The Stacking Benjamins Show - podcast cover

The Stacking Benjamins Show

Joe Saul-Sehy and Josh ‘OG’ Bannerman, CFPart19.com

Named Best Personal Finance Podcast by Bankrate.com and Kiplinger — and the only podcast the Plutus Awards retired from competition after winning twice — The Stacking Benjamins Show is personal finance that doesn’t put you to sleep.

Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy (former 16-year financial advisor, ex-WXYZ-TV “Money Man”) and Josh “OG” Bannerman, CFP (Certified Financial Planner, Bannerman Wealth) sit around the card table in Joe’s mom’s half-finished basement in Texarkana and talk money with the smartest guests in personal finance, investing, and behavioral economics. As Fast Company wrote, the show “strikes a great balance of fun and functional.”

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: expert guests, real headlines, listener questions, and Doug’s trivia. Topics include investing, retirement planning, budgeting, real estate, behavioral finance, taxes, and financial independence — for anyone who wants to be smarter about money without being talked down to.

Subscribe to The 201 — the free newsletter that goes deeper than the show — at stackingbenjamins.com/201

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Episodes

Pension Perils: Lessons from the Dallas Fund Fiasco (SB1576)

Joe and OG create a case study focusing on the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System's struggles, diving into poor investment choices and their impact on employees. Joe relays the perils of complicated investments, advocating for more straightforward and more manageable strategies. The team also shares a TikTok moment about evaluating wealth through trash cans, discusses an unusual employer's 401k vs. Roth IRA match proposal, and debates their most disappointing concert experiences. Introduction...

Sep 18, 202448 min

Mastering Retirement Planning (plus Real Estate Commission Negotiation) SB1575

Joe and OG dive into retirement planning with Christine Benz, Morningstar's Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning. Christine shares her insights on pivotal retirement lessons and the importance of purpose, relationships, and health in retirement. In our headline segment, the team also explores the recent changes in real estate commission structures, emphasizing the need for negotiation skills and knowledgeable agents. Lively banter and tips for financial well-being abound in this ...

Sep 16, 20241 hr 10 min

Turning Goals Into Adventures: Transforming Your Financial Journey (SB1574)

In this episode of The Stacking Benjamin Show, host Joe (alongside guests Jesse Cramer from the Best Interest Podcast, Paula Pant from Afford Anything, and our own OG) delves into transforming financial goals into ongoing quests. They discuss the importance of falling in love with the process and how systematic approaches and habits can aid in personal growth and goal achievement. The episode wraps up with a trivia challenge, financial wisdom, and maybe some slightly humorous banter, emphasizing...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 4 min

Three Dads Share Tips and Stories on Teaching Good Money Habits (Jon Acuff & John Lanza) SB1573

Welcome to a very special episode! Three experienced dads (teens and above) chat about teaching teenagers or people new to money management, good lessons to take with them for the future. They discuss their fears, their challenges, and the ways they've been able to help their kids succeed with money. Jon Acuff wrote a book on this topic with his daughters, and he shares a wealth of information from them. John Lanza (Art of Allowance podcast) just became an "empty nester" and shares how his kids ...

Sep 11, 202446 min

Touchdown Tips to Boost Your Financial Game (featuring ex- NFL star Brandon Copeland) SB1572

Today we focus on resilience in both personal finance and investments, as we celebrate the kickoff of a new professional football season! We're featuring an engaging discussion with Wharton professor and former NFL player Brandon Copeland. Highlights from this episode include Copeland's mission to teach financial literacy, strategies for managing cash reserves for retirees, and handling fraud cases with banks like USAA. The team emphasizes the importance of giving investments time to recover, as...

Sep 09, 20241 hr 16 min

How Much Can a Great Coach Truly Help? A Roundtable Discussion (SB1571) Greatest Hits!

Today we speak with some great coaches about the difference a great coach can make, and how hiring the wrong one can give you a horrible taste in your mouth (and lead you down paths that aren't helpful to your long-term growth). Coach Sharita Humphrey joins us, along with CFP Roger Whitney and Len Penzo to a great chat. Plus, we celebrate International Travel Day by diving into the best places to live or "slow travel" overseas. That AND much, much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 27 min

Mark Cuban Shares Frugal Tips -- Should We Care? (SB1570) Greatest Hits and Earn & Invest Replay

Kyle Collins joins Joe and host Doc G for an episode of the Earn & Invest podcast to discuss a recent piece featuring Mark Cuban, a billionaire, talking about frugality. Do we really care what billionaires think about being frugal? Download/follow/subscribe to our "brother" show Earn & Invest wherever you're listening to Stacking Benjamins! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

Sep 05, 202451 min

Is a Latte Going to Ruin Your Retirement? (SB1569) Greatest Hits!

Today we ask David Bach the question: what does a latte truly have to do with your retirement plan...or your financial well-being in general? Plus, we chat with Sallie Mae about some trends in student loans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Sep 04, 20241 hr

Stop Delegating Your Financial Decisions! (Bola Sokunbi AND Susan Tompor) SB1568 (Greatest Hits!)

Bola Sokunbi (Clever Girl Finance) has an amazing story of resilience, growing up in Europe, moving to Africa, and having to learn a BUNCH of financial knowledge from her mother, who made the mistake of trusting someone else with her financial knowledge. Today she tells her incredible story. Plus, Detroit Free Press reporter Susan Tompor joins us to share some scary stories about scammers. That and much, much more as we go WAY back in the vault of SB shows for this greatest hits episode. Learn m...

Sep 03, 20241 hr 12 min

Top 5 Metrics You Need To Know To Build a Better Financial Plan (SB1567) Greatest Hits!

On today's show, what should YOU track for a better financial plan? We go WAY back in the archives to one of our early episodes. You'll hear us back when the podcast was young. :-) Enjoy the theme music, the Evil HR Lady, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Sep 02, 202453 min

Extreme Rentals: Should You Rent Everything? (SB1566)

Sure, you've rented a car. Maybe your home. But what about renting your clothing, your tools, or even your Christmas tree (if you celebrate the holiday)? Today we talk about an emerging group of people who have taken renting to the extreme. They rent nearly everything. If you decide to rent are you asking to spend more money or is the concept of "ownership" outdated? Today we dissect renting and what it truly means AND how it affects your financial picture. We're excited that CFP Benjamins Brand...

Aug 30, 202459 min

Stop Losing Money on Your Company Benefits (SB1565)

We collectively lose MILLIONS because we skim our company benefit package and quickly pick options, or we simply take what we've always had and ignore the rest. Today we'll dive into the changing world of benefits. From tele-health to mental health and gym memberships, perks are looking different at companies than they did ten years ago. We'll share what's new in the world of benefits, what's out, how to pick smarter, and shine a flashlight on some hidden gold in that gigantic pdf most of us rec...

Aug 28, 202452 min

Feeling Cynical? That May Be Costly For Your Wallet and Career (SB1564)

It's easy to feel cynical. The news blares bad news about "them" (defined squarely as whatever group you happen to disagree with). Social media shows you the most awful people, events, and situations. Everything that happens seems to reflect that the world is becoming more distrustful, and it's eating away at many of us. Stanford professor Dr. Jamil Zaki joins us today to give hope to cynics everywhere, by sharing data showing that we're actually far more trustworthy as a group than you may thin...

Aug 26, 20241 hr 9 min

Hey Ho, Hey Ho, Some Things I Wish I'd Known (when I joined the workforce) SB1563

What advice would you give your younger self just starting in the workforce? With many recent graduates securing their first "real" job, that's the question on our minds. Joining us to dish out sage advice, we welcome Paul Lambert ("Lambo") from the FILighter podcast, Paula Pant from Afford Anything, and our resident financial planner OG. In the second half of the show, sponsored by DepositAccounts.com , we dive deeper into less-common advice for new career entrants. Be sure to stick around for ...

Aug 23, 202450 min

Our Favorite Investment Shelter (SB1562)

Remember the line in Lord of the Rings, "One ring to rule them all?" How about, "One tax shelter, available to all of us, to be the best of all?" Today we'll identify THAT investment shelter, tell you how to use it (and tips to avoid using it incorrectly). Here's a hint: it's NOT the health savings account (which may be better), because that account is not available to everyone. This type is truly a tool that everyone can use in the USA. Of course, that's not all. We'll talk MORE about this spec...

Aug 21, 202457 min

Want More Money? Help Someone Else Become Financially Savvy (with John Hope Bryant) SB1561

John Hope Bryant says that even if you're a money geek, soaking up as much knowledge as possible, financial literacy for all (not just you) is YOUR problem. Today the financial activist takes aim at everyone to pitch in and help bring up our entire world by empowering people to become more financially literate. If you've never heard John speak, you may not know that he grew up in Compton (Los Angeles) in a very poor home, and struggled to find financial security. Now, as a frequent media contrib...

Aug 19, 20241 hr 8 min

Should You Really Try To "Die With Zero"?

Should you aim to die with zero, or is there a better way? What role does money play in our lives, and what can it do after we're no longer here? Diving into this deep topic on today's roundtable discussion, we welcome back Lacey Langford from the Military Money Show, Doc G from the Eatn & Invest podcast, and OG. In the second half of today's show, brought to you by DepositAccounts.com , we dive deeper into giving money to others while you are alive and how that can add happiness to your lif...

Aug 16, 20241 hr 4 min

What's the Purpose of a Will? Why Would I Need a Trust? (Your Estate Questions Answered with Attorney Tim Semro) SB1559

You have all had so many estate planning questions and today we delivered answers, with certified estate planning attorney Tim Semro. It's an "estate planning all the time" episode, as we cover everything from estate planning headlines to our estate-filled TikTok minute. You also asked tons of questions about when to leave people money, what traits make a good executor, how do you help loved ones with disabilities, what if you don't want a relatives money, and how to minimize probate costs...plu...

Aug 14, 202455 min

How One Woman Quit Her High Paying Job to Focus on Being a Force for Good

Have you ever thought about quitting your job, getting out of the rat race, and instead working on your passion? Maya Chupkov is a force of nature, and did just that. After scoring what was the "job of a lifetime," she realized that the actual work didn't meet what she wanted in life. So instead, she quit that job to focus on her lifestyle and needs. Her new boss at a smaller paycheck firm wanted to promote her into more responsibility (and more money) and Maya again said "no." Instead, she spen...

Aug 12, 20241 hr 6 min

RIP Piggy Bank: You're Wasting Your Time With THESE Money Concepts

The piggy bank is clearly outdated. What kid needs to learn about cash now? It's far more important to know what those plastic things in mom or dad's wallet really are and how to use them responsibly. While contemplating the piggy bank we asked ourselves, "What are some other outdated ideas about money that we're holding?" That topic created this wild ride of a podcast episode where OG, Doc G (Earn & Invest podcast), and Paula Pant (Afford Anything) share and critique each other's ideas of o...

Aug 09, 202457 min

Pack a Lunch: Len Penzo's Annual Cost of a Sandwich Study (SB1556)

What's the most fun way to look at inflation? Well, even though it might not be fun to watch your wallet disappear at the grocery store, it is VERY fun to watch trends in food costs over time. Len Penzo began his annual sandwich study to just prove that packing your lunch is cheaper than buying food at a restaurant. He also wanted to show just how much money you could save to either pay down debt or invest. Instead, many years later, Len's sandwich study is always compared to the classic "Big Ma...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 18 min

Is a Simple 401k Mistake Costing You Millions? (SB1555)

You've played the game by the rules...moving your money from a 401k to an IRA when you change jobs (which happens in the USA far more often than you'd think). But are you forgetting a "step two" that could cost you over a million dollars? A recent Wall Street Journal piece says that you may be making a HUGE mistake. Today we'll break down where people are getting it wrong so that YOU aren't stuck with a much smaller retirement nest egg than you'd hoped or expected. We also take a question from a...

Aug 05, 202456 min

How To Save Big Money On DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber (SB1554)

Are we overusing popular "helper" apps like DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber? One popular blogger thinks so, which made us ask some of the top podcasters in the money space: do you agree? This simple question helped create a fantastic discussion about the importance of community, real-life neighborhoods, avoiding "using" people while still appreciating them, and so much more. Dr. Bill Yount joins us from the Catching Up To FI podcast. Bill's a natural community builder, so we were thrilled that he ...

Aug 02, 20241 hr 11 min

Vanguard Raises Fees, What is "Velocity Banking," and Crypto Yielding 19.55 Percent! SB1553

One of the world's largest money management companies is raising fees AND has a new CEO from a competing firm. Are times a-changin' at Vanguard? We'll dive into all of the behind-the-scenes action, and discuss how this just might affect your wallet. Of course, we'll widen the argument for those of you NOT at Vanguard. If your money is with another firm, what happens when there's a change at the top? What should you look out for when it comes to prudently deciding whether it's time to move your n...

Jul 31, 202459 min

The True Path to "Wealth" (AKA: Uncle Danny's Story Hour) SB1552

Want to know how to make your money perform better? Begin controlling that stuff between your ears. Between negative self-talk and obviously-bad money moves, we find plenty of ways to sabotage our long term goals. Today we're joined by behavioral economist Dr. Daniel Crosby, who dives into what he calls "the soul of money." We'll discuss wisdom from some of the world's greatest legendary figures, like Alexander the Great, and dive into stories like The Kite Runner and what we can learn about mon...

Jul 29, 20241 hr 21 min

Winning Your Personal Gold Medal in Personal Finance (our 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony episode)

If you could win medals for your financial performance, what would you need to accomplish? Today, four-time Olympian and the first American woman to medal in both the winter AND summer games, CFP Lauryn Williams, joins us to both share the inside look at tonight's opening ceremonies and help our roundtable team outline the moves YOU need to make to score gold with your money. We'll talk about the foundation it takes to begin the journey and then the moves beyond to be a true champ. Of course, ou...

Jul 26, 20241 hr 5 min

Why Are Boomers Running Through Money So Quickly (and what should YOU do about yours?)

A new study shows that baby boomers are tapped out. On today's show we dive into the reasons why this is the case and explore a TON of ways that you can ensure that you aren't running out of money before you run out of life. We'll explore lots of areas, like: Health care costs Automatic savings plans Better investing to increase returns Avoiding common pitfalls ...and lots more. In our TikTok minute we explore estate planning. What happens when dad is about to die and he tells his son, "Just put...

Jul 24, 20241 hr

Find The Work You'll Love (plus how Mark Cuban avoided losses during a market collapse)

Tessa West has seen lots of people in the wrong careers. Either the job has drifted from what they'd initially thought, or maybe they're a leader at work, but they're passed over for promotions or raises. There are many reasons why people feel the malaise of a job that doesn't work anymore, but the effect is nearly always the same. Either you stagger through the work, wasting your life, or you dream about early retirement. What if there was another answer? What if the job that lights you up is a...

Jul 22, 20241 hr 16 min

Wealthy? But All You Have is Money! (The FIVE Types of Wealth) SB1548

How wealthy are you? Today we talk about different currencies than cash. While you may be monetarily rich, if you're truly stacking a better life, there are other priorities. Today we dive into a piece from the Retirement Manifesto blog (and from past guest James Clear) on building OTHER types of wealth. What are they? We ask contributors David Stein (Money for the Rest of Us podcast), Allysa Maizes (Amplify Your Wealth online), and Doc G (Earn & Invest podcast). This all-star cast has spent...

Jul 19, 20241 hr 9 min

Savings Bonds, "Coast FI," and Do I Need a Trust? (Your Questions)

On today's show we dive headfirst into the mailbag, and answer your excellent questions on every facet of investing, saving, and protecting your money: Do I need a trust? What should I do with these savings bonds? Should I take my money out of a 529 college savings plan? Can I stop saving money well before I retire? ...and LOTS more. We're excited to not only bring you those questions, plus our TikTok minute (wait until you hear THIS bride...), AND Doug's incredible trivia question. Plus, we may...

Jul 17, 20241 hr 10 min
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