The Stacking Benjamins Show

Latest Episodes:

The Case for International Investing & The True ROI of Emergency Funds (SB1690) Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

How global is your portfolio, really? This week in the basement, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and the gang zoom out from the U.S. markets and take us on a whirlwind trip around the investing world. Spoiler alert: the case for international investing is stronger than you think—and it’s not just about chasing higher returns. It’s about risk reduction, smart diversification, and maybe even admitting that the U.S. isn’t always the world’s MVP.

You'll hear how developed and emerging markets fit into a well-balanced portfolio, how correlation works in your favor (yes, this time that’s a good thing), and what history tells us about going global. Joe and OG share practical advice for how to get started, when to rebalance, and how much international exposure might make sense for the average Stacker.

Then in the second half, we pivot from markets to money buffers: listener Jeff from Cleveland wonders how to set insurance deductibles based on the state of his emergency fund. We break down how to think about the real return on your rainy-day stash—because spoiler: it’s not about the interest rate, it's about your resilience.

To wrap things up, we share timeless wisdom from Stackers across the country on what they’d tell new graduates about money, life, and how not to blow that first paycheck on a jet ski.

Why international investing may improve both your returns and your risk profile
How much of your portfolio to allocate internationally—and what history suggests
What "correlation" really means and why it’s your friend (at least in investing)
Risks and common misconceptions of investing overseas
How to choose between developed vs. emerging markets
Portfolio tools to visualize your asset mix and expected outcomes
Why your emergency fund’s best ROI might be peace of mind
How to align insurance deductibles with your liquidity cushion
What our community of Stackers wishes they had known after graduation

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/making-the-case-for-international-investing-1690

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Is Flourishing Tied to Financial Freedom? A New Study Reveals Insights (SB1689) May 30, 2025

Show notes

This week, we’re getting deep (like, basement-deep) into what it means to flourish.

Join Joe, OG, Paula Pant, and special guest Ryan Doolittle as they unpack a brand-new study on happiness. Spoiler: it’s not just about stacking cash. From the influence of childhood experiences to the surprising power of community, autonomy, and faith, this episode asks whether true wealth is more emotional than numerical.

Plus, Ryan shares his adventures from his new series Try and Ryan—where he road-tests hobbies that might just add meaning to your retirement (and your Tuesdays).

What we’re exploring in the basement:

🌱 What the latest research says about flourishing—and why it’s not just for the rich
👶 How childhood trauma or support plays into long-term happiness
⛪ Religious attendance: a surprising common thread in many “happy” lives
🎯 Autonomy, mastery, and purpose at work—and why they might matter more than promotions
🌍 Why Finland keeps winning the “World’s Happiest Country” race (and what Americans might learn from it)
💰 How financial flexibility might be more valuable than financial freedom
🧓 Gender and retirement happiness: why the experience might not be equal across the board
🛠️ Ryan’s “Try and Ryan” series and how picking up hobbies can boost life satisfaction
🏎️ Also: Trivia mayhem involving the Indy 500, Paula’s cat gets a shoutout, and OG still won’t drive stick

🎙️ Want to be wealthy and well?
Tune in for a conversation that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious—because in the basement, we believe money’s just the fuel. Flourishing is the journey.

Show notes: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/money-happiness-and-flourishing-1689/

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Here's An Easy Way To Save $3,000 Per Year (with Bryan Suddith) SB1688 May 28, 2025

Show notes

Turns out, saving $3,000 a year might be easier (and tastier) than you think. This week, we’re dishing up big savings with Bryan Suddith, who turned his family’s runaway grocery bill into a budget-friendly game—complete with freezer hacks, local meat tips, and food waste strategies that actually work. He joins Joe, OG, and guest co-host Len Penzo (yes, that Len Penzo of LenPenzo.com fame) to share how mindful meal planning can make your wallet and your taste buds happy.

We’re also talking about a Wall Street Journal piece that reveals why high schoolers are ditching traditional degrees for skilled trades... and landing $70K jobs right out of the gate. Plus, Doug helps us navigate one of life’s most awkward questions: What do you call your friend’s mom? (Hint: it’s not “Linda.”)

What’s stacked inside this episode:

🧾 How Bryan gamified his grocery budget and saved thousands—with zero meal-prep burnout
🥩 Freezer hacks, locally sourced meats, and the joys of slow-thawed financial wins
🥦 Food mindfulness: the surprising connection between awareness and grocery savings
🎯 Why budgeting doesn't have to feel like punishment (especially when TikTok is involved)
🎙️ Bryan’s bonus storytelling and public speaking tips for anyone who has to talk to humans
🔧 Trade school is trending: why $70K jobs are showing up before diplomas
🧰 Should your teen consider HVAC over Harvard? We unpack the growing case for skilled trades
🤷‍♂️ Conan O'Brien, Doug, and the Great Parental Naming Debate of 2025

💡 If you’ve ever overpaid at the grocery store or underestimated a plumber’s paycheck... this one’s for you.
Bring your shopping list and your sense of humor—we’ll meet you in the basement.

Full Show Notes: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/avoid-food-waste-and-save-benjamins-bryan-suddith-1688/

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Lies We're Told at Work (with NBC Universal Vice Chairperson Bonnie Hammer) and Climbing into the Driver's Seat with Your Money (with Beyond Finance's Dr. Erika Rasure) May 26, 2025

Show notes

Think you're being lied to at work? You probably are. From boardrooms to bank accounts, this episode pulls no punches.

We’re stacking double the wisdom on this special Memorial Day episode, as Joe Saul-Sehy interviews two powerhouse guests: Bonnie Hammer, former vice chair of NBCUniversal and bestselling author, and Dr. Erika Rasure from Beyond Finance. Whether it’s breaking glass ceilings or breaking out of debt, this episode is your roadmap to reclaiming control.

Inside the episode:

💼 Bonnie Hammer calls B.S. on the “15 lies women are told at work” — and explains how to rewrite the rules
🎬 Behind-the-scenes of Suits and why even hit shows face wild career landmines
🧠 How your attitude and teamwork can make or break your climb to the top
💬 Dr. Erika Rasure on why 50% of Americans don’t trust themselves with money — and how to start
💸 The real emotional blockers behind budgeting, saving, and staying out of the online cart trap
🧍‍♀️ Gender and generational gaps: why confidence with money isn’t equally distributed (but should be)
🛠️ Financial “practice weeks” and mindset shifts to get unstuck from shame and paralysis
✅ A simple path to get control over your debt without feeling like you’ve failed

Also: Doug delivers his own Memorial Day tribute and trivia, because of course he does.

🎙️ Ready to outsmart bad advice and start building on your own terms?
This one’s for you — whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or clawing your way out of credit card debt (or both).

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/lies-work-and-money-with-bonnie-hammer-and-dr-erika-rasure-1687

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Favorite Summer Travel Tips (SB1686) May 23, 2025

Show notes

Memorial Day weekend is here, which means it’s officially time to break out the grill, the beach bag… and maybe that travel budget spreadsheet. But don’t worry—this isn’t a guide from travel influencers who hike barefoot with artisanal backpacks. Nope. This episode is brought to you by your favorite money geeks in Joe’s mom’s basement.

Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, Jesse Cramer, Crystal Hammond, and Doug gather 'round the card table to share their best budget-friendly travel strategies, hilarious vacation stories, and maybe one or two travel fails. From choosing the right travel companion to navigating airports like a boss, this crew drops loads of practical wisdom for making your summer adventures awesome and affordable.

You’ll learn why credit card points can be your best friend, how to pick lodging that won’t make you cry (or bankrupt you), and why packing a toothbrush is a good idea… even if Doug’s trivia makes you question the timing.

This isn’t expert advice. These are the musings of people who spend more time optimizing their wallets than their luggage. And that’s exactly why you’ll leave feeling better prepared to tackle your own summer travel—without the jet-setter guilt trip.

Kicking off summer with a Stacking Benjamins travel roundtable
Real-life travel hacks from people who care more about budgeting than boarding groups
Credit card point strategies that actually work
Hot takes on hotels, Airbnbs, and airport snacks
Why picking the right travel buddy can make or break your trip
The one item Doug thinks was more important than nylon (it’s… something)

Whether you’re headed to the lake, the mountains, or just your backyard with a cold drink, join the crew for a hilarious and practical celebration of summer travel.

Full Show Notes: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/our-favorite-summer-travel-tips-1686/

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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The Simple Path To Contentment (with JL Collins) May 21, 2025

Show notes

What do cupcakes, frosting, and financial independence have in common? This week in the basement, Stacking Benjamins welcomes legendary personal finance thinker JL Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth, to connect the dots between simple investing and sweet, stress-free success.

In a lively conversation with Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Mom’s neighbor Doug (who may or may not be launching a frosting-themed protest movement), JL shares timeless wisdom on avoiding complexity, embracing low-cost index investing, and why FU money is more than just a clever phrase—it’s freedom in a bank account.

You’ll hear JL’s take on portfolio allocation, debt’s sneaky impact on your future, and how to survive volatile markets without sacrificing your peace of mind. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a soul-crushing job? JL’s got some perspective you’ll love.

Then, in the second half of the episode, Joe and OG shift gears to answer a listener question from Mike. He’s wondering about the efficient frontier—yes, we’re getting fancy now—and wants to know how to move beyond the Simple Path. Joe walks through the different asset classes he thinks about when crafting a diversified portfolio, while OG shares how to think through asset allocation as your wealth and confidence grow. Whether you’re curious about real estate, international investing, or just how much to hold in bonds, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what your portfolio could look like after “graduating” from JL’s foundational advice.

Why keeping it simple beats chasing trends
What “FU money” really means—and how to get it
The truth about withdrawal rates and why they matter
When debt becomes a dream killer
Tips for navigating market downturns without panic
How to find freedom without spending a fortune
JL’s surprisingly profound parable about a monk, a minister, and money
Doug’s hot take on the great frosting vs. cake debate
A deep dive into the efficient frontier and how to set up your asset allocation beyond VTSAX
Joe Saul-Sehy and OG’s thoughts on portfolio construction for seasoned investors

JL’s insights have inspired millions on the path to financial independence—and now it’s your turn. Tune in, take notes (or don’t, we’ll recap it in the 201), and remember: sometimes the sweetest success starts with doing less.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/the-simple-path-to-contentment-with-jl-collins-1685/

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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Make Your Next Theme Park Experience Worth the Money (with Theme Park Insider's Robert Niles) May 19, 2025

Show notes

Is it summer already, or is that just our theme park budget melting in the sun? Either way, we’re kicking off the season with our annual guide to roller coasters, churros, and how not to hurl after one too many loops. Theme Park Insider’s Robert Niles returns to share the biggest news in amusement park land—from a new Disney park in Abu Dhabi (what?!) to Universal Orlando’s game-changing Epic Universe.

But what’s a summer kickoff without a good ol’ whiplash reminder that your brain can’t be trusted when it comes to investing? Joe Saul-Sehy and OG dive into Jason Zweig’s latest insights about how our market “memory banks” mess with decision-making, and why 2008 probably wasn’t as scarring as your gut tells you.

And yes, Doug's trivia ties it all together—with corn dogs, naturally.

How to actually save money at theme parks without having to sleep in a costume closet.
The surprising reason a $1,400 day at Disney might be your own fault.
Which new coasters (and old favorites) are worth the detour this year.
Why your gut—and your "market memory"—could be sabotaging your investments.
The last time the stock market went down multiple years in a row (hint: not 2008).
What Robert’s favorite underrated U.S. parks are (spoiler: Dollywood shows up, again).
How to strategically splurge or save at the parks—merch fans, avert your eyes.

🎢 This one has thrills, chills, and the occasional spreadsheet. Just how we like it.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/welcome-summmer-2025-with-robert-niles-1684/

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Happiness Debate (SB1683) May 16, 2025

Show notes

What really moves the needle on your happiness—making more money or saving more of what you’ve got?

This week, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG are joined by Paula Pant, Jesse Cramer, and the guy who still owes money on his Beanie Baby collection—Doug—for a roundtable filled with bold financial takes and even bolder choices. It’s a rapid-fire round of “either-or” dilemmas, and while nobody gets voted off the island, a few sacred cows are gently tipped over.

Should you max out your retirement account or finally slay your student loans? Ditch credit cards for cash? Bet your future on crypto or keep it stuffed in a fireproof mattress? Our panel debates these decisions and shares real-life stories of what’s worked—and what’s blown up like a microwaved burrito.

Of course, it wouldn’t be The Stacking Benjamins Show without a detour or two: we dig into financial hoarding (how many dusty envelopes is too many?), reveal why your credit score might be your best frenemy, and serve up some vintage airplane trivia, just to keep things classy.

So whether you're team "Earn More" or team "Cut Back," this episode delivers the kind of guidance that helps you feel a little more confident making your next money move—even if it’s just saying no to another financial “shortcut.”

Topics covered include:

Why more income might not be the golden ticket
The case for ditching your credit card (and why that makes Doug twitchy)
Saving vs. investing vs. spending like you’re already retired
What financial hoarding reveals about your mindset
Index funds vs. individual stocks: which one should get your long-term commitment?
The never-ending crypto debate (now with 12% more existential dread!)
How obsessing over your credit score may or may not ruin your weekend

If you’re figuring out how to balance today’s latte with tomorrow’s freedom—or you just want to feel smarter about money than your cousin Gary who “invests in vibes”—this one’s for you.

And remember, no matter how much you earn or save, the real ROI is tuning in with the Stackers each week.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/the-happiness-debate-1683/

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Is Any Expense Really "Worth It"? (with Leisa Peterson) SB1682 May 14, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like money is a never-ending game of not enough? Today, we're rewiring that thinking. Our special guest, Leisa Peterson—author of The Mindful Millionaire and now The Money Catalyst—joins us to talk about abundance, scarcity, and how to stop living life like you're budgeting for armageddon. (Hint: It's okay to order the nice wine now.)

Joe Saul-Sehy and OG also shine a light on the resurgence of alternative investments. Is it innovation... or just Wall Street’s way of sneaking in high fees through the back door? Plus, we roll into Doug’s trivia, a TikTok Minute that flips the script on a certain “draft pick,” and, of course, a few stories that prove—yet again—that golf is no game for the frugal.

“Am I YOLO-ing or just broke?” Why framing matters more than frugality
From scarcity to satisfaction: How one moment in Paris changed Leisa’s relationship with money
You call that a tip? The surprisingly deep conversation behind street musicians, champagne, and generosity
Alternative investments are back (again?) Why your advisor might pitch you on ditching the market... and why you should think twice
Personal growth through fiction: Leisa's surprising journey from nonfiction burnout to a book that might just fix your wallet and your heart
When the camel arrives with a skeleton on its back: Doug’s trivia gets weird (and somehow financial)
TikTok Minute: What happens when a 50-year-old thinks he just got drafted into the NFL
OG’s rule of thumb: Volatility isn’t the villain—it’s the entrance fee

🪄 PS: Boston-area Stackers! Joe’s coming your way May 20th. Get all the meetup deets at stackingbenjamins.com/meetup

🎧 Listen now and start living (and spending) like abundance is already yours.

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Learning to Think Like a Multi-Millionaire (with Sam Dogen) SB1681 May 12, 2025

Show notes

What do most millionaires have in common? No, it’s not a yacht named “Compound Interest.” It’s mindset. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off Mindset Week by welcoming Sam Dogen, the Financial Samurai himself, to help you start your journey toward a million-dollar net worth—one intentional step at a time.

Sam shares why building wealth is less about luck and more about grit, clear goals, and a killer savings rate. He explains why $250,000 is the magic milestone where compounding takes over, why your “why” is more important than your budget, and how a simple house-to-car ratio can reveal whether you’re cruising toward financial freedom or stuck in the valet lane.

You'll learn:

Why your first $250,000 is the hardest (and most critical)
How to find your “why” and let it drive your money decisions
Why some people crush millionaire goals while others stall out
The pros and cons of prioritizing student loan payoff
How real estate, entrepreneurship, and mindset play a role in long-term success

Plus, Doug delivers trivia about the world’s most millionaire-dense country (hint: it’s not the U.S.), and Joe announces a live event with Boldin’s Steve Chen to help you master retirement planning tools. All that and a wink toward OG’s dream car obsession (which definitely didn’t come from the after-show... wink wink).

💥 Want to level up your financial thinking? This episode is your launching pad.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-start-on-your-financial-journey-with-financial-samauri-sam-dogen-1681

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

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.