Episodes

  • Lies We're Told at Work (with NBC Universal Vice Chairperson Bonnie Hammer) and Climbing into the Driver's Seat with Your Money (with BeyondFinance's Dr. Erika Rasure)
    May 26 2025
    Think you're being lied to at work? You probably are. From boardrooms to bank accounts, this episode pulls no punches. We’re stacking double the wisdom on this special Memorial Day episode, as Joe Saul-Sehy interviews two powerhouse guests: Bonnie Hammer, former vice chair of NBCUniversal and bestselling author, and Dr. Erika Rasure from Beyond Finance. Whether it’s breaking glass ceilings or breaking out of debt, this episode is your roadmap to reclaiming control. Inside the episode: 💼 Bonnie Hammer calls B.S. on the “15 lies women are told at work” — and explains how to rewrite the rules 🎬 Behind-the-scenes of Suits and why even hit shows face wild career landmines 🧠 How your attitude and teamwork can make or break your climb to the top 💬 Dr. Erika Rasure on why 50% of Americans don’t trust themselves with money — and how to start 💸 The real emotional blockers behind budgeting, saving, and staying out of the online cart trap 🧍‍♀️ Gender and generational gaps: why confidence with money isn’t equally distributed (but should be) 🛠️ Financial “practice weeks” and mindset shifts to get unstuck from shame and paralysis ✅ A simple path to get control over your debt without feeling like you’ve failed Also: Doug delivers his own Memorial Day tribute and trivia, because of course he does. 🎙️ Ready to outsmart bad advice and start building on your own terms? This one’s for you — whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or clawing your way out of credit card debt (or both). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Our Favorite Summer Travel Tips (SB1686)
    May 23 2025
    Memorial Day weekend is here, which means it’s officially time to break out the grill, the beach bag… and maybe that travel budget spreadsheet. But don’t worry—this isn’t a guide from travel influencers who hike barefoot with artisanal backpacks. Nope. This episode is brought to you by your favorite money geeks in Joe’s mom’s basement. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Jesse Cramer, Crystal Hammond, and Doug gather 'round the card table to share their best budget-friendly travel strategies, hilarious vacation stories, and maybe one or two travel fails. From choosing the right travel companion to navigating airports like a boss, this crew drops loads of practical wisdom for making your summer adventures awesome and affordable. You’ll learn why credit card points can be your best friend, how to pick lodging that won’t make you cry (or bankrupt you), and why packing a toothbrush is a good idea… even if Doug’s trivia makes you question the timing. This isn’t expert advice. These are the musings of people who spend more time optimizing their wallets than their luggage. And that’s exactly why you’ll leave feeling better prepared to tackle your own summer travel—without the jet-setter guilt trip. Kicking off summer with a Stacking Benjamins travel roundtable Real-life travel hacks from people who care more about budgeting than boarding groups Credit card point strategies that actually work Hot takes on hotels, Airbnbs, and airport snacks Why picking the right travel buddy can make or break your trip The one item Doug thinks was more important than nylon (it’s… something) Whether you’re headed to the lake, the mountains, or just your backyard with a cold drink, join the crew for a hilarious and practical celebration of summer travel. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The Simple Path To Contentment (with JL Collins)
    May 21 2025
    What do cupcakes, frosting, and financial independence have in common? This week in the basement, Stacking Benjamins welcomes legendary personal finance thinker JL Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth, to connect the dots between simple investing and sweet, stress-free success. In a lively conversation with Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Mom’s neighbor Doug (who may or may not be launching a frosting-themed protest movement), JL shares timeless wisdom on avoiding complexity, embracing low-cost index investing, and why FU money is more than just a clever phrase—it’s freedom in a bank account. You’ll hear JL’s take on portfolio allocation, debt’s sneaky impact on your future, and how to survive volatile markets without sacrificing your peace of mind. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a soul-crushing job? JL’s got some perspective you’ll love. Then, in the second half of the episode, Joe and OG shift gears to answer a listener question from Mike. He’s wondering about the efficient frontier—yes, we’re getting fancy now—and wants to know how to move beyond the Simple Path. Joe walks through the different asset classes he thinks about when crafting a diversified portfolio, while OG shares how to think through asset allocation as your wealth and confidence grow. Whether you’re curious about real estate, international investing, or just how much to hold in bonds, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what your portfolio could look like after “graduating” from JL’s foundational advice. Why keeping it simple beats chasing trends What “FU money” really means—and how to get it The truth about withdrawal rates and why they matter When debt becomes a dream killer Tips for navigating market downturns without panic How to find freedom without spending a fortune JL’s surprisingly profound parable about a monk, a minister, and money Doug’s hot take on the great frosting vs. cake debate A deep dive into the efficient frontier and how to set up your asset allocation beyond VTSAX Joe Saul-Sehy and OG’s thoughts on portfolio construction for seasoned investors JL’s insights have inspired millions on the path to financial independence—and now it’s your turn. Tune in, take notes (or don’t, we’ll recap it in the 201), and remember: sometimes the sweetest success starts with doing less. Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Make Your Next Theme Park Experience Worth the Money (with Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles)
    May 19 2025
    Is it summer already, or is that just our theme park budget melting in the sun? Either way, we’re kicking off the season with our annual guide to roller coasters, churros, and how not to hurl after one too many loops. Theme Park Insider’s Robert Niles returns to share the biggest news in amusement park land—from a new Disney park in Abu Dhabi (what?!) to Universal Orlando’s game-changing Epic Universe. But what’s a summer kickoff without a good ol’ whiplash reminder that your brain can’t be trusted when it comes to investing? Joe Saul-Sehy and OG dive into Jason Zweig’s latest insights about how our market “memory banks” mess with decision-making, and why 2008 probably wasn’t as scarring as your gut tells you. And yes, Doug's trivia ties it all together—with corn dogs, naturally. How to actually save money at theme parks without having to sleep in a costume closet. The surprising reason a $1,400 day at Disney might be your own fault. Which new coasters (and old favorites) are worth the detour this year. Why your gut—and your "market memory"—could be sabotaging your investments. The last time the stock market went down multiple years in a row (hint: not 2008). What Robert’s favorite underrated U.S. parks are (spoiler: Dollywood shows up, again). How to strategically splurge or save at the parks—merch fans, avert your eyes. 🎢 This one has thrills, chills, and the occasional spreadsheet. Just how we like it. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/welcome-summmer-2025-with-robert-niles-1684/ Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • The Happiness Debate (SB1683)
    May 16 2025
    What really moves the needle on your happiness—making more money or saving more of what you’ve got? This week, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Paula Pant, Jesse Cramer, and the guy who still owes money on his Beanie Baby collection—Doug—for a roundtable filled with bold financial takes and even bolder choices. It’s a rapid-fire round of “either-or” dilemmas, and while nobody gets voted off the island, a few sacred cows are gently tipped over. Should you max out your retirement account or finally slay your student loans? Ditch credit cards for cash? Bet your future on crypto or keep it stuffed in a fireproof mattress? Our panel debates these decisions and shares real-life stories of what’s worked—and what’s blown up like a microwaved burrito. Of course, it wouldn’t be The Stacking Benjamins Show without a detour or two: we dig into financial hoarding (how many dusty envelopes is too many?), reveal why your credit score might be your best frenemy, and serve up some vintage airplane trivia, just to keep things classy. So whether you're team "Earn More" or team "Cut Back," this episode delivers the kind of guidance that helps you feel a little more confident making your next money move—even if it’s just saying no to another financial “shortcut.” Topics covered include: Why more income might not be the golden ticket The case for ditching your credit card (and why that makes Doug twitchy) Saving vs. investing vs. spending like you’re already retired What financial hoarding reveals about your mindset Index funds vs. individual stocks: which one should get your long-term commitment? The never-ending crypto debate (now with 12% more existential dread!) How obsessing over your credit score may or may not ruin your weekend If you’re figuring out how to balance today’s latte with tomorrow’s freedom—or you just want to feel smarter about money than your cousin Gary who “invests in vibes”—this one’s for you. And remember, no matter how much you earn or save, the real ROI is tuning in with the Stackers each week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Is Any Expense Really "Worth It"? (with Leisa Peterson) SB1682
    May 14 2025
    Ever feel like money is a never-ending game of not enough? Today, we're rewiring that thinking. Our special guest, Leisa Peterson—author of The Mindful Millionaire and now The Money Catalyst—joins us to talk about abundance, scarcity, and how to stop living life like you're budgeting for armageddon. (Hint: It's okay to order the nice wine now.) Joe Saul-Sehy and OG also shine a light on the resurgence of alternative investments. Is it innovation... or just Wall Street’s way of sneaking in high fees through the back door? Plus, we roll into Doug’s trivia, a TikTok Minute that flips the script on a certain “draft pick,” and, of course, a few stories that prove—yet again—that golf is no game for the frugal. “Am I YOLO-ing or just broke?” Why framing matters more than frugality From scarcity to satisfaction: How one moment in Paris changed Leisa’s relationship with money You call that a tip? The surprisingly deep conversation behind street musicians, champagne, and generosity Alternative investments are back (again?) Why your advisor might pitch you on ditching the market... and why you should think twice Personal growth through fiction: Leisa's surprising journey from nonfiction burnout to a book that might just fix your wallet and your heart When the camel arrives with a skeleton on its back: Doug’s trivia gets weird (and somehow financial) TikTok Minute: What happens when a 50-year-old thinks he just got drafted into the NFL OG’s rule of thumb: Volatility isn’t the villain—it’s the entrance fee 🪄 PS: Boston-area Stackers! Joe’s coming your way May 20th. Get all the meetup deets at stackingbenjamins.com/meetup 🎧 Listen now and start living (and spending) like abundance is already yours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Learning to Think Like a Multi-Millionaire (with Sam Dogen) SB1681
    May 12 2025
    What do most millionaires have in common? No, it’s not a yacht named “Compound Interest.” It’s mindset. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off Mindset Week by welcoming Sam Dogen, the Financial Samurai himself, to help you start your journey toward a million-dollar net worth—one intentional step at a time. Sam shares why building wealth is less about luck and more about grit, clear goals, and a killer savings rate. He explains why $250,000 is the magic milestone where compounding takes over, why your “why” is more important than your budget, and how a simple house-to-car ratio can reveal whether you’re cruising toward financial freedom or stuck in the valet lane. You'll learn: Why your first $250,000 is the hardest (and most critical) How to find your “why” and let it drive your money decisions Why some people crush millionaire goals while others stall out The pros and cons of prioritizing student loan payoff How real estate, entrepreneurship, and mindset play a role in long-term success Plus, Doug delivers trivia about the world’s most millionaire-dense country (hint: it’s not the U.S.), and Joe announces a live event with Boldin’s Steve Chen to help you master retirement planning tools. All that and a wink toward OG’s dream car obsession (which definitely didn’t come from the after-show... wink wink). 💥 Want to level up your financial thinking? This episode is your launching pad. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-start-on-your-financial-journey-with-financial-samauri-sam-dogen-1681 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Grocery Bill Tips and Budget Bites SB1680
    May 9 2025
    If your grocery bill has you doing double-takes at the checkout line, you’re not alone—and this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show is packed with practical ways to take control of your food spending. Joe Saul-Sehy is joined by Janice Torres of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast, regular contributor OG, and the always-frugal Len Penzo to serve up real-world grocery hacks that help you stretch your dollars without skimping on flavor or quality. You’ll learn: How meal planning can shrink your bill (and your food waste) When buying in bulk pays off—and when it’s just a trap Why pre-packaged foods might be eating up your budget Which apps help you unlock store discounts and cash back And whether starting a garden is actually worth it for your bottom line We also dig into freezer strategies, the art of cutting back on meat without feeling deprived, and a few guilty pleasure restaurants that somehow always find their way back into our budgets. It’s a money-saving roundtable that’s equal parts helpful and hilarious. Come for the grocery hacks, stay for the side dishes of personality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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