The Stacking Benjamins Show

Eighteen hundred episodes calls for something special, and what better way to celebrate than by dragging the absolute worst money advice into the light and laughing at it together? Special guest and CFP Sarah Catherine Guiterrez from Aptus Financial joins Joe Saul-Sehy, Neighbor Doug, Paula Pant (Afford Anything), and Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long Term Investors) for a rapid-fire, no mercy takedown of the most damaging financial clichés ever passed down at family dinners, car dealerships, and internet comment sections. This episode is equal parts group therapy, myth-busting, and friendly argument. Exactly the kind of chaos that's kept the Stacking Benjamins basement standing for 1,800 shows. What You'll Hear in This Milestone Episode: • The most cringeworthy financial advice the panel has ever heard and why it sticks around • Why phrases like "just let the bank take it" quietly wreck long-term wealth • How YOLO thinking sneaks into financial decisions disguised as confidence • The difference between common advice and useful advice • Sarah Catherine's planner level perspective on why bad advice feels comforting • Paula and Jesse sparring over long term thinking versus short term emotion • OG bringing strategy, clarity, and the occasional eye roll • Neighbor Doug doing what he does best: poking holes, cracking jokes, and keeping everyone honest • Why car buying advice is one of the most misunderstood areas in personal finance • How trivia, travel, and history collide in a surprisingly competitive game segment • What Singapore's founding teaches us about perspective, patience, and getting the facts right • Why smart money decisions usually sound boring but work anyway This Episode Is For You If: • You've ever heard money advice and thought, "Wait, people actually believe that?" • You're tired of conflicting financial wisdom and want validation that some of it IS terrible • You've been burned by advice that sounded good but cost you money • You want to hear smart people argue about what actually works versus what just sounds good • You've been with us since episode 1, or just wandered into the basement and want to celebrate This episode is a love letter to Stackers who question conventional wisdom and trust their gut when advice doesn't add up. It's loud, opinionated, funny, and packed with reminders that the best financial moves often start by ignoring the advice everyone else is shouting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whitney Elkins-Hutten's story isn't about overnight success or getting lucky. It's about building a wealth machine that keeps working even when life throws curveballs. Broadcast as always from Joe's mom's basement, this episode explores how Whitney went from a modest, very 1970s upbringing to creating systems that generate lasting wealth, and what everyday people can realistically take from her experience. Yes, she built an $800 million real estate portfolio, but this conversation is about something bigger: how to create income systems that compound, scale, and eventually run without you. Along the way, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Doug connect the dots between mindset, cash flow strategies, and protecting what you've already built in a world full of digital landmines. What You'll Take Away: • Why Whitney's early mistakes became her biggest long term advantages • How to think about building cash flow engines, not just accumulating assets • The difference between owning things and building repeatable income systems • Why passive income still requires intentional structure and where people go wrong • How mentorship accelerates progress and what to look for in the right mentor • Practical ways to get started building wealth systems without massive capital • Why diversification across income streams matters more than most people realize • What unexpected businesses like car washes teach us about operational efficiency • How subscription models and recurring revenue quietly stabilize cash flow • The long game of turning short term decisions into generational wealth • Why protecting your personal data is now part of protecting your net worth • How small habits (financial and otherwise) compound into outsized results This Episode Is For You If: • You want to build wealth that lasts beyond your lifetime • You're curious about creating income systems that don't require your constant attention • You're tired of overnight success stories and want the real trajectory • You're looking for principles that work whether you invest in real estate, businesses, or other assets • You believe smart systems and consistent learning can change your family's financial future This episode is for Stackers who want proof that progress doesn't require perfection, and that building the right wealth machine can change the entire trajectory of your financial life and your family's future. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/building-generational-wealth-with-whitney-elkins-hutten-1799 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

Taxes don't have to feel like something that happens to you. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug break down the biggest recent tax changes and, more importantly, how to use them intentionally instead of accidentally leaving money on the table. This isn't about memorizing the tax code or becoming a DIY CPA. It's about understanding where the real opportunities are right now, which moves matter most at different life stages, and how smart planning today can quietly add up to thousands of dollars over time. From new deductions to retirement-focused strategies, this episode helps you move from reacting at tax time to planning all year long. What You'll Learn: • The most important recent tax changes and who actually benefits from them • How the expanded SALT deduction works and when it matters • What the new senior deduction could mean for retirees and near retirees • Why maximizing retirement accounts isn't just about saving for later but lowering taxes now • How Health Savings Accounts create one of the most powerful tax advantages available • When tax loss harvesting helps and when it's mostly noise • Why managing your tax bracket in retirement can be as important as investment returns • Smarter charitable giving strategies that align generosity with tax efficiency • How education savings tools fit into a broader tax plan for those who need them • Common tax season mistakes that quietly cost people money every year This Episode Is For You If: • You suspect you're paying more in taxes than you should • Tax planning feels overwhelming so you just deal with it in April • You want to understand which tax moves actually matter at your life stage • You're tired of hearing about strategies that don't apply to your situation • You're ready to stop reacting to taxes and start planning for them This episode is for anyone who wants their tax strategy to support their bigger financial goals, not work against them. If you're looking to keep more of what you earn and make fewer "wish I'd known that earlier" decisions, this is one to queue up. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/tax_planning_moves_for_2026-1798 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 if the path to better money decisions, more confidence, and a calmer life wasn't a massive overhaul but just getting a tiny bit better today than you were yesterday? Joe Saul-Sehy, Neighbor Doug, OG, and Paula Pant (Afford Anything) are joined by David Gillis, creator of the 1% Better Conference, for a roundtable exploring the surprisingly powerful idea of improving by just 1% at a time. No vision boards. No 5 a.m. ice baths. Just small, intentional choices that compound into real results, financially and otherwise. David brings practical insight and zero guru energy into what sustainable improvement looks like. Together the group talks about why most people burn out trying to change everything at once, and how Stackers can instead design days that make better decisions easier. You'll hear honest conversations about energy drainers (including the ones we pretend aren't draining), why saying "no" is often the most underrated financial skill, and how rest, relationships, and even boredom play a bigger role in success than grinding ever will. There's also a healthy reminder that progress doesn't always look productive, and that's okay. As always, Doug brings the trivia, the basement brings the banter, and the lesson sneaks up on you when you're not looking. If you've ever felt like you should be doing more but don't want to torch your sanity getting there, this episode is for you. If the 1% Better philosophy resonates with you, the 1% Better Conference is happening February 21-22 in Omaha, where Joe will be the keynote speaker. What You'll Learn: Why 1% better beats "start over Monday" every single time How to identify the biggest energy leaks hurting your money decisions Why learning to say "no" can improve your finances immediately How rest, nature, and relationships quietly boost long term success Why small habits matter more than motivation How to grow personally and financially without burning out A realistic framework for steady improvement that fits real life This Episode Is For You If: You're exhausted from trying to overhaul everything at once You feel like you should be doing more but you're already maxed out You want progress that doesn't require torching your current life You're tired of all or nothing approaches that leave you burnt out You're ready for sustainable improvement instead of another failed fresh start Question for You: What's one small change you could make this week that would make your life or money just a little easier? Drop it in the comments or share it with us in the Basement Facebook group. We promise not to turn it into a 30 day challenge with a workbook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where do great ideas come from, and why do they always show up in the shower, on a walk, or five minutes after you've stopped trying so hard? Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug welcome this week's mentor, behavioral scientist George Newman, to unpack how creativity really works and how Stackers can use it to make better decisions with money, careers, and life. This isn't about becoming "more creative" in a woo-woo sense. It's about understanding the conditions that consistently produce better ideas. George explains why your best thinking doesn't come from grinding harder but from combining curiosity, expertise, and space to think. The crew digs into why incremental improvement (the famous "1% better" mindset) often beats chasing giant breakthroughs, and how that approach applies just as well to financial planning as it does to business, habits, or personal growth. You'll also hear why surveying the landscape before acting leads to smarter money moves, how relaxing your brain can unlock solutions you didn't know you had, and why most people already have access to better ideas but don't recognize them yet. Whether you're trying to improve your finances, rethink your career, or simply stop overthinking every decision, this episode gives you a practical framework for generating smarter ideas without burning yourself out. What You'll Learn: Where great ideas are most likely to come from (hint: not when you're stressed) Why expertise plus curiosity beats raw inspiration every time How the 1% better philosophy creates long term breakthroughs The role relaxation plays in clearer thinking and decision making Why surveying your options first leads to better financial outcomes How small experiments like paper trading improve confidence before real world action Why coaching, reflection, and time horizons matter more than quick wins This Episode Is For You If: You feel like you're working harder but not thinking better Your best ideas come when you're NOT trying to force them You're exhausted from grinding and want a smarter approach You want to improve your finances but feel stuck in the same patterns You're ready to stop chasing breakthroughs and start making steady progress Questions to Think About: When do your best ideas usually show up, and what are you doing when they arrive? What's one area of your finances that could improve with a "1% better" mindset? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because George's framework for generating better ideas might shift how you approach everything. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/where-do-your-best-ideas-come-from-1796 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

Ever made a money move that felt right then immediately wondered if you just emotionally invested in a bad idea? We've all done it. Some of us have receipts. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug tackle one of the trickiest parts of personal finance: knowing when to trust your gut and when your gut needs to sit down and let the math speak. Because here's the thing. Most Stackers aren't struggling because they don't know what a Roth IRA is. You're struggling because real life decisions don't happen in a spreadsheet. They happen in the middle of a busy Tuesday, with a dozen tabs open in your brain and a million little "what ifs" fighting for attention. So the guys dig into how intuition works (and when it betrays you), and why data is powerful until you start using it to talk yourself into doing something dumb with extra steps. You'll also hear how the best financial plans aren't built on perfect predictions but on repeatable decisions. Plus the episode veers into some surprisingly useful territory with Costco membership strategy, the hidden psychology of "good deals," and how advisors use tools to help optimize Social Security choices without making you feel like you need a PhD in government paperwork. What You'll Learn: How to tell the difference between good intuition and financial anxiety in a trench coat Why data can be a superpower or a weapon you use against yourself The role of AI and research in decision making and what it means for everyday people How OG thinks about sticking to a plan when emotions get loud Why "a deal" can be a budget win or a trap door What a Costco membership is really doing to your spending habits The Social Security optimization tools advisors use and why timing decisions matter This Episode Is For You If: You've made emotional money decisions you later regretted You either overthink every financial choice or jump too fast without enough info You're not sure when to trust your instincts versus when to run the numbers You want to make confident decisions without needing perfect information You're tired of second guessing yourself every time money is involved Questions to Think About: When was the last time your gut feeling saved you financially or cost you money? Are you more likely to overthink decisions with too much research or jump too fast without enough? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because finding your balance between intuition and data might be the unlock you need. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/should-you-trust-your-gut-or-data-1795 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

Inflation may be doing its best to body slam your budget, but this episode is all about fighting back without turning your life into a sad spreadsheet. Joe Saul-Sehy, Neighbor Doug, Paula Pant (Afford Anything), and Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long Term Investors) are joined by special guest Justin Brown-Woods (Price of Avocado Toast) for a roundtable tackling the big question Stackers keep asking: Why does life feel so expensive even when I'm doing everything right? Instead of the usual "just cut lattes" advice, the crew digs into what's really happening. How to calm chaotic expenses. How to stop getting ambushed by "random" costs that aren't random. How to build a plan that makes your money feel predictable again. The conversation hits the real pressure points: food, housing, subscriptions, and the sneaky spending that doesn't look dangerous until it adds up. If you've ever looked at your bank account and thought "Wait, where did that go?" this episode will help you spot the leaks, tighten the system, and still enjoy your life while you do it. What You'll Learn: • How to stop chaotic expenses from wrecking your month • The difference between fixed and variable spending, and why it matters more than you think • Practical ways to lower food costs without eating sadness for dinner • Why housing is the heavyweight champion of your budget and what to do about it • How subscriptions quietly drain cash even when you barely use them • The best way to cut costs without feeling punished • Why mandatory expenses are often more negotiable than you've been told This Episode Is For You If: • You feel like you're doing everything right but still barely keeping up • Your bank account keeps surprising you with where the money goes • You're tired of frugality advice that makes life feel like punishment • You want to cut costs without giving up everything that makes life worth living • You're ready to calm the chaos and make your spending feel predictable again Questions to Think About: What's one expense that used to feel normal but now feels completely ridiculous? Which category gets you more: food spending, housing, or the sneaky monthly subscriptions? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because this roundtable's framework for taming chaotic spending might be exactly what you need. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-afford-the-new-normal-1794 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 if your money stopped dictating your schedule and started supporting the life you actually want to live? Joe Saul-Sehy welcomes CFP Dana Anspach of Sensible Money as special guest co-host for an episode featuring this week's mentor, Andy Hill. Andy shares how he stepped away from the corporate grind, redesigned his priorities, and built a life where family and flexibility came first. His story isn't about escaping work. It's about building a financial foundation that gives you options. Then the conversation shifts to a headline that caught everyone's attention: NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and his wife Samantha are suing their insurance company, calling the life insurance they purchased "a scam." Dana uses this case to break down one of the most misunderstood areas in personal finance: life insurance. From Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies to knowing when insurance is a tool and when it's a distraction, she shows how clarity of goals should drive every decision and how to avoid the traps that caught even high earners like the Buschs. The episode also touches on estate planning, scams to watch out for, how young adults should think about budgeting and debt, and how to evaluate whether paying off loans or investing is the better move for your situation. It connects the dots between time freedom, smart planning, and protecting what you're building. What You'll Learn: • How to design your finances around the life you want, not just the paycheck you earn • What "owning your time" really means and how to start moving in that direction • Why your financial plan should begin with values and priorities, not products • How to think about entrepreneurship without blowing up your financial stability • What the Kyle Busch insurance lawsuit reveals about life insurance products and sales tactics • The truth about Indexed Universal Life insurance and when it may or may not make sense • How to evaluate life insurance based on goals instead of sales pitches • How estate planning protects your family and your legacy • The pros and cons of paying off loans versus investing • Budgeting principles that help young adults build strong money habits early • How to recognize and avoid financial scams (including insurance product traps) • Why celebrating progress matters just as much as setting the next goal This Episode Is For You If: • You feel like your money controls your life instead of supporting it • You want more flexibility and time freedom but don't know how to fund it • You're confused about whether life insurance products are helping or just costing you (especially after hearing about the Busch lawsuit) • You're trying to figure out the right order of financial moves (debt vs investing, insurance vs saving) • You want your financial plan to reflect your actual values, not just what you're "supposed" to do This episode is about aligning your money with your life. If you're ready to stop reacting to your finances and start using them to build more freedom, flexibility, and confidence, this one belongs at the top of your queue. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/own-your-time-with-andy-hill-and-dana-anspach-1793 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

Ever feel like your money questions don't fit neatly into one category? One minute you're thinking about retirement, the next it's insurance, emergency funds, gifting money, or whether your workplace plan is helping or hurting you. This is one of those episodes where Stackers bring the real-life questions, and Joe Saul-Sehy, CFP Anna Allem, and Neighbor Doug help sort through the noise. It's a true Q&A show built from the issues you're wrestling with right now. No perfect spreadsheets. No one-size-fits-all answers. Just practical guidance for making smart decisions when your financial life has a lot of moving parts. You'll hear how to prioritize when everything feels important, how to adjust your strategy as rules change, and how to stay flexible without losing control of your long-term plan. College planning comes up, but it's part of a bigger conversation about balancing competing goals, not the center of the episode. What You'll Learn: • How to make better decisions when multiple financial priorities collide • Smarter ways to think about life insurance when cash flow feels tight • How to build or rebuild an emergency fund with inconsistent income • What changes to 401(k) rules could mean for your saving and investing strategy • When opting out of a workplace plan might make sense, and when it's a mistake • How automatic enrollment and contribution changes can impact your future wealth • The right way to gift money to kids or grandkids without creating tax or planning problems • How HSAs fit into your bigger financial picture • Why financial gridlock happens and how to break through it • How to balance short term flexibility with long term security • A clear explanation of FAFSA and financial aid, and how it fits into overall planning for families who need it This Episode Is For You If: • You're juggling multiple financial priorities and not sure which one to tackle first • You feel stuck because everything seems important and nothing feels urgent enough • You want guidance that fits your messy real life, not just textbook answers • You're tired of financial advice that assumes you only have one problem at a time • You need permission to prioritize imperfectly and still make progress If your finances feel like a maze, this is your map. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/answering-stacker-questions-with-anna-allem-1792 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/adchoices

If you're making decent money but still feel like you're one bad month away from stress, this episode is for you. Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug sit down with Mel Abraham to talk about something most Stackers think about but don't know how to start: creating income that doesn't depend entirely on showing up to work every single day. Not side hustle mania or get-rich-quick schemes. Just practical ways to build what Mel calls a "money engine" that makes your financial life steadier and way less stressful. Mel breaks down the different types of income streams, how they fit into real life (not just theory), and where to start if you're tired of feeling like your paycheck is the only thing keeping everything afloat. The goal isn't to quit your job tomorrow. It's to create options and breathing room so one surprise expense or career hiccup doesn't derail everything you've built. Then Joe and OG tackle the January financial to-do lists that flood your inbox every year. You know the ones: "15 money moves to make before February!" They separate what's worth your time from what's just financial busywork designed to make you feel productive without moving the needle. Because here's the truth. You don't need more financial homework. You need a few strategic moves that make 2026 feel more manageable from the start. What You'll Walk Away With: • How to think about building income beyond your paycheck without burning out • The different types of income streams and which ones fit your actual life right now • Where to start creating assets that work even when you're not clocking in • Which January money tasks are worth doing and which ones waste your time • How to prioritize your financial checklist for maximum impact with minimum stress • Simple ways to organize your money for the year without it becoming a second job This Episode Is For You If: • You're making decent money but still feel financially stressed • You want options beyond your paycheck but don't know where to start • You're tired of feeling like everything depends on your next paycheck • January financial advice usually overwhelms you more than it helps • You want systems that reduce anxiety, not add more tasks to your list Before You Hit Play, Ask Yourself: What's one income stream you'd love to build if you knew it wouldn't be complicated? If you only had one hour this month to improve your finances, what would you spend it on? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because Mel's framework plus Joe and OG's January reality check might be exactly what you need to start the year without the usual stress. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/build-your-money-engine-mel-abraham-1790 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 if some of the "rules" you've been told about money aren't rules at all, just assumptions that haven't been questioned lately? Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug pull apart a handful of deeply held financial beliefs and see what holds up when real life enters the conversation. From Social Security timing to investment return expectations, the crew explores where common advice works, where it falls short, and why context matters more than catchy rules of thumb. Along the way, the discussion shifts from spreadsheets to behavior, because knowing what to do is one thing and doing it (especially in retirement) is another. The team talks through spending realities, inflation anxiety, and how small mindset shifts can make your plan feel less fragile and more livable. Then, just when things get serious, Doug introduces a challenge that's equal parts practical and revealing. The Survivor Pantry. It's a simple idea that uncovers how prepared (or not) we really are, and why preparedness isn't about fear but flexibility. In This Episode You'll Explore: • Why popular Social Security advice isn't one size fits all • What real world investment returns look like over time • How behavioral blind spots can derail otherwise solid plans • The difference between planning for retirement and living in it • Smarter ways to think about spending as prices change • Why some financial myths refuse to die (and how to spot them) • What the Survivor Pantry reveals about readiness and resilience • How questioning assumptions can lead to calmer, more confident decisions This episode is less about finding new answers and more about asking better questions, especially if you're tired of feeling like you're "behind" for not following every money rule to the letter. Conversation Starter for the Basement: What's one money belief you've always accepted but now you're not so sure about? Drop your thoughts in the Facebook group or comments and compare notes with other Stackers who are rethinking the playbook right alongside you. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/challenging-money-assumptions-1789 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

It's that time of year when we look ahead, squint confidently into the future, and pretend we have any idea what's coming next. In this annual Stacking Benjamins tradition, Joe Saul-Sehy welcomes back Mindy Jensen from the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Len Penzo of LenPenzo.com, and OG for the predictions episode that blends money talk, pop culture, and just enough nonsense to keep everyone honest. Instead of pretending anyone can forecast the markets, the crew leans into what really matters: how to think about uncertainty. With help from a Magic 8 Ball (clearly the most reliable forecasting tool available), the panel throws out bold guesses about stocks, crypto, AI, inflation, interest rates, and the kinds of headlines that will dominate conversations in 2026. Some predictions are financial. Some are cultural. Some are optimistic, let's say. But beneath the fun is a useful reminder for Stackers. Predictions don't build wealth, process does. This episode isn't about acting on guesses. It's about stress-testing assumptions, questioning narratives, and remembering that long-term success comes from good habits, not crystal balls. If you've ever wondered how much attention to pay to forecasts (and how much to ignore), this conversation delivers clarity wrapped in entertainment. And yes, there are sports predictions, celebrity guesses, and enough wild speculation to guarantee at least a few laughs when we look back a year from now. In This Episode You'll Hear: The crew's biggest financial and cultural predictions for 2026 What the Magic 8 Ball "thinks" about markets, rates, and inflation Why forecasts are fun but dangerous if taken too seriously Thoughts on AI, energy use, and how technology may affect daily life Predictions about crypto, gold, and the stories investors love to chase A reminder of what matters when markets surprise everyone Sports, pop culture, and wildly specific guesses that will age somehow Join the Conversation: Which prediction do you think has the best chance of being right, and which one will age the worst? Share your take in Spotify comments or the Basement Facebook group so we can revisit it next year and keep receipts. This episode is a reminder that while nobody knows what 2026 will bring, Stackers who stay curious, flexible, and grounded tend to do just fine. Magic 8 Ball or not. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/magic-8-ball-and-2026-predictions-1788/ 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

If 2026 already feels busy and it's barely started, you're not imagining it. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG sit down with renowned time management expert Laura Vanderkam to tackle one of the biggest stressors Stackers face. Feeling like there's never enough time to do the things that matter, including managing money well. Laura helps break the myth that better time management means squeezing more productivity into already packed days. Instead, the conversation centers on intentional time use: how to protect space for what matters most, reduce decision fatigue, and build simple systems that make life (and money) feel lighter. If you've ever said "I don't have time to deal with this right now" about your finances, this discussion will feel uncomfortably familiar in a good way. From there, the show zooms out just enough to connect time decisions to money decisions. Joe and OG explore why financial stress often comes from neglect rather than bad choices, and how a few well-timed actions (like organizing documents, planning ahead for aging parents, or setting aside focused "money time") can prevent massive headaches later. No doom and gloom economics here, just a reminder that uncertainty is always around and preparation beats prediction every time. The episode also takes a thoughtful turn toward caregiving and elder planning, a topic many Stackers are quietly juggling while managing careers, kids, and their own goals. Laura and the team talk about how planning before a crisis saves not just money but emotional energy, one of the most overlooked resources of all. This is a conversation about doing less reacting, more choosing, and building a 2026 where your calendar and your bank account work together. What You'll Hear: • Why "being busy" isn't the same as using time well • Laura Vanderkam's practical strategies for reclaiming focus and presence • How small pockets of time ("time confetti") quietly drain energy • Simple ways to create space for money decisions without overwhelm • Why procrastinating financial tasks often costs more than bad investing • How to think ahead about caregiving without panic or perfection • What documents and conversations make future decisions easier • How to prepare for uncertainty without obsessing over headlines If you want to start 2026 feeling more in control (not just of your money but of your life), this episode offers a grounded, encouraging roadmap. No hustle culture. No financial fear tactics. Just smart conversations about using your time wisely so your money decisions get easier, not harder. Listen for the moment when "I don't have time" turns into "I'm choosing what matters." FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/master-your-time-management-with-laura-vanderkam-1787 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

A new year has arrived, and with it comes a fresh wave of hot takes, bold predictions, and "can't miss" investing ideas. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG step back from the noise to discuss what clearly doesn't work and then to focus on what actually helps you build wealth in 2026 and beyond. Rather than chasing hot trends, they revisit the timeless rules that have quietly done the heavy lifting through every market cycle. Why diversification still matters even when it feels boring. Why IPO hype and speculative real estate deals often disappoint. How consistency beats cleverness far more often than most people expect. From there, the conversation shifts into a practical framework Stackers can use no matter what the market throws their way. Joe and OG walk through the proper order of investing decisions: start with clear goals, build the right asset allocation, choose appropriate asset selections, and then layer in tax strategy. By putting taxes in the right place (after the big structural decisions), they explain how to improve outcomes without letting tax avoidance distort the entire plan. The episode also digs into real-world traps that tend to surface when uncertainty rises. Real estate crowdfunding. Penny stock temptation. Misunderstood property tax increases. The guys break down where people get tripped up and how to protect yourself without becoming overly cautious or frozen by fear. Just as important, Joe and OG explore the difference between luck and skill in investing stories. If you've ever felt behind because someone else's risky move worked out, this discussion brings perspective and relief by reminding Stackers what sustainable progress actually looks like. What You'll Learn: • Why timeless investing principles matter more than 2026 predictions • How diversification truly reduces risk and where people misuse it • The dangers of IPOs, penny stocks, and "exclusive" real estate deals • The correct order of smart investing decisions: goals first, asset allocation next, asset selection after that, tax strategy layered on last • How to think about tax efficiency without letting taxes drive the plan • What new homeowners often misunderstand about property taxes • How to spot luck masquerading as skill in investing success stories • Ways to stay confident and consistent when markets feel uncertain If you're looking to start 2026 grounded, informed, and focused on the moves that actually matter, this episode delivers a steady, practical roadmap without hype, fear, or shortcuts. Listen for the principles that hold up when markets misbehave and the small mistakes that quietly derail otherwise solid plans. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/real-estate-scam-companies-1786 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 if earning more money in 2025 has less to do with working longer hours and more to do with becoming dangerously useful? In this conversation, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG sit down with entrepreneur Alex Hormozi to break down how skill stacking, leverage, and better decision-making can radically change your income trajectory, whether you run a business, lead a team, or clock in for a 9-to-5. Alex pulls back the curtain on what actually drives higher pay: choosing the right skills, focusing on work that compounds, and learning how to take smart risks without blowing up your life. Along the way, he tackles one of the hardest challenges Stackers face, how to pursue growth when well-meaning friends, family, or coworkers are urging you to play it safe. This isn't about hustle culture or quitting your job tomorrow. It's about building a skill set that makes you indispensable, learning how to negotiate from a position of strength, and thinking long-term while others stay stuck optimizing small things. WHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAY: Why skill stacking beats talent when it comes to earning power How to identify high-leverage skills that pay off in any career Ways to invest in yourself that don't require an MBA or massive risk How to apply entrepreneurial thinking inside a traditional job Practical negotiation insights that actually work in the real world When giving away value helps you grow and when it backfires How to tune out discouraging advice without burning bridges Why systems and processes matter more than motivation If you're serious about earning more in 2025 but want to do it thoughtfully, sustainably, and on your own terms, this episode gives you a blueprint worth studying. Listen for the mindset shifts that compound quietly and the small changes that can unlock much bigger opportunities over time. 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/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/adchoices

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

What if the biggest upgrade to your finances wasn't a new strategy but a new way of thinking? Joe Saul-Sehy and OG unpack the small but powerful money mindset shifts that separate people who know what to do from people who actually make progress. This isn't about motivation posters or vague positivity. It's about practical mental frameworks that lead to better decisions, fewer regrets, and more confidence with money. The team walks through their top five money mindset tweaks. How to focus on strengths instead of endlessly fixing shortcomings. Why taking action beats overthinking every time. How playing long-term games with the right people changes everything. Along the way, they connect mindset directly to real-world choices, like how thinking clearly about value, longevity, and opportunity cost affects something as everyday as buying a car. That's where Carl Brauer from iSeeCars joins the conversation with insight into which vehicles deliver the best long-term value. It's a perfect case study in mindset-driven money decisions. Not chasing shiny objects, but choosing options that quietly compound in your favor. If you've ever felt like you're doing most things right but not seeing the results you want, this episode helps you zoom out, recalibrate, and move forward with intention. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The five mindset shifts that consistently lead to better money outcomes Why progress comes from doing rather than perfecting your plan first How understanding compounding changes the way you view time, effort, and money Why focusing on your strengths beats trying to fix every weakness How to think about purchases like cars through a long-term value lens The power of playing long-term games with people who think the same way THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF: You feel like you know what to do with money but struggle to actually do it, you're tired of motivational content that doesn't translate into real change, you want to understand why some people progress faster with less effort, you're making a big purchase soon and want to think about it more clearly, or you believe the way you think about money matters as much as what you do with it. Sometimes the most profitable move isn't changing your plan. It's changing how you think about the plan. 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