Entrepreneurship, financial anxiety, and a guinea pig (yes, really). When you’ve got a stuffed guinea pig on your desk and a mic in front of you, it’s only a matter of time before you talk about that one time you ate guinea pig in Peru. (Spoiler: It was pretty good.) That’s how we open today’s show—but from there, things get real. Today’s main event features Rudy Mawer , founder of 60 Day Hustle , who joins Joe Saul-Sehy to share his incredible story. Rudy grew up in a modest home in England, ra...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Is good debt a myth? Should we all chase FIRE? The basement panel weighs in. In today’s Financial Concepts Friday roundtable, Joe brings the basement crew together for a lively “In or Out” debate on some of the most polarizing personal finance topics out there. Are we in or out on the idea of “good debt”? Do budgets really matter when you’re just starting out? Should you talk about money with your friends and family… or is that still taboo? Joining Joe are three financial thinkers who aren’t afr...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Ever been told to buy the biggest house you can afford... to “motivate yourself”? Or to skip insurance because “nothing bad will happen”? Yeah— us too. And we’ve got some thoughts. In this episode, Joe, OG, and Doug break down the Top 5 Worst Financial Tips they’ve ever heard—and more importantly, why taking them seriously could leave your finances in a flaming dumpster behind your dreams. From personal debt confessions to debates about extreme couponing, bad budgeting ideas, and the wild world ...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Is financial literacy missing from your life like that sock you swear went in the dryer? Tiffany Aliche, AKA The Budgetnista, is here to help you find it—minus the lint. She shares her journey to financial wholeness and takes us behind the scenes of her brand-new PBS special. Meanwhile, Joe and OG break down why financial education starts with community (not overpriced guru courses), why ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ is the financial equivalent of eating fast food in your car—feels great now, but you’ll ...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Ever fallen for an investment that seemed like a sure thing... until it wasn’t? You’re not alone. Today, we shine a light on some of the worst investment advice out there —and help you steer clear of it. Joining Joe at the roundtable are: Paula Pant from Afford Anything Jesse Cramer from Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors And Don McDonald , financial pro and former astronaut (not really, but just go with it) from Talking Real Money . Infinite banking and other shiny traps – What sounds lik...
Mar 28, 2025•59 min
Ever wondered how the top financial minds avoid disaster while the rest of us are busy panic-Googling “best investments 2024”? Today, Joe welcomes Barry Ritholtz of Ritholtz Wealth Management down to Mom’s basement for a conversation that flips typical investment advice on its head. It’s not about what to do—it’s about what not to do if you want to grow your money without losing your sanity. Barry shares battle-tested insights from his years in the trenches, covering everything from behavioral f...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 12 min
What do weddings, wineries, and Whoppers have to do with smart investing? This week, Joe, OG, and Doug kick off the episode with stories from the road—including a surprise credit card confession that somehow involves a Burger King (because of course it does). But then the gang shifts gears and dives into real money talk, breaking down investing wisdom from the legendary Barry Ritholtz. From navigating market cycles to keeping your emotions in check, Barry’s top 10 tips serve up the kind of groun...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Ever wonder why some people crush their financial goals while others keep hitting snooze? Today, we’re talking about the secret sauce behind sticking to a financial plan—and no, it’s not just “wanting it more” (though that helps). Joining Joe in the basement is OG, alongside personal finance expert Jesse Kramer from The Best Interest and CFP Dana Anspach from Sensible Money . Together, they’ll break down why staying financially motivated is harder than it looks—and how to actually keep yourself ...
Mar 21, 2025•59 min
Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut , spinning your wheels, or just running low on motivation? Today, we crack the code on sustaining drive and avoiding complacency with former sports agent Molly Fletcher , who’s worked with some of the biggest names in sports and has been dubbed the female Jerry Maguire . She breaks down the fine line between contentment and coasting , plus shares keys to staying at the top of your game —from managing energy to embracing adversity like a pro . But wait, there’...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Ever start a new financial goal feeling unstoppable , only to lose momentum when life gets in the way? Staying motivated isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter . Today, Joe and OG take a deep dive into Dynamic Drive , the key to keeping your financial momentum going without burnout . We’ll break down the seven essential pillars —mindset, energy, discipline, curiosity, resilience, connection, and confidence—so you’re ready to hit the ground running when we welcome former sport...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Ever feel guilty about that $7 airport coffee or the mystery fees that somehow turn your $15 DoorDash order into a $40 financial regret? You’re not alone. This episode, Joe Saul-Sehy is joined by Paula Pant (Afford Anything) and Justin Peters (The Struggle Is Real) to unravel the sneaky ways convenience drains our wallets. In this episode: Airport Food: The Ultimate Financial Heist – Why does a sad turkey sandwich cost more than a steak dinner? We investigate. Concert Tickets & Junk Fees – Y...
Mar 14, 2025•52 min
Choosing the Best Tax Software for Your Needs Tax season is here—so which software should you trust with your hard-earned Benjamins? Eric Rosenberg from The College Investor joins us to break down the best options, whether you're a side hustler, crypto investor, or just looking for a free filing solution. Will TurboTax take the crown again, or is there a surprise champ? You might be shocked by which software stands out this year. H&R Block’s virtual tax prep – If you want real humans to doub...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Ever wondered if working for yourself could be the game-changer your finances need? Grant Sabatier thinks so, and today, he’s diving into the realities of entrepreneurship —from smart strategies to potential pitfalls. Where to start if you’re considering entrepreneurship – Not every side hustle is a winner, so how do you know if this path is right for you? The power of systems and constraints – Why guardrails and structure matter more than unlimited freedom. Pricing strategies and finding custom...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Feeling the pressure to constantly tweak your investments? Today, we uncover the surprising benefits of financial inaction with insights from CFP Dana Anspach , Len Penzo, and OG. We dive into the wisdom of sometimes doing nothing—because, as it turns out, sitting on your hands (financially speaking) can be a power move. Why lazy portfolio management might be the smartest strategy you’ll ever adopt (spoiler: it involves less work). The power of downtime—turns out, stepping away from your money m...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min
A great financial plan isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a roadmap that turns dreams into reality. Today, Joe and OG take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on their favorite parts of building a great financial plan. Whether you're tackling long-term goals , fine-tuning your tax strategy , or simplifying complex decisions , they’ll walk you through the key elements that turn financial chaos into a well-oiled machine. Breaking down big goals into bite-sized wins – Because climbing a f...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Ever felt overwhelmed by buying a car or managing your time ? You’re not alone. Today, we tackle both topics with expert insights and a few unexpected surprises along the way. Car buying decoded – Joe sits down with Phil Reed, Senior Consumer Editor at Edmunds , to break down the best strategies for buying new or used cars, leasing vs. buying, and negotiating with dealers like a pro. The ultimate time management playbook – Paula Pant, Dominique Brown, and returning guest Carrie Smith share real-...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 14 min
If disaster struck tomorrow, would your financial essentials be ready to grab and go? Today, Joe —along with contributors Paula Pant from Afford Anything , Jesse Cramer from Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors , and our resident expert OG—assemble the ultimate financial go bag. Meanwhile, Doug handles his usual duties as announcer, trivia master, and general chaos instigator. The must-have documents – Passports, Social Security cards, insurance policies... what belongs in your bag, and what...
Feb 28, 2025•52 min
Is your insurance setup rock-solid, or are you unknowingly leaving gaps that could cost you big time? Today, we break down the essentials of managing risk in our no-nonsense (but totally entertaining) insurance guide. How much coverage do you really need? We tackle the must-haves and the unnecessary add-ons that might just be draining your wallet. Auto, home, life, and disability insurance—what’s essential and what’s overkill? We walk through the key policies that keep you protected without brea...
Feb 26, 2025•57 min
Ever feel like your budget is running you instead of the other way around? Today, we’re bringing in Shaun Morgan from The Teacher Money Show and Kristin Wade , budgeting coach at My Budget Coach , to help you flip the script. They’ll share how tracking your expenses is the first (and easiest) step toward financial freedom , why budgeting shouldn’t feel like punishment, and how to make your money work without the guilt . But wait—there’s more! We’re diving into creative ways to gamify saving , so...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Is it time to break up with international stocks? They’ve been underperforming U.S. markets for years, so should we finally call it quits, or is there still hope for a global comeback? On today’s episode, Joe, OG, Paula Pant, and Jesse Cramer dig into the great international investing debate. Are international funds a lost cause? The panel unpacks why they’ve lagged U.S. stocks and whether diversification still makes sense. Beyond stocks: Exploring other asset classes—private equity, real estate...
Feb 21, 2025•53 min
Ever experienced the gut-wrenching moment of losing a job—or worried about what you’d do if it happened? Today, we tackle how to prepare, what to do immediately, and the smartest moves to protect your finances if your job ever disappears. From building an emergency fund to making the most of employer benefits, we’ll walk you through the steps to keep your financial house in order when life throws a curveball. But that’s not all. Estate planning gets a shake-up thanks to the new Secure Act 2.0 , ...
Feb 19, 2025•59 min
Feeling stuck in your financial plan—or maybe just in life in general? Whether it’s your money, career, or day-to-day habits, a little innovation can go a long way. Today, we’re breaking down how to rethink and restructure your approach to financial planning and work-life balance using lessons from Microsoft (yes, the Xbox folks). Dean Carignan and JoAnn Garbin insights on how to build a system for innovation—because the best financial plans (and lives) aren’t built by accident. Meanwhile, a wom...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Love is in the air—and so are overpriced flowers, extravagant dinners, and some serious credit card regrets. In today’s episode, we tackle the financial pressure of Valentine’s Day and show you how to keep the romance alive without setting your wallet on fire. Joining us are financial pros Jesse Cramer, Sarah Catherine Gutierrez, and Len Penzo, who help us break down: The shocking reality of Valentine's Day spending – Who’s dropping the most cash, and is it really worth it? Avoiding post-holiday...
Feb 14, 2025•54 min
Just when you thought Wall Street had run out of ways to package up risky investments and slap a shiny label on them—here we go again. Today, Joe and OG break down yet another overcomplicated, high-fee, and completely unnecessary financial product. Whether it’s preying on investor fears, promising market-proof returns, or just outright nonsense, we’ll help you spot the warning signs before you end up with a portfolio full of regret. But that’s not all. A viral TikTok tip about hiring your family...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Swipe right on financial stability or get ghosted by your savings? While Joe's mom yells upstairs about who left the empty milk carton in the fridge (seriously, who does that?), we’re diving into the messy, complicated, and sometimes hilarious world of your relationship with money. Are you in a stable, long-term commitment with your finances, or are you stuck in a toxic on-again, off-again affair with impulse spending? Special guest Shannah Game, certified financial planner and author of Unravel...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Is automating your finances the key to effortless money management, or a one-way ticket to financial autopilot disaster ? Paula Pant, Jesse Cramer, and Doc G join us to navigate the fine line between automation genius and accidental money mayhem. Done right, automation saves you time and stress. Done wrong? You might be funding a forgotten gym membership for the next five years. 😬 What’s Inside This Episode? 💰 The Power of Automation – How strategic automation can make your financial life simp...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min
What do scammers, fancy doors, and Twinkies have in common? Turns out, more than you think! Today, Joe, OG, and Doug take you on a wild ride through financial scams, fraud prevention, tax implications of dual residency, and... the surprising link between door quality and financial stability. (Yeah, we didn’t see that one coming either.) What’s Inside This Episode? 🕵️♂️ Scams, Scams Everywhere! – From identity fraud to the trendy new "deed theft" scam , learn how to protect yourself before a sc...
Feb 05, 2025•50 min
Retirement planning isn’t about waiting until 65 —it’s about setting yourself up for a life you love starting right now ! Today, Certified Financial Planner Benjamin Brant joins us to challenge traditional retirement thinking. What We Cover: ✅ Retirement planning starts now, not later – Why waiting to plan is the biggest mistake you can make. ✅ Dream big, but expect some ‘bad data’ – How testing financial plans (and life plans!) helps you refine your future. ✅ Why trust beats performance in fina...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Ever dreamt of quitting your job early and sipping piña coladas on a beach? Before you tell your boss what to do with that job and start booking your one-way ticket to paradise, today’s roundtable might make you think twice. Join Jesse Cramer from The Best Interest, Paula Pant from Afford Anything, and our own OG as they break down the case against early retirement. The gang’s here to challenge the “quit work, retire early” dream and explore whether it’s really as awesome as it sounds—or if ther...
Jan 31, 2025•56 min
Ever wondered if you’re better off building your own target date fund instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all option? We’re diving into whether crafting your own investment mix is worth the effort, potentially saving you fees and giving you more control over your portfolio. But even the pros get it wrong sometimes—just ask Vanguard. We’re covering the major settlement they’re facing over misleading statements about taxes and target date funds, proving that even the big guys make costly mistake...
Jan 29, 2025•54 min
