The Stacking Benjamins Show

If you love someone’s chocolate cake, you’d ask them for their recipe without question. It’s not stealing, it’s taking something and making it your own. If you ask the author of Steal Like An Artist (which is celebrating its 10th anniversary!), he’d say we don’t take inspiration from others enough. Austin Kleon wrote the book 10 years ago that still rings true today about creativity. He says that taking inspiration from others and “stealing” ideas to create something yourself that is different is a true show of love and respect. He’s here today to talk about how to be more creative in your life and how to find inspiration.During our headline segment, we’re talking about crypto and the stock market. Are they becoming more aligned? We’ll dive in and share the specifics on the returns for each. Then we’ll Magnify Matt’s money and talk about grocery store and gas rewards programs. Do you share a grocery reward number with others? Matt does and he asked our Facebook group, the Basement, for their thoughts. We’ll share some of those answers. And don’t worry, we didn’t forget about Doug. He’ll share his amazing trivia in the middle of the show.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why are so many relationships (especially marriages) broken easily? Nate and Kaley Klemp know from personal experience how hard it can be to stay on the same page when fairness becomes the center of an argument. Instead of a 50/50 split, they believe you should focus on 80/80. What does that mean? We'll share today! If the heart of your money gathering is truly about fostering better relationships, you're going to love our discussion on how to give more to experience more happiness.During our headline segment, we take a look at I bonds. Recent interest rate gains make this investment look like a slam-dunk investment, but is it? We'll share. We'll also talk about the relationship between risk and return when it comes to various investment types, AND answer Alex's question about positions within mutual funds. Of course, Doug will save time to enlighten us with his trivia.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've all made mistakes with our money. Whether it's not budgeting for a large expense or something larger like pulling money from a retirement account early, mistakes happen. Our roundtable discussion today centers around financial no-no's and how to reframe your thinking around some of these. Naseema McElroy, Paula Pant, and Len Penzo join our roundtable today to talk about their financial no-no's. They discuss everything from the illusion of frugality to budgeting tips today to help you avoid common mistakes. And of course, Doug will share his trivia with the group for our year-long trivia challenge.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you need life insurance? Not everyone does and before you start deciding what type of policy you need, there's a whole list of questions you should ask yourself. Joe and OG are taking center stage today and sharing their top five considerations before buying life insurance. Starting the conversation around risk management and planning, not the product, will lead you to the best solution for you and they tell you how.During our headline segment, we're talking about advisor fees. With multiple fee models out there, is one better than another? The guys share their thoughts on why each model works and why there might not be a right or wrong way to do it. We'll also answer Jen's question about paying off her mortgage early. Doug will also share his super exciting insurance trivia.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are your investment aligned with your values? Did you know that you can screen for (or against) certain industries or sectors within funds? The terms ESG (environmental, social, governance), SRI (socially responsible investing), and impact investing encompass this thought process. Larry Swedroe joins us to explain this type of investing, its growing popularity, and how you can invest in a way that aligns with your values too. He also dives into why the performance for this type of fund differs from other indexes.During our headline segment, we take a look at the impact of increasing gas prices. Your wallet might feel a little slim after filling up at the pump and delivery drivers are feeling the heat too. We talk about what this might mean going forward and how you can save money at the pump. We'll also throw out the Haven Life line to Amanda who has a question about Roth IRA contributions. We'll also leave time for Doug's most amazing trivia.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's your calling in life? The answer to that question comes instantly for some, and for others, there's nothing but cricket sounds. Today our roundtable guests are talking about finding your calling and why it's ok if you haven't found yours. We have our regulars, Paula, Len, and OG, on our roundtable today so you know they'll fill you in with good advice and tips. And, of course, we left time for Doug's most amazing trivia question ever.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why did Ben Franklin change his will two months before he died? Instead of leaving money to his family, he made a big bet on two cities that meant a lot to him, Boston and Philadelphia. Michael Meyer wrote a fascinating book about Ben Franklin's life -- and death -- and he joins us today to share part of the story. Ben Franklin had specific wishes for his gifts and Michael explains how the two cities handled it differently.In our headline segment, we're talking about mortgage rates. What do rising rates mean for your budget and how worried should you be? We'll give you all the details. We're also answering Steven's question about moving to a higher cost of living to save more. And we'll leave room for Doug's amazing trivia.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's the key to success with investing? This game is actually far easier than many think it is. Nick Maggiulli is known as the Dollars and Data guy on Twitter, but today he talks about how more data actually nearly sank him as a new investor. It turns out that over-optimization might hurt you in the long run. He shares the top 3 reasons why you should invest and even gives ideas on how to increase your income so you can save more.During our headline segment, we're talking about the important f word...fiduciary. What is it and why is it important? And why is Robinhood in hot water because of it? We'll explain it all. We'll also help answer Chris' question about sharing bank accounts with your spouse. And Doug will share his trivia.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How often do you think to yourself there just aren't enough hours in the day? Between busy work schedules, duties at home and a social life, life can be pretty freaking busy. There's no surprise then, that relaxation is important to regroup and recharge. Today's roundtable will help you with new ideas to relax and offer their thoughts on why it's so important to your life and finances. Our roundtable guests are Andy Hill from Marriage Kids and Money, Len Penzo from lenpenzo.com, and our very own OG. Even better, the piece they discuss today is from Len Penzo's blog. We didn't tell him it was his own piece and you'll get a kick out of his reaction when he figured it out.To round out the show, Doug will share his trivia.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How happy are you, truly, with your job and life? Many people go through the motions in a job they don't like, never taking the leap to do something they actually enjoy. The average life expectancy is 79 years. How many of those years are you willing to waste doing something you don't love? Jason Tartick is well known for being on The Bachelorette but his story is much deeper than what we saw on TV. He was secretly having panic attacks at work and was stressed beyond belief. Instead of digging deep to find the reason why, he initially tried to mask and ignore the emotions. He's here today to share his story and how he ultimately restarted his life and career to do what he loves.During our headline segment, Rita Assaf from Fidelity Investments is here to share the results of Fidelity's State of Retirement Planning survey. She shares the biggest concerns on investor's minds and the impacts the pandemic has had on our financial confidence. We'll also answer Kevin's question about an excess Roth IRA contribution. And, of course, Doug will share his trivia.Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices