com/ramit-sethi-1250. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone is on their own path toward their financial goals. Your job, income, lifestyle, and values all play a role in that. Where are you on your journey? In a job you dislike or looking for ways to make big moves with your finances? Sam Dogen is the force behind Financial Samurai. He's been in the finance industry for decades, starting his career at Goldman Sachs. He quickly realized it wasn't the job he envisioned and he set out on a path to financial independence. He's here today to share his top money lessons and tips from his career. He talks about how to evaluate your net worth, how to think in probabilities instead of absolutes, why winning isn't the same as not losing, the importance of continuing to show up, and more. In our headline segment, we dive into the truth behind "buying the dip". What does it mean and does it work in the long run? We'll explain why it's popular but doesn't always work like people hope. We'll also throw out the Haven Life line to Jess who has a question about her health insurance plan. And of course, Doug will share his trivia. You'll find show notes for this episode at StackingBenjamins.com/sam-dogen-1249. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Life can come at you fast. Sometimes quick decisions are necessary but when it comes to your finances, is faster better? Impulse purchases, trading on short-term news, and making decisions without thinking about tomorrow can hurt in the long run. Our roundtable today talks about decision-making when it comes to your finances. They talk about when it's ok to move fast and when to slow down. Amy Blacklock (Women Who Money), Len Penzo (len penzo dot com), and OG join our roundtable. This episode originally aired in 2019 so be sure to ignore any mention of current events. Check out the original show notes for this episode. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do rules of thumb and finance "rules" leave you confused? Even better, some contradict others. We've got a great throwback for you today to help you avoid bad advice around rules of thumb. Joe and OG share their top 5 dumbest rules of thumb and why you shouldn't follow them exactly. They share what you should focus on instead to get ahead on your finances. This episode originally aired in 2015 so ignore any current events or giveaways. Check out the original show notes here. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(See our note on sound quality below...this is below par but an EXCELLENT episode). Happy Labor Day, Stackers! We're kicking off fall with fantasy football, pumpkin spice lattes, and some good ol' retirement planning. There's no time like today to get your financial plan in order. Emily Guy Birken not only co-wrote Stacked with Joe, she's also written several other books AND came on our show a few years ago to bust retirement myths. We start our rewind week with a look back at this episode with her. She shares why some common retirement tips might not work as well as they sound. This episode originally aired in 2015 so be sure to ignore any mention of current events. Check out the original show notes here. Enjoy! Note from Joe: In 2015 we decided to make BIG changes in the podcast and experimented with EVERYTHING. We had JUST changed the format, the sound settings...literally everything, and we lost a third of our listeners. Within two months we'd rebounded to garner accolades across the internet. From Kiplinger to Art of Manliness, everyone loved what we were doing. This episode was lost in translation. The material is great....so today we bring it back using as much modern tech as possible to make the audio quality better. You can hear the raw beginnings of what we were aiming for with Stacking Benjamins, AND there's good advice inside of this episode). So...I hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trying to cut back on spending? Now that vacation season is coming to a close and it's back to school for many people, lots of us are thinking of ways to tighten the belt. Today, our roundtable discusses proven ways to save money. Everything from drinking coffee at home to automating your savings to cancelling subscriptions are discussed. Headed into a holiday weekend we decided to make it Game Show Time! so you know it's going to be a ton of fun. To put more Benjamins in your wallet we're joined by savings expert, newspaper columnist and Certified Financial Planner Sarah Catherine Gutierrez (Ladysplaining Money and Aptus Financial). She'll take on our own contributors Len Penzo (len penzo dot com), and co-host OG to see which money saving pro can turn you on to MORE exciting ways to save a buck (or more!). Who do you think will guess the most answers that show up in the piece we reference? The challenge doesn't stop there. Doug will share his trivia. Can OG pull even farther ahead of the group? Enjoy! You'll find show notes at StackingBenjamins.com. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are on our newsletter, The 201, available at StackingBenjamins.com/201. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's cooking this holiday weekend? Labor Day picnics are just around the corner and tons of people like you are planning festive weekend fun. Not sure what food to prep? Not great with the grill? We've got you covered. Chef Marie Saba joins us with not only LOTS of puns from her hilarious new book, but she also shares some delicious and easy recipes to make your Labor Day picnic or get-together a success. We also chat about her career, because one of Instagram's most famous chefs didn't start out in the kitchen. She'll inspire you with how she pivoted careers to focus on what she loves. We're continuing the food theme in our headline segment. One 27 year old spends $1,000 a week eating at restaurants. Wow! We'll share the rest of the piece on how they allocate the rest of their food budget. We'll also throw out the Haven Life line to an anonymous caller who wants to know how to find the right financial advisor for them. Doug will also share his trivia. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices