The Stacking Benjamins Show

Join guest co-host Len Penzo and expert Bryan Suddith as they dive into smart saving strategies, revealing how Suddith gamified his grocery budget to save thousands. Discover freezer hacks, tips for sourcing local meats, and the surprising benefits of mindful meal planning. They also tackle the growing trend of high school students opting for vocational training over traditional degrees, and why these paths can lead to impressive salaries right out of school. Get ready for savings advice that’s as delicious as it is practical!

Join Bonnie Hammer, former Vice Chair of NBCUniversal and the 'Queen of Cable,' as she challenges the lies women face in the workplace and shares the behind-the-scenes stories of hits like 'Suits.' Dr. Erika Rasure, a financial wellness expert, discusses why many Americans struggle with money confidence and offers strategies to overcome emotional barriers. Together, they explore practical tips for reclaiming financial control and empowering women's voices in the workplace. Get ready for insightful discussions that tackle both career and financial hurdles!

Join Crystal Hammond, co-host of the Stacking Adventures podcast, and Jesse Cramer, host of Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors, as they share their best budget-friendly travel tips and hilarious personal stories. Discover how to maximize credit card points, choose the right travel companion, and navigate airports like a pro. With practical advice and entertaining anecdotes, they reveal the balance between dream destinations and budget constraints, helping you prepare for your summer adventures without the guilt.

JL Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth, shares his insights on simplifying investing and achieving financial independence. He humorously connects the dots between frosting and finance, emphasizing low-cost index investing as a stress-free path to wealth. Topics include the sneaky impact of debt, portfolio allocation, and the essence of 'FU money' as true freedom. The conversation also explores diversified asset classes and strategies for recent graduates, making financial literacy accessible and enjoyable, all with a sprinkle of humor.

Robert Niles, the mastermind behind Theme Park Insider, shares how to make the most out of your theme park outings. He reveals surprising tips for saving money, discusses the excitement of new attractions like a Disney park in Abu Dhabi, and highlights underrated parks such as Dollywood. The conversation also dives into how market 'memory' can impact your investment decisions, offering a fun mix of thrills and financial wisdom. Get ready for a perfect blend of roller coasters and smart money strategies!

Jesse Cramer, a savvy financial analyst, and Paula Pant, the founder of Afford Anything and real estate expert, join the roundtable for a lively debate on the true drivers of happiness in relation to finance. They tackle whether earning more or saving diligently impacts joy more significantly. The discussion is peppered with humorous 'either-or' dilemmas about credit cards versus cash and the merits of investing versus hoarding. Listeners are treated to personal stories, playful banter, and insights that challenge conventional financial wisdom.

Leisa Peterson, author of The Mindful Millionaire and The Money Catalyst, dives deep into shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. She shares a transformative moment in Paris that changed her relationship with money and emphasizes valuing experiences over material possessions. Alongside discussions about alternative investments and the quirks of generosity, Leisa encourages listeners to rethink expenses and prioritize fulfillment. Get ready for laughs as personal anecdotes illuminate the journey to financial and personal growth!

Sam Dogen, the Financial Samurai and author of 'Millionaire Milestones', shares his insights on building financial wealth through grit and clear goals. He explains why the first $250,000 is crucial for compounding success and emphasizes that knowing your 'why' is more important than budgeting. Sam also discusses the house-to-car ratio as a key indicator of financial health. Listeners learn about the impact of location on career growth, real estate investments, and the mindset necessary for financial freedom, all delivered with engaging anecdotes and humor.

Join Janice Torres, a finance expert and founder of the Financial Freedom Summit, alongside personal finance guru Len Penzo, as they tackle the challenges of food budgeting. They share practical meal planning tips to reduce waste, discuss the pros and cons of buying in bulk, and reveal which grocery apps can save you money. Enjoy their humorous anecdotes about grocery shopping and unexpected splurges, plus insights on how cutting back on meat can be budget-friendly. A delightful mix of useful hacks and laughs awaits!

Your burning questions fuel this episode! Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and special guest Christine Benz of Morningstar unpack some of the biggest questions facing investors today—especially those just starting out. We kick things off by diving deep into target date funds. They promise simplicity—but do they deliver long-term results? We explore when they work, when they don’t, and what you should consider if they’re part of your portfolio. Then Christine shares a graduation-season masterclass in financial advice: How to begin investing, even when you feel behind Why lifestyle creep is the silent killer of wealth The importance of building habits now that will serve you for decades Resources and reading recs that can actually move the needle for new grads (and not-so-new grads) We also answer listener questions on: Whether refinancing your mortgage is still a smart move How global shifts in labor and supply chains may impact your finances And why it’s time to give your favorite retirement calculator a second look And somewhere in all this… someone may or may not reveal a dream dinner scenario that involves a pair of country music legends. But, you know, that part probably didn’t happen. Probably. Whether you're just graduating, recalibrating, or rethinking your strategy entirely, this episode is your invitation to stack smarter—and have a little fun while you do it. 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