The Stacking Benjamins Show

Have a great idea for a business? Meg Gill, listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 entrepreur list, and co-founder of Golden Road Brewing joins us today to talk about how her education and athletic experience helped propel her to entrepreneurship at an early age. We'll also discuss mistakes that she's happy she got out of the way early so that she could avoid those later and scale up her company in a hurry. She talks about how starting with a product and a philosophy that you love is a better approach for many than hoping to be wealthy. Also she discusses how a broad educational background isn't necessarily an impediment to future success. She'll also share stories from her new show on Viceland called Beerland, where she talks to brewers about leaping toward their dream: full time entrepreneurship. You're going to love this interview, whether you're thinking about entrepreneurship or hoping for motivation to get up and go to your job again this week. In our headlines segments we talk treasure hunting. People are dying trying to find a hidden treasure. Maybe there's a better way to get rich? Also, we discuss ANOTHER 401k lawsuit. This one gets weird in a hurry. We'll share details. We also throw out the Haven Life line, take a listener letter AND still have time for Doug's beer-infused trivia. Special thanks to M1Finance for sponsoring our show! We couldn't do any of this without the support of these awesome companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's show we discuss a Morningstar article that asks the question, "How do you get really rich?" Sadly, as with all things, the answer isn't as simple or as straightforward as you'd hope. Plus, we discuss a Russian billionaire who parks his yacht in front of the Statue of Liberty. Does money buy you privilege that other people don't get? We'll discuss. J. David Stein from Money For the Rest of Us joins us for this fantastic (and short!) roundtable discussion! Thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring our show, and thanks also to everyone who's visited Amazon.com using our link! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder about the credit companies that seem to know everything about you? Now, although fair credit reporting laws exist, people STILL complain about unfair and outdated credit, but according to Dr. Josh Lauer, it used to be much worse. We'll talk to him today about the history of credit reporting in the United States. How did it work? Who evaluated your credit? How were the current three credit companies formed? It's a fun and sometimes frightening look at how credit has been and still is evaluated, and how credit companies use information about you. Speaking of credit, a recent study about credit produced some horrifying results, and Michael Bruemmer from Experian joins us to discuss why people might want to take better care of their credit than they have in the past. Also, we discuss a headline about Jeff Bezos inching up toward becoming the richest person alive. What does it take to join the ranks of the uber rich? We'll contemplate that by taking a look at the list of the world's wealthiest people. We have a special guest co-host today! Mandi Woodruff from the Brown Ambition podcast sits in for OG and shares some great experiences, as well as helping Joe throw out the Haven Life line to Karl and answer a lucky listener letter. Of course we still have time to bring on Doug's trivia, share some bad jokes, and lots more.... Huge thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for helping us with today's show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you get started on the road to saving? While you can't frugal your way to wealth, you CAN learn to be more efficient, and author Scott Trench joins us to share the first steps in his roadmap toward wealth. We'll talk about building the foundation you'll need to amass wealth...namely, how to save your first $25,000. Surprisingly, it isn't all just about focusing on your income, according to Scott. There are some ways you can make cuts in your life that will help you grow money faster. In our headline segment, one of our hosts goes off the rails today, as we talk about advisors who are unscrupulous. Thinking about hiring a financial advisor? Maybe you want to listen to this discussion first. Then in our second headline, we tackle another 401(k) fee lawsuit, but the guys surprisingly come down on the other side of THIS lawsuit than they have lawsuits brought up on the show in the past. Of course, that's not all. We also throw out the Haven Life line to a lucky caller and answer your letters. We can't forget that Doug's always waiting in the wings, and as always, has trivia on today's show. Special thanks to M1Finance for sponsoring our show! We couldn't do any of this without the support of these awesome companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should you do if you expect the market to crash? We ask our roundtable panel that very question today, including the woman behind the blog Mama Fish Saves, Chelsea. We also talk about side hustles. What mistakes do people make when deciding to work a second job or start a company on the side? Finally, we wrap up the show with an exciting discussion of a Moneyologist question....a man is giving all of his money to a church (and also money he doesn't yet have). Does his spouse have a reason to worry? In our Friday FinTech segment we introduce you to the minds behind real estate firm Roofstock. If you're thinking about real estate but don't want all of the hassle, this might be the best thing you've heard today! Thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring our show, and thanks also to everyone who's visited Amazon.com using our link! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder what happens if you don't save enough money for college? Well, Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler didn't, and the result is the new hit movie The House. Director Andrew J. Cohen stops by to talk about the film, the hilarious financial-planning-gone-wrong premise, and how he became a director in Hollywood. BUT that's not all. Retirement Answer Man Roger Whitney sits in for OG on today's show. We share headlines about a widow being scammed out of over a MILLION dollars, and another about how to decide what to do with your 401k when you leave a job. Of course we also throw out the Haven Life line, bring on Doug's trivia, share some bad jokes, and lots more.... Huge thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for helping us with today's show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Excited about an aggressive retirement? Even if you're only mildly interested in the topic of financial independence, today's guest is going to light a FIRE under your plans. The Mad Fientist joins us today to talk first about his personal journey to an early out with a traditional job. We'll talk about the opportunities, pitfall, and even nerd out on some serious financial planning numbers you'll need to know if you're thinking about calling it quits at your job. In our headlines segment, we talk the cost of wine...and how much it's affected by advertising. We also share news about a football player's BIG comeback from a disability, which gives us a perfect introduction to disability insurance and what's important to know. We also throw out the Haven Life line, answer TWO listener letters, and more. Special thanks to M1Finance for sponsoring our show! We couldn't do any of this without the support of some pretty awesome companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We spin back the dial to a roundtable discussion two years ago which includes a discussion about then-nominee Donald Trump! A magazine wrote about President Trump's ability to pick stocks. We talk about whether ANYONE can pick stocks well.... If you're looking for political drama, we WON'T have it....but we WILL have lots of fun talking stocks, celebrities, and more. You can find the original show notes here: Is Donald Trump a Good Stock Picker? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How effective are you at leading people? On today's show, our guests Dr. John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber discuss how to become a more effective leader and lesson's they've learned from coaching many of the top business leaders today to build better workplace teams. Plus, as usual, we'll have the same assortment of headlines, trivia, laughs, and your letters. Enjoy! You can find the original show notes here: Building Better Leaders and Teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Griffin takes us back to a classic from a year ago... We’re all professional jugglers. We juggle a career or school, family duties, friendships, and somehow also manage money. How do we effectively manage money AND take care of everything else? Kimberly Palmer (author of the new book Smart Mom Rich Mom) joins us to talk about the pressure of parenting, managing the budget and earning a wage. When’s the right time to have children? In our headline segment we discuss John Oliver’s latest stunt. On the hotline, we tackle a question from Jamie about charitable giving. Doug shares trivia on working moms. We have all of that AND still more on today’s podcast! Thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should you invest when the market's been in a bull market tear for the last several years? We ask our Friday roundtable panel that question and MAN, they don't disappoint. You'll hear about selling losers, setting expectations ahead of time for your investments, and more. We also cover (as we do EVERY Friday), LOTS of other topics, including whether it's best to pay with cash or credit. What do you think? I'm not sure our panel will agree... AND we also bring up some of the difficult questions kids ask about money. How would YOU answer them? In our Friday FinTech segment we have a great guest...Patrick Ambron from BrandYourself.com talks about the importance of creating and protecting your online identity. He shares horror stories of people's social media problems and explains steps to protect yourself. Plus, as always with this segment, he'll share with you their platform and how they help people dig in and take charge of their identity. Thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring our show, and thanks also to everyone who's visited Amazon.com using our link! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does your financial dream house look like? Financial planner Greg Powell says that he always has trouble convincing people to complete a financial plan because it sounds like a ton of work. But a financial dream house? That's a much easier sell...and he's going to help you sell yourself on that concept in today's episode. We'll talk about where investments fit into the overall structure (not as far up the priority list as you'd think), how to work through building your "plans," and then how to build a team that effectively helps you finally create the "structure" of the house. On the Haven Life line, Garrett asks about company stock inside of his 401k. Should he dump it? If you have company stock inside of YOUR 401k, this'll be helpful for you...and if you own LOTS of one company's stock, you'll also like this segment. We also answer a letter from Andrew, who wonders about his target date fund. As you know (if you've listened to us before), we've been pretty critical of target date funds. What is his next best move? Do YOU have a target date fund? Maybe today's letter segment will help you, too! Of course we have Doug's trivia, some bad jokes, and lots more.... Huge thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for helping us with today's show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're excited about saving, but how do you get someone else to take the plunge? Today's guest, Gene Natali, says that the answer might not be what you expect, and he should know. He co-authored the book The Missing Semester about personal financial education in the classroom, and he's BACK on the Stacking Benjamins show to share how to get ANYONE started in the right direction with their money. In our headlines segment, we talk about financial advisory fees. Are they going down? A recent report has details on where that ship is headed. Also, we'll talk about the age-old active vs. passive management debate. Do active managers hold a candle to passive? Does it matter? Then we throw out the Haven Life line to Dan, who asks about EE bonds. Are these bonds a great way to protect against deflation? We'll also answer a letter from Todd, who has some extra money and wants to know how to invest it...other than in sending it to his favorite podcasters (#disappointing). It's National Martini Day, so Doug's pouring drinks down in the basement and we're all invited over. Come join us! Special thanks to M1Finance for sponsoring our show! We couldn't do any of this without the support of some pretty awesome companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our first roundtable piece today, we discuss whether the first thing kids out of high school need is good credit. Should people first focus on credit to secure more debt or should they build assets? We'll start there on today's episode, featuring our listener VeShannah Lovelace, Greg McFarlane, and Paula Pant. ...and in our Friday FinTech segment, we talk to Harsh Sinha, Engineering VP at international money transfer company Transferwise. We talk about the dirty underbelly of transferring money and how Transferwise helps you lower your fees. Of course that's not all. We also talk about saving $50k of someone else's money, extreme ways to pay down debt, and much more. Thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring our show, and thanks also to everyone who's visited Amazon.com using our link! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much debt have you wiped out? I'll bet today's guest wiped out more, and she's going to share how she got into so much debt, and then the strategies and tactics she used to wipe it out and become a fantastic money coach. Of course, this is the Stacking Benjamins show, so there's much more. In our headline segment we'll talk about weird investments in IRAs. Should you look outside the traditional investment ideas for opportunities? We'll weigh in. We'll also share some news about a couple of amazingly stupid criminals. Making money is hard. The way these morons messed up stealing money might even be harder to believe. On the Haven Life line, Mark wonders about an all stock portfolio vs. using some bonds. We'll discuss the philosophy of a 100% equity game. We'll also answer a letter from Patrick who asks us about the relationship between owning a home and your retirement plan. Should you count home equity into the equation? You'll find out. Of course we have Doug's trivia, some bad jokes, and lots more.... Huge thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for helping us with today's show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking for the perfect budget? Maybe the key isn't counting every penny or finding the perfect spreadsheet. Elle Martinez, author of the new book Couple Money, believes that whether you're single or married the answer might lie in communication, and we'll tackle how to have money dates and stop fighting about money on today's show. In our headlines segment, we share a story about comedian Tracy Morgan. Apparently Walmart, who paid him $90M after a severe accident in 2015, wants more proof about his injury. We'll discuss disability coverage and more from that fallout. Then we throw out the Haven Life line to Susan, who asks about taking out a student loan for her son so he can establish credit. We'll also answer a letter from Julian about Roth IRAs, help Doug bring down the trivia, and sprinkle in some pick up lines along the way. Special thanks to M1Finance for sponsoring our show! We couldn't do any of this without the support of some pretty awesome companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new vs. used car debate rages on today's podcast. Which is better, buying new with the warranties and assurances that a dealer brings to the table, or purchasing used for (possibly) a lot less money? No platitudes or "rules of thumb" in this discussion. Renee Horne, VP of Loan Experiences from USAA, and Timothy Cain, auto sales analyst for TheTruthAboutCars.com, tackle every aspect of the discussion, from warranties, insurance, car payments, maintenance, car dealers, and available choices. It's a comprehensive, fun discussion that you won't want to miss. ...and in our Friday FinTech segment, ever worry about paying too much for health care? Better yet, ever wonder if you're being overcharged at your doctor versus going to a different provider? David Vivero from Amino.com joins us to talk about researching your doctor, health care facility AND the procedures you're contemplating in an easier way than you'd ever thought possible. Thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring our show, and thanks also to everyone who's visited Amazon.com using our link! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you find out about yourself after writing down all of your income and expenses for a year? Jonathan Morduch and Rachel Schneider, authors of The Financial Diaries, did just that, and they found some disturbing trends about work, emergency funds, and families struggling to get ahead. We talk to them about how families cope on today's podcast. On the Haven Life line, Brenda is changing jobs from a 401k to a 403b. Can she move money between these two funds? If she can...should she? We'll discuss her options. In headlines, Jamie Wize from the BUZZ Index (ticker BUZ) joins us to talk about recent social media swells about SNAP and Palo Alto. Of course we have Doug's trivia, some bad jokes, and lots more.... Huge thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for helping us with today's show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We kick off today's show talking Tiger Woods and the cost of his recent...er...problem. And then Karen Schenone from Blackrock tells us about how bonds work! What a great kickoff to today's episode. After that, it's ALL of your letters, including ones about IRAs...how to you maximize your contributions; we then turn to blogging. Should Daryl start a blog? We weigh in. We also talk about investing in bonds, building the wrong side-hustle, and more. Special thanks to M1Finance for sponsoring our show! Looking for an investing platform that doesn't involve compromises? Try M1Finance to be invested. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are there really only three rules to getting rich? A recent online piece at a major publication says so, so we ask our crack panel to weigh in. If there WERE three rules, would these even be the correct three? Of course that's not all. We'll also talk about stock market and investing facts you may not know, and wrap it all up with some of our biggest financial regrets. On our Friday FinTech segment, we talk to Ryan Coon from Rentalutions. Thinking about renting houses on the side? Ryan and company have created some interesting technology to help you organize like a pro. Thanks to MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should you know about your money that doctors often mess up? Dr. Amir Baluch comes down to the basement today to share some of the basics that he teaches doctors...and that you should know, too. Plus, in headlines we talk about a mechanic who says, "Your car is DONE!" and also share a disturbing story about people losing vacation days. That's expensive--and not just for your wallet. On the Haven Life line, Erin just bought a car with cash and now has some cash flow to invest. She asks the guys where to put it. In our letters segment, William worries about life insurance. Does he have enough? Of course we have Doug's trivia, some bad jokes, and lots more.... Huge thanks to SoFi and MagnifyMoney.com for helping us with today's show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With automation a bigger part of our life, what's going to drive the economy in the future? We talk economics, work, and the role of money with executive producer Dave O'Connor of the new National Geographic show Year Million. In our headlines segment, we're joined by David Siegel, CEO of Investopedia, to tells us about lessons learned from their recent Market Madness competition. 5,000 college students participated, and the results AND lessons from the competition, including some of the big names missing from the average portfolio, are interesting. We also talk about annuity sales, which are down a TON since this time last year. What's going on? OG & Joe will talk all things annuity. We also throw out the Haven Life line to Josh, who wonders if he should hire a more active manager for his money, and we answer a letter from a listener who thinks Joe's movie review of a recent film was more than a little off. Of course, that's not all. Doug brings the trivia, mom brings treats, and there are some horrible jokes along the way. Special thanks to SoFi and our newest sponsor M1Finance for sponsoring our show! We couldn't do any of this without the support of these awesome companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are some tricks to lower your utility bills? Jamila from JourneyToLaunch and Fritz Gilbert from The Retirement Manifesto join Len Penzo (Len Penzo dot com) in a fun, fast-paced roundtable discussion about lowering your home expenses and saving more money. We'll also tackle the recent news from Ford about their HUGE personnel cuts. What should YOU do if you think your job is on the chopping block? In our Friday HR segment, the Evil HR Lady, Suzanne Lucas stops by to answer a listener letter. It seems our listener is close to retirement and his boss might be a micro-manager...or maybe just overly focused on setting improvement goals. How does our listener work with the boss to get through the next couple years until he retires? As always, we have all of that and much, much more to help you kick off a big holiday weekend in the USA. Thanks to SoFi and MagnifyMoney.com for sponsoring our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Memorial Day right around the corner in the USA, we ask Mr. Theme Park Insider, Robert Niles, "Where we can find the best values?" As always, he delivers with suggestions for parks around the country, and with ideas for people and families of all ages. In our headlines we talk about money disorders that kill your financial plan. We also discuss a disturbing spending trend among older people. We throw out the Haven Life line to Emily, who wants to know if her boyfriend's job is sub-optimal (he's an active stock trader), and we answer a letter from Stephanie, who asks about buying a house. Should she plop down a bigger down payment or go with a bigger loan to leave her money invested? Of course we have Doug's trivia, some bad jokes, and lots more.... Huge thanks to SoFi and MagnifyMoney.com for helping us with today's show! Looking for show notes? They're right here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices