
The Stacking Benjamins Show
Named 2023 Best Personal Finance podcast by Bankrate.com, The Stacking Benjamins Show has 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.
Latest episodes

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 20min
Building a Billion Dollar Empire with Ryan Serhant (SB1624)
Ryan Serhant, a real estate mogul and star of "Million Dollar Listing New York," shares his journey from struggling actor to billion-dollar success. He emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills and how improv can enhance sales techniques. Listeners discover insights from his new Netflix show, alongside valuable tips on using reward points for 529 plans and balancing college savings with retirement. With lessons drawn from high performers like Tiger Woods, Ryan’s story is both inspiring and practical for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Dec 27, 2024 • 1h 23min
Paul Merriman Builds Your Million-Dollar Roadmap to Success (SB1623)
Join legendary financial educator Paul Merriman as he shares his wealth-building principles and expertise on diversification strategies. Discover how small, consistent actions can lead to significant financial success and why diversification is considered the only free lunch in investing. Paul discusses the ins and outs of non-traded REITs, the SEC's push for transparency, and the necessity of portfolio rebalancing. With a blend of actionable insights and lively banter, you're sure to gain valuable knowledge for your financial journey.

Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 19min
Zoe Chance Shows You How Influence Is Your Superpower (SB1622)
Zoe Chance, a Yale professor and author of "Influence Is Your Superpower," shares her expertise on the art of influence. She reveals techniques like the ‘Kindly Brontosaurus’ approach and discusses the importance of saying ‘no’ to foster clarity and boundaries. Zoe reflects on how childhood traits of negotiation can diminish with age, urging listeners to regain that empowering influence. The conversation also highlights key strategies for retirement planning amidst longer life expectancies, wrapping up with practical advice for managing Health Savings Accounts.

Dec 25, 2024 • 1h 17min
Beyond the Numbers: James Rhee's Recipe for Success through Kindness (SB1621)
James Rhee, a former venture capitalist and CEO, shares his inspiring philosophy centered around kindness and cultural understanding. He discusses the profound lessons learned from his immigrant parents and how empathy can revitalize a struggling business. Rhee also emphasizes the unexpected role of mathematics in achieving meaningful change. Additionally, he reflects on his multicultural upbringing and the importance of embracing diversity. Alongside this, the hosts address mortgage strategies and festive holiday traditions, blending financial advice with heartwarming stories.

Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 5min
Doug and the Three Ghosts: A Financial Holiday Tale (SB1620)
Doug is hilariously confronted by three ghosts who teach him vital financial lessons in a festive twist on a classic tale. The Ghost of Christmas Past humorously revisits Doug's money mistakes, while the Present emphasizes enjoying life without financial overindulgence. Looking to the Future, the discussion highlights the importance of setting goals and automating finances. Listeners are equipped with practical strategies to reflect, reassess, and balance finances with joy, ensuring a financially merry holiday season.

Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 18min
Balancing End of Year Cheer With Your Long Term Goals (SB1619)
The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for celebration, it can also throw a curveball at your health and financial goals. In this episode, we’re joined by Angelo Poli from MetPro, who shares his no-nonsense approach to managing holiday indulgences without sacrificing all the progress you’ve made. Think of it as building a resilient portfolio—you can enjoy the party but still limit the downside.From understanding your metabolism to navigating holiday feasts and weight loss medications like Ozempic, Angelo offers practical strategies to keep your health on track while enjoying the season. But we’re not stopping there. We also dive into estate planning essentials, including a cautionary tale about a video will gone wrong (yes, even your estate plan needs a solid foundation).And what’s a holiday episode without some laughs and trivia? We round out the show with listener questions, Nick from the North’s budget dilemma, and a fun discussion about flying around the world.What You’ll Learn Today:
Smart strategies for balancing holiday cheer with health goals, including tips for managing alcohol and indulgent foods.
How to leverage your metabolism for better weight management.
The truth about weight loss medications and their real-life impact.
Why estate planning matters more than ever in the digital age—and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Practical advice for navigating holiday spending without blowing your budget.
Episode Highlights:
Reflecting on how fast time flies and gearing up for the holidays.
Angelo Poli’s top tips for keeping holiday indulgences in check.
Breaking down myths about weight loss medications and the importance of behavior over quick fixes.
Estate planning essentials, including lessons from a case where a video will was invalidated.
Fun banter, trivia, and Nick from the North’s relatable holiday budget dilemma.
Why You Should Listen:This episode is a must for anyone juggling holiday festivities with long-term goals. Whether you’re strategizing for your health, wealth, or estate plan, you’ll find actionable advice wrapped in a festive package. Plus, it’s always good to know how to enjoy the season without feeling like you’ve set yourself back.Take control of your holiday season and start stacking those Benjamins—without sacrificing the things you enjoy most.FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/balancing-holiday-cheer-with-your-long-term-goals-1619Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 9min
Did 2024 Just Rewrite the Rules of Investing? (SB1618)
As 2024 winds down, we’re taking a look back at the year that was—its challenges, its surprises, and the financial lessons we’ve all had to learn (sometimes the hard way). Whether you’re strategizing for big goals in 2025, making sense of unpredictable markets, or just trying to stay one step ahead of inflation, this episode has you covered.We’ve assembled a powerhouse panel of financial thinkers—OG, Paula Pant, and Jesse Cramer—to break it all down. Together, they tackle everything from the unpredictable influence of AI on markets and investing to the surprising resilience of real estate in the face of rising interest rates. Plus, they explore the year’s most intriguing (and occasionally jaw-dropping) headlines, like the impact of significant economic shifts and even the infamous United Healthcare CEO murder.Why You’ll Want to Tune In:
Discover how 2024’s biggest events, including the AI revolution and shifting inflation trends, impact your wallet.
Learn why patience and adaptability are critical tools for navigating market volatility.
Get actionable strategies for tackling real-life financial challenges, like managing interest rates and planning for 2025.
Episode Highlights:
Reflecting on the big financial lessons of 2024: From AI in market behavior to Bitcoin’s latest chapter.
How the crypto craze evolved this year—and what it means for the future.
The ongoing unpredictability of investing and how to stay grounded.
Surprising lessons from corporate America’s headlines, including shocking events like the United Healthcare CEO murder.
Inflation, real estate, and housing market realities: What it all means for your plans in 2025.
How AI is reshaping everyday life, job markets, and even podcasting.
Our Panel’s Key Takeaways:OG shares portfolio management strategies to help you ride out market uncertainty.Paula Pant unpacks real estate trends and the importance of designing a life you love.Jesse Cramer dives into how behavioral finance plays into today’s fast-changing landscape.Looking Ahead:As we close out another exciting year of The Stacking Benjamins Show, we want to thank you, our loyal Stackers, for joining us on this journey. In 2025, we’re bringing even more fresh takes, insightful interviews, and, of course, the best money advice disguised as good conversation.What’s Coming in 2025:We’ll dive into the latest financial trends, explore groundbreaking stories, and keep helping you make smarter money moves while keeping it entertaining. Stick with us as we continue stacking those Benjamins—and maybe even have a little fun along the way.Thank you for being part of the Stacking Benjamins community. Here’s to another year of learning, laughing, and leveling up your financial life!FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/2024-year-end-review-1618Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 18, 2024 • 54min
Eight Strategies to Conquer Holiday Budget Overload (SB1617)
Feeling like your wallet’s taking a holiday beating? Don’t sweat it. We’ve got eight clever strategies to keep your spending in check and set yourself up for a financially stronger new year.But wait—there’s more! We uncover the mind-blowing story of a 29-year-old living large in a mansion filled with luxury cars and Elton John's piano. What's his secret? (Hint: It’s not what you’d expect.)And because we love answering Stackers' burning questions, we tackle a double feature:
Pensions: Are they still worth the hype?
Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement?
Sprinkle in some holiday stress hacks, thoughts on budget-friendly gift-giving, and why Tony the Tiger has something to do with the Grinch, and you've got a show packed with financial wisdom you can actually use.Episode Highlights
How the Grinch Really Stole Christmas
Welcome to the Stacking Benjamins Show
Is Your Holiday Budget Already on Thin Ice?
8 Strategies to Tame Holiday Expenses
A Mansion, Luxury Cars, and Elton John’s Piano?
Handling Holiday Stress Without Losing It
Travel Plans & Navigating Holiday Spending
How to Leverage Debt (the Smart Way)
Get Kids Involved in the Budget—Yes, It’s Possible
Starting a 529 Plan? Why Family Might Help
Gift Strategies That Won’t Break the Bank
Today’s Date in History: Because Why Not?
TikTok Minute: The Mansion Story That Broke the Internet
Listener Questions: Pensions vs. Mortgages
Corrections Dept: Football Teams Need a Map
Final Thoughts and Big Takeaways
Whether you're taming holiday expenses, dreaming of mansion living, or just trying to get through December with your finances intact, this episode's got something for you. Tune in, take notes, and finish the year strong.FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/sticking-to-your-financial-goals-during-holidays-1617/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 12min
Ever Wondered Why Success is Just Out of Reach? (SB1616)
Ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy when it comes to reaching a goal? Today, we sit down with Thais Gibson from the Personal Development School to explore how self-sabotage sneaks into our lives and—more importantly—how to kick it out for good. While you've maybe heard Thais on Mel Robbins or other shows, what you haven't heard is what we talk about today - how specifically she walks Joe through limiting beliefs and then outlines how it's done. Whether you've followed Thais' huge social media presence consistently or it's your first time with her, we know this will help you kick self-sabotage to the curb and get to work. From aligning your conscious and subconscious goals to overcoming limiting beliefs, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you get out of your own way.But that’s not all. We also dive into a financial hot topic: influencer-backed crypto scams. Learn how a viral coin duped investors last week and why speculation isn’t the same as smart investing.Of course, it wouldn’t be a Stacking Benjamins episode without some holiday flair. Joe, OG, and Doug share festive mall memories, debate the best holiday tunes, and throw in some trivia to keep things lively.Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Practical tips to recognize and overcome self-sabotage.
Eye-opening lessons on speculative investments and influencer-driven hype.
A nostalgic take on holiday mall culture. Remember that?
Episode Highlights:
Kicking off with holiday concerns and a satirical take on seasonal trends.
Festive mall memories: shopping chaos, holiday tunes, and the art of people-watching.
Thais Gibson’s insights on aligning conscious and subconscious goals to beat self-sabotage.
Turning resistance into opportunities and tackling the emotional costs of inaction.
Practical steps to rewire limiting beliefs and visualize success.
Lessons from a viral influencer’s crypto scam and the dangers of speculative investing.
Speculation vs. investing: Why it matters and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Holiday trivia fun and laughs with the Basement crew.
What You’ll Take Away:Whether you’re looking to improve your mindset, steer clear of financial pitfalls, or just enjoy some holiday tunes, this episode offers a little something for everyone. Walk away with tools to set yourself up for success—mentally, financially, and maybe even musically (if Doug’s favorite holiday tune is your jam).Keep the Conversation Going:Have a story of self-sabotage you’ve overcome or a holiday memory to share? Join us in the Basement Facebook group to swap tips, laughs, and maybe a little holiday cheer.FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/stop-self-sabotaging-thais-gibson-1616Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 8min
What Truly Makes a Life Worth Living? SB1615
If your bank account is thriving, but your soul feels bankrupt, are you really living your best life?Today we dive into the deep end of personal finance, tackling life's biggest questions. The discussion starts with festive neighborly rivalries (think over-the-top decorations and holiday antics) but transitions pretty quickly into an emotional exploration inspired by a powerful piece written by Jonathan Clements for his Humble Dollar blog. Reflecting on his cancer diagnosis and thoughts on mortality, Clements’ writing serves as a springboard for a candid roundtable chat about regrets, risk, and how to make the most of our limited time.With additional insights from Paula Pant and Doc G, this episode is all about helping you live purposefully while keeping your financial house in order.Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Explore how to balance financial strategies with meaningful life choices.
Gain perspective on managing regrets and making peace with life’s uncertainties.
Discover why generosity and appreciating the little things are the ultimate forms of wealth.
Episode Highlights:
Holiday hilarity: Over-the-top decorations, fish sticks, and birthday antics.
Jonathan Clements’ reflections on mortality and embracing the present moment.
Paula Pant and Doc G’s insights on purposeful living and financial balance.
Strategies for managing risk, reward, and estate planning challenges.
The transformative power of generosity and savoring simple joys.
Trivia Fun:It’s the final trivia showdown of the year! Can OG claim victory, or will this be another epic trivia blunder? Tune in for the the guesses, and a few surprising facts.Takeaways to Ponder:Jonathan Clements’ reflections remind us that while building wealth is essential, so is living a life filled with purpose, generosity, and connection.Resources Mentioned:
Jonathan Clements’ Humble Dollar Blog Post: The C Word
Stacking Benjamins Book Club is Open!
Join the Basement Facebook Group
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:What’s your secret to balancing finances with a life well-lived? Share your thoughts with us in the Basement Facebook group, or tag us on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.