What happens when you throw a bunch of money nerds into one room, add microphones, and sprinkle in a little economic chaos? You get this live recording from FinCon in Portland, where Joe Saul-Sehy, Paula Pant, Jesse Cramer, and Matthew Tarr tackle today’s most pressing financial questions head-on—with plenty of laughs along the way. From housing headaches to healthcare hurdles, nothing is off the table as the crew breaks down the issues shaping your money right now.

Housing prices got you wondering if you should rent, buy, or just live in your car with an Amazon Prime subscription? We dig into the real trade-offs in today’s market. Worried about a looming recession or high-interest rates eating away at your financial confidence? You’ll walk away with strategies that keep you focused and resilient when headlines try to spook you. And for those plotting an early retirement, the group pulls apart the rising cost of healthcare and why conservative investment strategies may be your best friend.

At its core, this episode is about tuning out the noise and zeroing in on what matters: a solid plan, smart decisions, and a community of people who know that money is just the tool—not the destination. Whether you’re trying to hit FI, weather market storms, or simply avoid panic-selling your investments, this conversation from the heart of FinCon will leave you with perspective, strategy, and maybe even a grin.

• 
  

  Why renting vs. buying isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer (and what today’s market means for you)

  
  


• 
  

  How to prepare for recession chatter without losing sleep

  
  


• 
  

  The ripple effect of high-interest rates on your wallet and investments

  
  


• 
  

  Smart approaches to healthcare planning in early retirement

  
  


• 
  

  Practical strategies for building a strong investment plan that outlasts market swings

  
  


• 
  

  Reflections on community, optimism, and financial resilience from the FinCon floor

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Points to Chew On:

  
  

• 
  

  Would you rather own a house in this market—or rent and keep flexibility?

  
  


• 
  

  How do you personally prepare for recession fears without derailing your long-term plan?

  
  


• 
  

  If healthcare costs keep climbing, how will that affect your retirement timing or strategy?

  
  

  
  

  
  

  FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/live-from-fincon-2025-173

  
  

  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