The Stacking Benjamins Show

As 2024 winds down, we’re taking a look back at the year that was—its challenges, its surprises, and the financial lessons we’ve all had to learn (sometimes the hard way). Whether you’re strategizing for big goals in 2025, making sense of unpredictable markets, or just trying to stay one step ahead of inflation, this episode has you covered. We’ve assembled a powerhouse panel of financial thinkers—OG, Paula Pant, and Jesse Cramer—to break it all down. Together, they tackle everything from the unpredictable influence of AI on markets and investing to the surprising resilience of real estate in the face of rising interest rates. Plus, they explore the year’s most intriguing (and occasionally jaw-dropping) headlines, like the impact of significant economic shifts and even the infamous United Healthcare CEO murder. Why You’ll Want to Tune In: * Discover how 2024’s biggest events, including the AI revolution and shifting inflation trends, impact your wallet. * Learn why patience and adaptability are critical tools for navigating market volatility. * Get actionable strategies for tackling real-life financial challenges, like managing interest rates and planning for 2025. Episode Highlights: * Reflecting on the big financial lessons of 2024: From AI in market behavior to Bitcoin’s latest chapter. * How the crypto craze evolved this year—and what it means for the future. * The ongoing unpredictability of investing and how to stay grounded. * Surprising lessons from corporate America’s headlines, including shocking events like the United Healthcare CEO murder. * Inflation, real estate, and housing market realities: What it all means for your plans in 2025. * How AI is reshaping everyday life, job markets, and even podcasting. Our Panel’s Key Takeaways: OG shares portfolio management strategies to help you ride out market uncertainty. Paula Pant unpacks real estate trends and the importance of designing a life you love. Jesse Cramer dives into how behavioral finance plays into today’s fast-changing landscape. Looking Ahead: As we close out another exciting year of The Stacking Benjamins Show, we want to thank you, our loyal Stackers, for joining us on this journey. In 2025, we’re bringing even more fresh takes, insightful interviews, and, of course, the best money advice disguised as good conversation. What’s Coming in 2025: We’ll dive into the latest financial trends, explore groundbreaking stories, and keep helping you make smarter money moves while keeping it entertaining. Stick with us as we continue stacking those Benjamins—and maybe even have a little fun along the way. Thank you for being part of the Stacking Benjamins community. Here’s to another year of learning, laughing, and leveling up your financial life! FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/2024-year-end-review-1618 [https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/2024-year-end-review-1618] Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201 [https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201] Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Feeling like your wallet’s taking a holiday beating? Don’t sweat it. We’ve got eight clever strategies to keep your spending in check and set yourself up for a financially stronger new year. But wait—there’s more! We uncover the mind-blowing story of a 29-year-old living large in a mansion filled with luxury cars and Elton John's piano. What's his secret? (Hint: It’s not what you’d expect.) And because we love answering Stackers' burning questions, we tackle a double feature: * Pensions: Are they still worth the hype? * Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement? Sprinkle in some holiday stress hacks, thoughts on budget-friendly gift-giving, and why Tony the Tiger has something to do with the Grinch, and you've got a show packed with financial wisdom you can actually use. Episode Highlights * How the Grinch Really Stole Christmas * Welcome to the Stacking Benjamins Show * Is Your Holiday Budget Already on Thin Ice? * 8 Strategies to Tame Holiday Expenses * A Mansion, Luxury Cars, and Elton John’s Piano? * Handling Holiday Stress Without Losing It * Travel Plans & Navigating Holiday Spending * How to Leverage Debt (the Smart Way) * Get Kids Involved in the Budget—Yes, It’s Possible * Starting a 529 Plan? Why Family Might Help * Gift Strategies That Won’t Break the Bank * Today’s Date in History: Because Why Not? * TikTok Minute: The Mansion Story That Broke the Internet * Listener Questions: Pensions vs. Mortgages * Corrections Dept: Football Teams Need a Map * Final Thoughts and Big Takeaways Whether you're taming holiday expenses, dreaming of mansion living, or just trying to get through December with your finances intact, this episode's got something for you. Tune in, take notes, and finish the year strong. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/sticking-to-your-financial-goals-during-holidays-1617/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy when it comes to reaching a goal? Today, we sit down with Thais Gibson from the Personal Development School to explore how self-sabotage sneaks into our lives and—more importantly—how to kick it out for good. While you've maybe heard Thais on Mel Robbins or other shows, what you haven't heard is what we talk about today - how specifically she walks Joe through limiting beliefs and then outlines how it's done. Whether you've followed Thais' huge social media presence consistently or it's your first time with her, we know this will help you kick self-sabotage to the curb and get to work. From aligning your conscious and subconscious goals to overcoming limiting beliefs, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you get out of your own way. But that’s not all. We also dive into a financial hot topic: influencer-backed crypto scams. Learn how a viral coin duped investors last week and why speculation isn’t the same as smart investing. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Stacking Benjamins episode without some holiday flair. Joe, OG, and Doug share festive mall memories, debate the best holiday tunes, and throw in some trivia to keep things lively. Why You’ll Love This Episode: * Practical tips to recognize and overcome self-sabotage. * Eye-opening lessons on speculative investments and influencer-driven hype. * A nostalgic take on holiday mall culture. Remember that? Episode Highlights: * Kicking off with holiday concerns and a satirical take on seasonal trends. * Festive mall memories: shopping chaos, holiday tunes, and the art of people-watching. * Thais Gibson’s insights on aligning conscious and subconscious goals to beat self-sabotage. * Turning resistance into opportunities and tackling the emotional costs of inaction. * Practical steps to rewire limiting beliefs and visualize success. * Lessons from a viral influencer’s crypto scam and the dangers of speculative investing. * Speculation vs. investing: Why it matters and how to avoid costly mistakes. * Holiday trivia fun and laughs with the Basement crew. What You’ll Take Away: Whether you’re looking to improve your mindset, steer clear of financial pitfalls, or just enjoy some holiday tunes, this episode offers a little something for everyone. Walk away with tools to set yourself up for success—mentally, financially, and maybe even musically (if Doug’s favorite holiday tune is your jam). Keep the Conversation Going: Have a story of self-sabotage you’ve overcome or a holiday memory to share? Join us in the Basement Facebook group to swap tips, laughs, and maybe a little holiday cheer. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/stop-self-sabotaging-thais-gibson-1616 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 [https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201] Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

If your bank account is thriving, but your soul feels bankrupt, are you really living your best life? Today we dive into the deep end of personal finance, tackling life's biggest questions. The discussion starts with festive neighborly rivalries (think over-the-top decorations and holiday antics) but transitions pretty quickly into an emotional exploration inspired by a powerful piece written by Jonathan Clements for his Humble Dollar blog. Reflecting on his cancer diagnosis and thoughts on mortality, Clements’ writing serves as a springboard for a candid roundtable chat about regrets, risk, and how to make the most of our limited time. With additional insights from Paula Pant and Doc G, this episode is all about helping you live purposefully while keeping your financial house in order. Why You’ll Love This Episode: * Explore how to balance financial strategies with meaningful life choices. * Gain perspective on managing regrets and making peace with life’s uncertainties. * Discover why generosity and appreciating the little things are the ultimate forms of wealth. Episode Highlights: * Holiday hilarity: Over-the-top decorations, fish sticks, and birthday antics. * Jonathan Clements’ reflections on mortality and embracing the present moment. * Paula Pant and Doc G’s insights on purposeful living and financial balance. * Strategies for managing risk, reward, and estate planning challenges. * The transformative power of generosity and savoring simple joys. Trivia Fun: It’s the final trivia showdown of the year! Can OG claim victory, or will this be another epic trivia blunder? Tune in for the the guesses, and a few surprising facts. Takeaways to Ponder: Jonathan Clements’ reflections remind us that while building wealth is essential, so is living a life filled with purpose, generosity, and connection. Resources Mentioned: * Jonathan Clements’ Humble Dollar Blog Post: The C Word [https://humbledollar.com/2024/06/the-c-word/] * Stacking Benjamins Book Club is Open! [https://stackingbenjamins.com/bookclub] * Join the Basement Facebook Group [https://stackingbenjamins.com/basement] Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: What’s your secret to balancing finances with a life well-lived? Share your thoughts with us in the Basement Facebook group, or tag us on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

It’s a Festivus for the rest of us! This week, we’re mixing holiday cheer with must-know insights to keep your season merry, bright, and worry-free. Steve Kerber joins us from the Fire Safety Research Institute, who shares life-saving fire safety tips just in time for all those twinkling lights and candles. Because the best insurance is prevention, right? This year we're chatting about lithium-ion batteries and how explosive (literally) these can be for your holiday season if you aren't careful. We'll also chat about smoke alarms, closing your doors, and having an emergency exit plan in place! But that’s not all—we’re also diving into why big Wall Street players are taking out loans they don’t need and how you can apply creative financing strategies to your own life. Plus, we answer a listener’s estate planning question that came up during their bedtime reading (we love multitasking). Sprinkle in some holiday trivia, debates over the best Christmas movies, and discussions on revocable trusts, and you’ve got a variety-packed episode that’s as fun as it is informative. Episode Highlights: * Holiday fire safety tips from Steve Kerber, including new standards for smoke alarms and tips for handling lithium battery hazards. * Why having a solid fire escape plan is the ultimate prevention strategy. * How Wall Street’s creative financing trends can inspire you to rethink debt and financial flexibility. * Strategies for analyzing and managing debt like a CFO, just in time for the New Year. * Listener Q&A on estate planning, with practical advice on revocable trusts and holistic financial planning. * Holiday trivia, featuring quirky debates about the best Christmas movies—spoiler alert: “Die Hard” might come up. Why You’ll Love This Episode: It’s not every day you get a mix of life-saving fire tips, actionable financial strategies, and festive fun in one show. Whether you’re looking to keep your home safe, optimize your finances, or just get a good laugh, this episode has something for everyone. Resource Mentioned: BatteryFireSafety.org [https://batteryfiresafety.org/] FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/fire-safety-tips-2024-steve-kerber-1614 [https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/fire-safety-tips-2024-steve-kerber-1614] Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 [https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201] Don’t Forget: Tell us your favorite holiday movie! Share your pick in the Basement Facebook group or tag us on social media. Who knows—you might just settle the debate once and for all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]