The Stacking Benjamins Show
StackingBenjamins.com | Cumulus Podcast Network
Named the Best Personal Finance Podcast by Bankrate.com and Kiplinger, The Stacking Benjamins Show features a light and friendly tone. Hosts Joe Saul-Sehy and OG aim to make financial literacy fun for all as they sit around the card table in Joe's Mom's half-finished basement and talk with experts about personal finance, saving, investing, and important money trends. As Fast Company once wrote, the Stacking Benjamins podcast "strikes a great balance of fun and functional." So join Joe and OG every Monday, Wednesday and Friday as they read your letters, discuss major headlines, and throw in some trivia and laughs for free.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 32min
The Holiday Kickoff Special: 2025 Lessons, Risky Bets, and an Alaska Surprise (SB1777)
Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix, co-hosts of the How to Money podcast, share valuable insights on personal finance from 2025. They discuss the impactful role of AI in our financial decisions and the blurring line between investing and gambling in rising prediction markets. The duo highlights essential lessons like the need for emergency funds amid economic uncertainty and a reconsideration of renting versus homeownership. Plus, they tackle the festive challenges of budgeting for the holidays with real-world advice.
27 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 8min
What 2025 Taught Us About Money (And What Actually Matters for 2026) SB1776
Join Paula Pant, a personal finance expert and host of the Afford Anything podcast, along with Jesse Kramer, host of Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors, as they reflect on the financial lessons from 2025. They tackle the impacts of AI on jobs and skill diversification while emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning amidst market noise. The discussion includes the volatility of crypto, the significance of emergency funds, and personal insights that highlight the balance between financial goals and family priorities.
13 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
How to Give Back Without Being Rich + Building a Smarter Retirement Plan (SB1775)
Join John Studzinski, managing director at PIMCO and founder of the Genesis Foundation, as he redefines generosity beyond financial contributions. He emphasizes that everyone has talents to give, urging listeners to identify their skills for impactful philanthropy. The conversation shifts to retirement planning, highlighting the importance of behavior in financial stability. John and the hosts explore how emotional responses can affect investment strategies and advocate for practical planning to ensure a comfortable retirement.
11 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Fire Safety Steps You're Skipping (Plus: What the World Worries About in Retirement) SB1774
Fire safety expert Steve Kerber, VP at UL's Fire Safety Research Institute, shares essential tips for preventing home fires. He emphasizes the importance of upgrading smoke alarms, understanding lithium-ion battery risks, and practicing escape plans. The conversation extends to financial implications of house fires and highlights safety measures you can start today. Shifting focus, T. Rowe Price's global retirement survey reveals key concerns like inflation and expectations, offering insights into savers' anxieties worldwide. A lively mix of safety and financial wisdom!
11 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
Does More Money Actually Make Life Easier? (Spoiler: Not Really) SB1773
Join Jesse Cramer, host of Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors, alongside Joe Saul-Sehy and Paula Pant as they explore the paradox of increased income leading to more chaos. They discuss early financial mistakes and how higher pay doesn't equate to better money management skills. The crew dives into decision fatigue and lifestyle creep, revealing how wealth complicates choices rather than simplifying them. Plus, they share tips on building budgeting habits, finding confidence, and spending wisely for true freedom.
10 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
Magic and Logic: How Lew Frankfort Built Coach (Plus: Don't Make This Retirement Mistake (SB1772)
Lou Frankfort, former CEO of Coach and author of 'Bag Man,' shares his journey from city hall to transforming Coach into a global brand. He introduces his 'magic and logic' leadership framework, emphasizing curiosity over confidence in decision-making. Lou discusses the importance of preparation, customer empathy, and designing a memorable retail experience. He also offers insights on retirement planning and avoiding overspending in that pivotal first year. His experiences highlight the balance of intuition and data-driven strategies in achieving meaningful success.
20 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 10min
How to Actually Enjoy Holiday Small Talk (And Give Better Gifts for Less) SB1771
Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Power of Habit, shares engaging strategies to transform painful holiday small talk into enjoyable conversations. He emphasizes the power of asking deeper questions and truly listening to foster genuine connections, especially for introverts. The discussion also dives into the benefits of secondhand gifting, highlighting how thoughtful thrifts can save money and be more meaningful. From mastering brief interactions to smart gifting tips, this conversation is a holiday survival guide for everyone.
12 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 3min
How to Save Money Without Making Your Life Miserable (SB1770)
Paula Pant, founder of Afford Anything, Jesse Cramer from Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors, and Andy Hill of Marriage, Kids & Money tackle the art of frugality without the misery. They explore the difference between mindful frugality and joyless penny-pinching, sharing practical tips like 'shopping your fridge' and engaging in frugal sprints. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of aligning spending with values, involving kids in financial lessons, and emphasizing that smart money management isn't about deprivation; it’s about enjoying what truly matters.
22 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 58min
Morgan Housel: Why You Spend Money (And How to Do It Better) SB1769
Morgan Housel, bestselling author and expert on the psychology of money, dives into why we spend the way we do. He shares insights from his valet job, revealing how witnessing luxury spending impacts happiness. Housel emphasizes that true financial independence is about aligning spending with values, not just accumulating wealth. He discusses the importance of contentment over material possessions and explores the unique insights comedians have on money. This engaging conversation challenges common beliefs about money and spending while offering practical wisdom for a fulfilling life.
10 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Tax Basics You Should've Learned Years Ago (But Nobody Taught You) SB1768
Hannah Cole, a tax professional and author of *Taxes for Humans*, shares her journey from artist to tax expert. She simplifies the tax code for freelancers and small business owners, explaining deductions versus credits, the essentials of bookkeeping, and when to pay estimated taxes. Hannah emphasizes the importance of tracking startup costs and maintaining organized records. The hosts also engage in a lively debate about the AI market hype, urging caution for investors as the financial landscape shifts. Plus, a fun trivia tidbit about Richard Pryor!
