A Sandwich Guide to Navigating Inflation (plus how to plug 401k "leakage") SB1717

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Aug 4, 2025

Len Penzo, an award-winning personal finance expert, joins the hosts to explore the quirky intersection of inflation and sandwiches through his Annual Sandwich Survey. They discuss surprising shifts in sandwich prices and how to keep enjoying affordable lunches despite rising costs. The conversation then shifts to troubling trends in 401(k) hardship withdrawals, offering valuable insights on how to secure retirement savings. Plus, Stacker community member Christine shares essential tips for reducing college expenses—definitely worth a listen!

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INSIGHT

Sandwich Survey Reveals Inflation

Len Penzo's annual sandwich survey shows grocery inflation vividly through sandwich ingredient cost changes.
Ingredients like lettuce and bacon fluctuate sharply, offering a real-time inflation snapshot.

INSIGHT

Grocery Price Volatility

Grocery price changes show extreme volatility with some ingredients up sharply and others down.
Lettuce shot up 40%, while tomatoes decreased 25%, canceling some price impacts on sandwiches.

INSIGHT

Cheaper Sandwiches Get Cheaper

Cheaper sandwiches like PB&J are becoming even cheaper while some pricier sandwiches increase in cost.
PB&J recently overtook bologna as the cheapest sandwich, reflecting changing cost dynamics.

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Is your grocery bill beefier than your sandwich? This week, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug unpack inflation in a way that only we can—by biting into Len Penzo’s Annual Sandwich Survey. Yes, prices are up, and yes, you can still eat well without triggering a credit card crisis.

But it’s not just meat and mustard on today’s menu.

We’re also serving a fresh look at 401(k) “leakage”—that drip-drip-drip of hardship withdrawals that's turning your retirement plan into a leaky faucet. You’ll get pro-level insight on how to patch those holes before your future income soaks the floor.

And if you’re paying for (or dreading paying for) college, Christine from the Stacker community, who works in higher ed, joins to offer sharp and timely advice on keeping costs in check—from completing the FAFSA to finding overlooked aid.

Len Penzo’s Sandwich Index
Which sandwiches give you the most delicious bang for your inflation-adjusted buck? (Spoiler: bologna stages a quiet comeback.)
401(k) Trouble Brewing
Hardship withdrawals are on the rise. Why it matters, how to avoid them, and what better options exist when life throws you a cash crisis.
Tracking Expenses Like a Pro
Joe, OG, and Doug explore the subtle ways inflation seeps into your budget—and how paying attention to where your money leaks gives you power back.
Higher Ed, Lower Bills
Stacker Christine breaks down must-know tips on navigating skyrocketing tuition, including a FAFSA pep talk that could save you thousands.
Tuna vs. Roast Beef: The Sandwich Showdown
Plus: Is the BLT still king? Can the humble tuna salad hold its ground against the mighty Big Mac? And where does salami fit into the sandwich power rankings?
Trivia, Movie Talk, and Park City Tales
No Stacking Benjamins episode is complete without a detour or three—from Doug’s trivia trap to stories from the road and screen.

Takeaway for Stackers:
In high-cost times, it’s the small wins—like swapping in store brands, packing a lunch, or tracking that budget leak—that give you the edge. And while it’s tempting to ignore those tiny cracks in your retirement plan or daily spending, you’re much better off fixing them before the flood.

Want to brag about your favorite money-saving sandwich? Drop into the Basement Facebook group and share it—bonus points if it doesn’t involve bologna.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/len-penzo-2025-annual-sandwich-survey-1717

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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